I need help. Things no longer seem like they once were. It is like I have been de-personalized or something. I stare at myself in the mirror and I’m not sure if it is me staring back. This has been happening for awhile now… it began with episodic feelings of being uncomfortable no matter where I was. It’s like something is missing somehow. It has since progressed, over the course of about 2 years, into something more severe and much less tolerable. I have been feeling recently for days at a time like the world I am living in is just not as ‘real’ as it used to be. I feel as if I am observing life but not really participating in it.
So, uh… what the hell is wrong with me? Is this merely a thought process that can be conquered or do I need serious help? Lifestyle changes? I’m willing to do pretty much anything to ‘fix’ myself.
nickc, pal, I would strongly urge you to make at least one visit to a mental health professional rather than relying on a message board for help with feelings of disassociation. I will ask, though, have you taken any psychoactive substances recently?
I echo the two replies above, and add: print out your post and show it to the therapist. If you can afford it, or are in a health plan that covers it, try to see a psychiatrist or psychologist. It’s worth saving some money to do so–but don’t wait too long!