Anyone who is prone to feelings of depersonalization is also quite reactive to external stimuli and therefore needs to be aware of the reactions one can experience after substance use and why total mental clarity depends on avoiding certain substances, for good reasons.
Knowing how reactive you can be is helpful in counteracting this reactivity and avoiding having to deal with intrusive symptoms of depersonalization, derealization, anxiety, and other physical and emotional interference.
Lastly, it is important to learn to interrupt feelings of depersonalization and derealization so that your mind is refreshed and clarity and peace of mind return.
Let’s start with the definition of Depersonalization and Derealization:
– Depersonalization is basically a mind that has become extremely tired due to prolonged fearful preoccupation. This tired mind creates feelings of detachment, unreality, and disorientation, as if it is cut off from the world and the people in it.
– Derealization is when one’s surroundings seem unusual, different, distant, strange and a bit “off”.
Nor is it a disease. What one is experiencing is the results of a frazzled mind, which is basically a learned behavior/habit that can simply be treated and remedied when approached in a very specific way.
Anxiety often accompanies this feeling and helps fuel the symptoms.
The mind is basically waiting to cool off as soon as one learns to get out of one’s own way. Learning to make the proper corrections to the way one thinks along with specific nutritional changes allows one to interrupt symptoms and learn to get out of one’s own way, allowing the mind to refresh and clarity to return.
Substances that add to feelings of depersonalization, derealization, and anxiety:
Marijuana: This seems to be one of the strongest triggers of depersonalization, as it simulates the feeling of detachment and confusion at the same time. The properties of tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, which increase the euphoric high, are not regulated and can range from small amounts to much higher percentages. The problem is that one is not aware of the percentages and therefore may not experience its effects until one has smoked or ingested large amounts.
Pre-Workout Formulas: These seemingly innocuous, vitamin-enriched substances often contain large amounts of chemicals that share properties identical to those of caffeine. This serves to energize and allow the individual to assume that they are building a stronger body, when in truth it is merely a temporary assumption created from the enhanced stimulants in their body. The mind and body quickly become dependent on these formulas, and to add insult to injury, many double the dosage believing it will speed up the process. Unfortunately, this only maintains further physical dependency and addiction culminating in a difficult physical and emotional shock upon discontinuation of the formula. The person is left in an exhausted state of mind and body with little energy, struggling to get through the day. Other side effects that accompany the use of this substance are anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, hair loss and a feeling of unreality (depersonalization).
Alcohol: Many who experience life’s difficulties often begin to consume alcohol in an effort to self-medicate, in amounts that often create further physical and emotional problems. Alcohol is high on the glycemic scale and this high sugar content creates an initial euphoria that always results in a very steep crash. One experiences increased anxiety, depersonalization, insomnia, sweating, and tremors.
Antidepressants and anxiolytics: Remember that the individual prone to both anxiety and depersonalization is highly reactive to external substances. It is very important to remember that medication is number one on that list. This means that while someone who is less reactive may tolerate an antidepressant or anti-anxiety medication and feel generally well while doing it, those who are more reactive may experience many of the adverse reactions (side effects) rather than the benefits of these medications. Withdrawal can also be an issue when deciding it’s time to stop using it. This often leads to feelings of heightened anxiety, confusion, depersonalization, derealization, headaches, insomnia, and nausea. Dependence can also be a problem with these medications along with severe and difficult withdrawal reactions.
Adderall: This medication contains a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine and is primarily used for those seeking help for ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. This is appropriate when following the exact protocol prescribed by your doctor, but unfortunately many use these medications sporadically, for example during final exams, term papers, and projects that require increased mental stimulation. This is when the mind and body experience withdrawal symptoms and severe side effects like panic attacks, anxiety, depersonalization, derealization, and other generalized anxiety symptoms, as the mind tries to maintain balance.
Understanding and Solutions
One must immediately realize that they are reactive by nature and begin to learn how to make the right life changes to compensate for this increased reactivity.
A proper approach to desensitizing an overactive mind and body through a specific program will begin to lessen the effects that substance use has created.
Changing the way one perceives these reactions is imperative and immediate action is taken to correct the new intrusive behaviors.
It is best to avoid all of the above substances, although quitting cold turkey is not allowed and will only cause more discomfort. Instead, the use of a protocol by your prescribing physician will help you painlessly wean yourself off slowly.
Learn how to follow the specific steps to overcome Depersonalization, Derealization and Anxiety so that it is completely and permanently eliminated. This is not difficult, but it is quite specific in nature.
Understand that you will always be reactive to many external substances and guide your life around this fact. The choice is always yours and experiencing the return of clarity and peace of mind through the right corrections and focus is well worth the effort.
Also, cut back on caffeine and nicotine. These are also chemicals that disrupt a peaceful existence.
Choose to eat less sugar, as this can also be over-stimulating and interfere with a true sense of well-being.
Exercise in moderation. Most of those who use pre-workout formulas are young and healthy and don’t require an extra boost. Trust that your body will know its limits and enjoy the exercise instead of pushing it beyond reasonable limits.
Above all, understand that these foreign substances carry more long-term risks than you can imagine. Your body is naturally configured to meet all the needs you require. By adding chemicals, you are manipulating the delicate balance of mind and body, and it often takes a long time to restore this natural balance.
Do not lose hope as this is a process that must be followed specifically for full recovery to occur. Stay with that and know that every moment that you are taking the right steps, making the right corrections, your mind and body will be refreshed, leading to a complete return to clarity and peace of mind.