I’m excited to have another article published on the NAMI Blog!
It’s about something I never thought I’d ever talk or write about. For me, it was the scariest part of panic disorder.
Derealization and depersonalization.
The best way I can describe it: an out of body experience. My body would feel numb and I’d feel disconnected and disoriented from the world around me. I’d look into a mirror and wonder if it was really me staring back. It was like living in a fog or dream, where things don’t seem real.
I used to worry that if I told anyone, he or she would think I was “crazy.” It wasn’t until years after I recovered from panic disorder, that I found out these symptoms can be part of the illness.
For more on my experience, please click here to read my post on the NAMI Blog.
First image courtesy of here
Second image courtesy of here
Congratulations on the published article. I read it, and you explain the feelings extremely well. I’ve been through them all, myself. Thank you for bringing a light to this subject. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for reading and your nice comment. Your kind words mean a lot💖 Take care!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I just read your post over on NAMI, congratulations on a well written post. I think it’s so good that you’re able to speak out and give a voice to conditions that possibly many people are suffering from. I’ve suffered my share of panic attacks so I can relate to much of this. Thanks Jenny. xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Miriam, thank you for reading, I truly appreciate it! And for your kind words, they mean so much to me❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re very welcome Jenny ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congrats once again Jenny! Thank you for sharing your story. I’m glad you and your daughter are doing well. When I’m not well I get this weird feeling in my brain and I can’t explain it so I always say, “My head doesn’t feel right.” Sometimes when I’m manic it will hit and I recognize it immediately and stop what I’m doing. It’s like my brain is shutting down and I have to either adjust meds or increase therapy or it will go away sometimes on its own, especially if I make my world small with no stimulation. You are really helping people by sharing your story!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Traci! It’s great to hear from you, hope you’re doing well! You describe what you feel so well, and I think the good part is that you’re totally aware of what is happening, and when it’s happening, and that you know what the best way is for you to handle it and get through it. Thanks for reading and your kind words!❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for that Jenny! XO
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello, just wished to thank you for your article that appeared on Nami.org. Your description of a Panic Attack is spot on. I had just started to search for a description for a new Mental Health Practioner, as my old one retired after 15 years. I just need to show someone your description, as I could not say it any better.
Over the years I have had some intense panic attacks and you describe what I experienced to a “T”. The solutions were doing breathing exercises, get fresh air and notice the environment around me to name a few. The last major one I can recall was before 2006?
Can’t recall the exact year but my most intense panic attack started in early February and did not really pass until May one year back in the mid to late ’80s. I was building my 2nd Wholesale Nursery and had just gone to Part-time at my W-2 job as something had to give. I had an excellent PCP and was seeing a Counselor. In my W-2 job, I worked on the billable hour as an Insurance Investigator. I spent 60 to 70% of my time in the field. You could say I was almost self-employed there too. Stress came from dealing with my own Depression and my wife was very ill with an undiagnosed condition. Yet she was successfully self-employed.
Thankfully it is all mostly behind me. In the end, I actually made more money working Part-Time. I already was efficient and organized, but I took it to another level.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your kind comment, it means a lot! I’m glad you found my article on NAMI and also here. And I’m very glad you can relate to my description of a panic attack. But I’m sorry to hear that you’ve struggled with panic attacks. I know how hard it is. That’s great you’ve been doing much better and that the last major one was before 2006. I haven’t had a major one in many years either, but if I stop to think about how it feels, those frightening sensations are crystal clear. Thank you again for reaching out to me, I truly appreciate that. Take care, Jenny
LikeLike