Depersonalization: the great copycat
You feel detached, hazy, and unreal at the same time. Anxiety seeps in quickly as these feelings intensify. The appetite is lost and sleep escapes a very tired mind. This is precisely when thoughts of doubt begin.
“Am I losing my mind?”
“Is my brain damaged by my wild lifestyle in college?”
“Am I sick with a rare disease that the doctor missed?”
“Am I suffering from an undiagnosed illness like Lyme disease, meningitis, or diabetes?
Understandably, all of these thoughts run through your mind when you experience symptoms that last longer than expected. This is the nature of depersonalization (pd) and the different path it follows for all who experience it. The pattern is always the same, frustrating for the individual but predictable in nature.
The symptoms are strong enough to grab all the attention and convince them that they must be seriously ill. The mind races trying to find a connection and closure. It is presented with a list of “what if” diseases that could “fit the bill.” Just as one completes the full load of evidence ruling out this possibility, another symptom appears, just as strong, just as exhausting.
Doctor visits, tests, more doctors and additional studies are empty. There is nothing physically wrong and yet the symptoms continue. The mind is still confused, concentration worsens, worry intensifies, and life is interrupted.
I call depersonalization “The Great Copycat” for good reason. I hear the pain and frustration over and over from those who experience these intrusive symptoms. They are perplexed and confused by the similarity to true diseases that this condition presents. One is relieved when the tests come back negative, but frustrated when they are still suffering. Identical stories of ongoing frustration come to me daily by phone and email. Many feel trapped as they often cannot find or receive proper treatment. Many despair because pharmaceutical reactions only exacerbate the situation.
Tests continue to rule out ailments with similar symptoms such as:
Lyme’s desease
Meningitis
Mononucleosis
Allergies
Adrenal fatigue
Diabetes
Fibromyalgia
All test results are negative. This is hopeful for the individual, but the relief is temporary, as they are still struggling with the symptoms of depersonalization.
It is difficult to convince someone in this position that their symptoms, while similar to true disease, are in no way physical. Naturally, they have become resistant to the fact that it is simply a mind fatigued by the habit (behavior) of constant fearful thought. This deeply ingrained habit does not respond well to medication. The barrage of calls I receive from those taking medication is the only proof of this fact.
The personality profile of those who experience this condition is as follows:
Very smart guy
Analytical
Over achiever
Creative
Reactive to all external stimuli (medication is high on the list)
They are also frustrated that most of the medical treatments they received bypassed the real problem and buried it under chemicals that only exacerbate the situation. Remember, this is an individual who reacts to ALL external stimuli.
Once they learn the basic but specific approach that quickly eliminates symptoms, most are stunned by the quick relief a renewed mind brings. A mind bogged down by constant fear and worry experiences great relief and returns to clarity once a new behavior replaces an unproductive one. This is quickly tested in no time.
One can only imagine how quickly symptoms disappear when this new approach is applied on a daily basis. That is why we call our approach an expedited and sensible method that produces results. The mind is waiting to rejuvenate when given the opportunity. It is a simple and fast-paced process that allows the mind to recharge without medication.
To maintain this recovery, all one must do is be aware of unproductive habits when they occur. They must also maintain a specific eating plan that supports a less reactive mind and body. This would be one that keeps blood sugar and serotonin levels balanced in the brain, without the need for medication.
Depersonalization may be the great copycat, but when unmasked it is easy to remove, allowing the return of true clarity and the comfort of true peace of mind.