Anxiety is a common problem. Even though it is so common, there is still this stigma that we should not talk about anxiety. Talking about things helps people who suffer from it, and people who don’t, come to terms with what anxiety is.

I was told about this “phenomena” called derealization, and its impacts on patients with anxiety. Basically, it means you are disconnected from reality. In times of high stress, I find this disconnection to be very prevalent. When I get extremely stressed or anxious, my mind just stops processing things around me. I see things and hear things, but I stop thinking or reacting. I believe it is because my mind cannot process a decision or how to deal with a situation. For example, if I knock over a glass of water I sometimes find myself sitting there dumbfounded. It isn’t until my roommate yells at me that I realize I need to react. I always thought that this sensation was just me being crazy. I was wrong. Derealization is a common side effect of anxiety, but a lot of people are like me and have no idea what it is.

Derealization makes me feel like the world is not real, and that something is off. In times of high stress, I feel like everyone is stagnant around me while I continue to move. When it is at it’s height, I feel like I am not present in the world and something is wrong. Looking at the people around me makes me feel like I am looking at them on a projector. I can hear them asking me if I am okay, but it still looks and feels unreal. It takes me a while to cope with it, especially if people continue to try to ask me if I am okay or touch me. I try to walk away but I can’t move or process the idea of leaving.

Anxiety can impact my time perception enough to where a minute feels like ten. Derealization makes it even worse. When it hits, it feels like time is suspended in motion. I think that it lasts for hours but in reality, it only lasts for five minutes. I never know how long the moment lasts, luckily there usually is someone around me who knows what is going on. Close friends who understand you can help a lot. They know to leave you alone when you need it, and talk to you when you’re ready. Having someone there that you trust can help you come to terms with what happened a little easier.

I get anxious a lot. When someone looks at me, cancels our plans, or says something I often find myself analyzing it way too much. Luckily, derealization is not as prevalent. It only happens to me in extremely stressful situations and is not common at all. I’ve also learned tips and tricks to help me cope faster. I find that if I count backwards from 100 and really focus, I can help bring myself back. Also, looking at one item and completely zeroing in on it can help me realize it is real. When it is really bad, I pinch myself to help me cope with reality.

Anxiety has a stigma that we shouldn’t talk about it. When we don’t talk about anxiety, we get people like me who have no idea what is happening to them. Derealization is one of the scariest things that has ever happened to me and until recently, I did not even know what it was. I write this article for anyone out there who is struggling with what is happening.