Sometimes I feel like I'm not really here....?

[Halifaxmum]

I got this feeling the other day at work, it's weird and I can only explain it that I feel like I'm not in the room and situation I am in. I see my arms doing what they're doing and I hear my voice, but it doesn't feel like me.

I've had this since I was a kid (probably 9 or 10 yrs on) and I try not to let it get me worried now that I'm older, but I got it again the other day and it just feels weird - my body goes kind of numb and my hearing goes dull as well. I get it sometimes several times a day for a few minutes to hours, sometimes every day, other times not for weeks or months.

Bit of a strange one, but just wondered if anyone knows anything? TIA x

[emmie]

possibly disassociation, not sure that is exactly right, maybe medicos on here can say, i got it in early teens, and didn't know what the hell was going on, a time of turbulence, hormones and endless angst at that age, it didn't wear off for a while. If you are concerned perhaps see a doc, rule out any physical problems, low blood pressure, or something that could cause it. I just limped along with it im afraid, not understanding, but did when it was explained by a counsellor.

[emmie]

just so you understand what i was getting at

Dissociation is a partial or complete disruption of the normal integration of a person’s conscious or psychological functioning.[1][vague] Dissociation can be a response to trauma or drugs and perhaps allows the mind to distance itself from experiences that are too much for the psyche to process at that time.[2] Dissociative disruptions can affect any aspect of a person’s functioning.[3][4][5][6] Although some dissociative disruptions involve amnesia, some dissociative events do not.[7] Since dissociations are normally unanticipated, they are typically experienced as startling, autonomous intrusions into the person's usual ways of responding or functioning. Due to their unexpected and largely inexplicable nature, they tend to be quite unsettling.
Different dissociative disorders have different relationships to stress and trauma.[8] Dissociative amnesia and fugue states are often triggered by life stresses that fall far short of trauma.[9][10] Depersonalization disorder is sometimes triggered by trauma

[Halifaxmum]

Thanks em - I might mention it next time I go to the docs. I had my BP done a few weeks ago and it was high, so I'm supposed to go back for another reading.

It kind of feels like I'm watching a film on TV, but it's in 3d with surround sound and vision!

[Marijn]

That feeling has happened to me in moments of extreme stress, which I think is quite common, but don't know what it means when it happens in ordinary everyday life. I'll be interested to see what replies you get, sorry I don't know the answer myself.

[emmie]

do tell the doc, see if there any underlying cause, mine was trauma, littered with teenage problems, still get it occasionally, good luck

[woofgang]

I get that as well....never thought anything of it.....yes, usually when stressed

[Old_Geezer]

Sounds familiar. Doesn't happen to me that often but I recognise the description. Interesting you get it so regularly though. I just assumed everyone experienced it at some time, but were too embarrassed to ask about it.

[rowanwitch]

do you feel tired after it happens or has anyone commented on you being drowsy

[Halifaxmum]

Thanks for the replies all - nice to know I'm not alone :)

[Halifaxmum]

I don't feel any more tired than normal afterwards.

I do feel tired just about all the time anyway, even thought I usually sleep well and for a long time - I have anaemia and pernicious anaemia, as well as menorrhagia, so just put it down to that.

[leanne_1987]

i get feeling like this too, weird! i didnt think anything of it until you mentioned it, tbh i quite like it lol feel really relaxed afterwards

[islasmum]

I've had that experience once in my life, when I was in my teens, and at home, in bed, with a temperature of 103F and flu - the doctor gave me some pills, and one night I woke up and could see my body in bed, below me. It didn't last very long, but it was a strange feeling. I've never had that again, but quite recently I haven't been very well, very tired and run-down, and very stressed, and have suffered odd moments of discombobulation (I don't know if that is a real word, but I imagine most people will get the gist of it.) so I can't really help, I'm afraid, Halifaxmum, but I do hope that it sorts itself out very soon. Are you on any medication?

[Marijn]

Halifaxmum, what medication do you take for the anaemia and menorrhagia?

[boxtops]

I've had it in my youth, it was stress-related you certainly feel sort of abstract. It is worth telling the doc - if others think you are vague at those times, it just could be mild epilepsy - petit mal - which needs attention. Go see the doc, just to set your mind at rest.

[lcg]

agree with boxtops - could be absence seizures. at least get checked for that and make sure you impress the impact on your life it has to your gp. good luck x

[Halifaxmum]

Thanks all :)

notafish I take iron tabs for anaemia but nowt for menorrhagia as none of the usual stuff works

boxy and lcg - thanks x

[crisgal]

my nephew had similar episodes, it turned out to be mild absences - petit mal. See a doctor for reassurance ♥

[Robinia]

I have this from time to time, in fact I've been in and out of it for the past couple of days and I hate it. Over the years I've realised it comes from tiredness, worry, depression and possibly hormonal.
Now I deal with it by distracting myself, being out in my garden often helps...just as long as it's not rain & tearing gales :o) The worst thing to do is dwell on it.
If it ever gets you down there's a good reply here..
http://www.nomorepani...showthread.php?t=9396

[warning]

just a warning on the no more panic site given below..a lot of people leave worse than they joined. or leave to avoid getting worse. the admin aren't there to improve things for others..they often drag members down. there might be some good info. but if some of the replies you get from admin dont seem that helpful (not to mention the useful replies you dont get from good members who already left) ..its not just you who thought that