10 Common Symptoms of Derealisation

10 Common Symptoms of Derealisation
Derealisation can be a strange and unsettling experience. The world around you may suddenly feel unfamiliar, distant or somehow unreal, even though you know that what you're seeing is actually real.

It can happen during periods of anxiety, stress or panic, and some people experience it occasionally while others experience it more frequently.

Here are 10 common symptoms of derealisation.

1. The world feels unreal​

Your surroundings may look normal, but somehow feel artificial, dreamlike or unreal.

2. Feeling like you're in a dream​

You may feel as though you're dreaming or watching everything happen through a dream-like haze, despite knowing that you're awake.

3. Familiar places feel strange​

Places you know well can suddenly seem unfamiliar or different. Your home, workplace or local area may not feel quite the way it normally does.

4. Things look visually different​

Some people notice changes in how their surroundings appear. Objects may seem unusually flat, distant, too sharp, hazy or lacking their usual sense of depth.

5. Feeling disconnected from your surroundings​

You may feel emotionally detached from the environment around you, as though you're present but not completely connected to what's happening.

6. Time feels strange​

Time can sometimes feel unusually fast or slow. You may lose track of time or feel disconnected from the normal flow of events.

7. People can seem unfamiliar​

Even people you know well may briefly feel strange or unfamiliar. You can recognise them, but the usual feeling of familiarity may seem absent.

8. Everything feels distant​

Your surroundings may seem far away, even when they're physically close. It can feel as though there's an invisible barrier between you and the world.

9. You keep checking whether things are real​

Because derealisation can feel so convincing, you may repeatedly question your surroundings or try to reassure yourself that everything is real.

10. Fear that something is seriously wrong​

Derealisation can be frightening, particularly the first time it happens. You may worry that you're losing control or that something is seriously wrong with your mind.

Can anxiety cause derealisation?​

Derealisation can occur alongside anxiety and panic, particularly during periods of intense stress or fear. Experiencing derealisation can also create more anxiety, which can make the experience feel even more frightening.

The sensation itself can become something you start monitoring closely, creating a cycle of worry and reassurance-seeking.

When should you get help?​

If you're experiencing derealisation regularly, it's distressing you or it's interfering with everyday life, consider speaking with your GP or another qualified healthcare professional.

Derealisation can have different possible causes, and similar experiences can occur alongside other physical or mental health conditions. A healthcare professional can help you work out what may be happening.

Experiencing derealisation does not automatically mean that you're losing touch with reality. People experiencing derealisation generally recognise that the feeling of unreality is a sensation rather than believing that the world has literally changed.

Want to talk about derealisation?​

TalkMH is a mental health support forum where you can talk about derealisation, anxiety, panic, stress and other difficult experiences.

You can share what you're experiencing, read about other people's experiences or simply find somewhere to talk without having to explain everything perfectly.

 

[Lee]

I quite often experience this... at least once a day usually. It was scary at first but I have kind of accepted it as life now.

I also ... as strange as this might sound - quite often feel like my head is growing really big and also numb. I have to feel it to make sure it is normal sized still.