Has anyone ever felt like this and how did/do you deal with it?

[Taddy]

Yesterday I looked at my reflection and the mirror was all frosted up, so my face looked strange and I really kind of felt like I wasn’t connected to it and I started to really panic. And then cry. This was all in the space of one minute.

I quite often feel a little bit disconnected from my body and I find it strange to see myself in the mirror and my body feels a little bit unreal, but I've never felt it as strongly as I did yesterday. It was really scary.

Has anyone ever experienced something like this and what do you do?

[Stellata]

Yes, I've felt like that and experienced similar, many times. Thankfully it is transient and does pass, but is none the less distressing whilst it is happening.
It often happens for me when I'm feeling very insecure, tired or stressed, or all 3.
What helps is getting away from mirrors, wrapping myself in a blanket to feel my body edges, and sometimes gently massaging my face. If I feel very sad or scared, crying can help 'break the spell'.

[Taddy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stellata

Yes, I've felt like that and experienced similar, many times. Thankfully it is transient and does pass, but is none the less distressing whilst it is happening.
It often happens for me when I'm feeling very insecure, tired or stressed, or all 3.
What helps is getting away from mirrors, wrapping myself in a blanket to feel my body edges, and sometimes gently massaging my face. If I feel very sad or scared, crying can help 'break the spell'.

Many thanks I shall try some of those next time

[roiben]

Sounds a bit like a form of dissociation, I think possibly depersonalisation is the term but could be wrong.

Katie gives good advice here - Grounding yourself using Mindfullness, focusing on the feel of things around you may help and yes, wrapping up tight in a blanket can do wonders for such times.

Sorry to hear you are struggling. Do you think it is something you could mention to your care team?

Roiben x

[mikey]

I try and focus on a sensation which is within my body. For example, hold an ice cube or I listen to loud music with earphones.

[Frail Existence]

I have felt this before. I just try and ground myself I think would be the term. Do something 'real' something you like to do that involves touch. Especially helps if you touch something irl that can help you feel you like something valuable or means a lot cause may help you to connect to why that object is so valuable or meaningful.

[Taddy]

Thanks everyone for the advice and yeah I'll mention it in my CAMHS apointment next week - although I hate them sometimes, they would probably be able to help and help me understand why I am feeling this! x