Is this depersonalization/derealization??

[debs71]

Hi Everybody,

I've been having probs with my anxiety and panic again for about a month now, restarting Cipralex 3 weeks ago. Before I started the meds I was having very bad depersonalization symptoms which scared me senseless. That had calmed down but I'm still struggling with anxiety and panic, though not as bad as I think the meds are starting to kick in.

My parents went abroad 18 days ago and have just returned this morning, so I have been alone during quite a bad period of side effects of the meds but am now feeling a bit better. I had been in regular contact with them by phone though.

My worry is, that now they are home - after missing them a lot - I feel a sense of detatchment from them, almost like they are strangers, and it is really freaking me out! I also feel more anxious this morning than I was when they were away.

Do you think this is my anxiety causing this detatchment? It is horrible as they are the two people I trust and love most in the world and they always support me through my condition and to feel like this about them is awful.

Any advice is REALLY appreciated.xxxxxx:wacko:

[SickofIt]

HI there, debs.
Sounds to me like it might be just a normal feeling you get when you haven't seen someone in awhile.

I used to feel this way when my kids were younger and they went away on vacation for a week or so.

How do you feel generally when your parents are not around? Do you feel strange in other ways? Do you feel detached from others, or just them?

[debs71]

Hi,

Thanks so much for your response!

I'm actually ok when they are not around, but since I have had this episode of anxiety and panic I have had that spaced out/distant feeling from family members, which i just put down to anxiety symptoms. I spend a lot of time at home so I'm not much around other people, especially since my anxiety has flared up.

I did feel that kind of anxious anticipation before they arrived back, and in retrospect now, I think my heightened anxiety probably contributed to me having those weird feelings, whereas normally I wouldn't feel like that at all when they come back as they are often abroad.

It is just so weird and a horrible feeling to have!

[SickofIt]

Sounds like you have hit the nail on the head with regard to the cause of your heightened anxiety.

DP/DR is the worst, but this will pass.

[debs71]

Thanks so much for your reassurance.x