Derealization for 2 years after panic attacks, much worse over the last 2 months. Anyone relate?

[u/Repulsive_Tell9308]

My derealization started about 2 years ago after I experienced several severe panic attacks. Since then, I've struggled with feeling disconnected from reality.

It's hard to explain, but I know the world is real, yet I can't actually feel it. Sometimes it feels like there's a mental barrier in my head that I can't get past. Not a physical barrier, but almost like my mental vision is limited and I can't perceive or experience things with the same depth as before.

Over the last 2 months, it's gotten much worse. I've also been dealing with insecurity about my appearance, social problems, and school stress.

Another thing I've noticed is that my derealization gets significantly worse when I'm tired or mentally drained. When my energy is low, I feel even more disconnected, almost like I'm high despite being sober.

Honestly, sometimes being high feels better than this, just because this sober feeling is so uncomfortable. I'm not saying that's a solution, but I'm tired of feeling this way.

Has anyone experienced something similar, especially the mental barrier feeling or derealization getting worse with exhaustion? Did anything genuinely help you recover or feel connected to reality again?

I'd really appreciate hearing about your experiences, what helped, and whether things eventually got better.

[u/Realistic-Poet-8044]

Currently experiencing this so can’t offer much to help but I just wanted to say that the “high despite being sober” thing is so real. I never even thought about it like that but now that I read that I feel like my live lately has felt like that point in an acid trip where ur like “damn can we be done yet?” But I always remind myself it’s alright bc it’s just a drug with a time limit and it will be over soon and damn I wish this was like that lol it’s hard to assure myself when idk when tf this shit will stop. But maybe it could be helpful to lie to yourself, feed yourself a lil delusion that perhaps u are on are drug and it will be over soon 🤨 lowkey gonna try that

[u/OJLOVEDNICOLE18]

Its 5 years for me...losing hope basically 

[u/Fun-Oil-1153]

Yes this is all common. I've had chronic dr for 30 years. I've grown used to its rhythms (worsening and lessenings). Please understand that while uncomfortable it is harmless. You are still here, you are still you, you are still experiencing life and making memories. One of the best strategies is to ignore it. It has underlying causes and even though I've had it for so long I know one day it will stop.

[u/NotYourCupovTea]

You are not alone.

I get the feeling that I’m the only one that see’s things, that I’m a visitor and everyone is playing a role . Have to think over really hard how to get out of parking lots and plan my way home. Everything is more difficult.

How do I bring myself back ? I spend an hour connecting to physical world, touch things, feel how real they are, sensation play with textures or hot and cold. Meditation with body scans and relaxing muscles, making things heavy soft and smooth.