c/anxiety·Posted by u/omar_farouk·7d ago
Why do I feel unreal or detached when I am anxious?
Sometimes when anxiety spikes the room feels far away. Like I am watching myself through glass. Sounds are muffled. My hands do not feel like mine. It is terrifying because it feels like I am losing my mind even though I am standing in a grocery store or sitting on my couch. It passes eventually but in the moment I am convinced something is seriously wrong. Does anyone else get this floaty disconnected feeling?
Peer discussion on askDr.app. Not therapy and not a substitute for professional care.
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u/fay_n7d ago
that is derealization. your brain puts a glass wall between you and the world. it is a protection thing.
u/amber_cole7d ago
it is so scary. I thought I was losing it. knowing it has a name helped.
u/maya_patel7d ago
@amber_cole same. I used to Google brain tumors. turns out it was anxiety.
u/priya_nair7d ago
I also tell myself this is a stress response. not danger. my body is just overwhelmed.
u/ravi_kapoor7d ago
I feel like I am watching my life through a camera. it passes but in the moment it feels forever.
u/lila_nguyen7d ago
cold water and strong mint gum help me. something with a strong sensation.
u/jack_p6d ago
it happens to me in grocery stores. too much light and noise. I leave and it fades.