Friday, May 08, 2009 Maudejolie asks

Q: Is depersonalization/derealization "normal" in (PTSD) ?

Hi, im a 25years old woman and i got out of a 5years abusive relationship. It has been a year now and recently about 4months ago i suddently started to fall appart. Iv always had anxiety but this was beyond anything. I became suicidal, felt like i was always on the verge of loosing my mind, nightmares and worst of all...i get episodes of Depersonalization and derealization. I am seeing a therapist and psychiatrist. I take 10mg of celexa and some klonopin but things arnt working very well...I'm about to go back to prozac as it was helping me before they decided to switch me to something else. I'm just wondering, is it common to experience depersonalization and derealization after suffering through abuse? I get very detached...feel very numb...i just have this feeling of being like a robot...feeling really weird, which usually plunge me into a panic attack and makes me feel like im going insane.

Plz help

ty.

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Answers (2)

Eileen Bailey, Health Guide

5/11/09 9:30pm

Thank you for your question and welcome to AnxietyConnection.com.

First, congratulations on getting out of an abusive relationship. I know first hand how very difficult that is and applaud you on leaving and staying away. It will get easier with time. Keep working with a therapist to help through the difficult times as well as the panic attacks you are experiencing.

As far as depersonalization, this can be a symptom of PTSD. Each person may experience symptoms differently or may have different symptoms, so there is no standard or exact description of how you should be feeling.

Good luck and keep us posted on how you are doing.

Eileen

Jerry Kennard, Health Pro

5/12/09 2:20pm

Hi Maudejolie,

There are a number of reasons why you may be feeling the way you are. I note that you attribute your feelings to your years in an abusive relationship and whilst this may be the case, it may not necessarily be the cause. Certainly an abusive relationship will not have helped, but I wonder how far back your symptoms actually go?

I see you are seeing both a psychiatrist and a 'therapist'. Are the two working with each other? My radar always switches on when I see the term therapist as it can mean so many different things. Sometimes conventional medicine and therapists work well together and sometimes they are antagonsitic. I don't want to confuse the issue but I think this can get confusing if you are receiving conflicting advice.

And yes, I agree with Eileen's observation that the symptoms you describe do reflect PTSD. Your anxiety/depressive state does sound profound however, especially as you describe feeling suicidal just four months ago. I do hope you have spoken to your psychiatrist about this? If not, I would certainly do so.

Good luck with the new medicine regime. If you find that your panic attacks do not subside, I would recommend psychological therapy (if this isn't who the other therapist is), as this can help greatly.

Maudejolie

5/22/09 4:12am

Thank you very much for tanking the time to answer my question. Yes i am in fact seeing a psychologist who works for the same "company" called Lena Pope as my psychiatrist does. They work and communicate with one another. I have been doing cognitive therapy which really makes me understand that just because "i feel like im loosing my mind, doesnt mean i am. My thoughts are the cause of my anxiety and this is where i need to make change. I am trying to replace every negative thought i have with a positive one and recognise "cognitive distortions" and is has helped a bit. It is NOT easy to do and exausting at time. I feel like i am constantly fighting back agaisnt my thoughts and anxiety but i know that in a little, it will come automaticly. I have fears of hurting myself sometimes which makes me think i could possibly hurt other people, which lead me to stop working and lock myself inside my house. I tell myself that this is just an intrusive thought, not reality, that i am a good person, iv never hurt anyone and never will. and by repeating it....i sorta stamp it on my brain, creating new neuropathways, good ones. It takes alot of work but i know i can do it.

So once again, ty for your answers and if anyone is reading this that is going through similar hardships, fight back. Dont let anxiety get the best of you, you are not a victim of it.

Q: Is depersonalization/derealization "normal" in (PTSD) ?

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