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Thread: Size distortion?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2015
    Posts
    330

    Size distortion?

    Hi All,
    I’ve been really struggling with my depression and anxiety. I’m working with a new counselor and we’re revisiting some of my traumas. Ugh!!!

    Overall, though, I’m managing my health anxiety a little better. Until today, that is, when I reached my threshold. Now I am really struggling.

    I got up from resting on my bed and went into the bathroom. While I was sitting on the toilet, I noticed that I felt a little bigger (my body) than I usually do (relative to my bathroom). It wasn’t a huge difference. It was just something I noticed.

    My first thought was that I’m super hyper aware right now. It makes me notice things I otherwise wouldn’t. Nevertheless, I made the bad mistake of googling. I know. I know. I should be slapped. Of course, up came a neurological issue I won’t name.

    Have you ever noticed some size distortion before? Again, I’m not talking major. And, I was fully awake.

    I just don’t know if I need to make an appointment with my neuroopthamogist about this. Ugh!!!! I’m so weary of doctor visits over anxiety symptoms or hyper awareness issues.

    Thank you all for being here for me.
    Best,
    Debbie
    Last edited by Cptdebbie; 11-04-21 at 03:23.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2017
    Posts
    98

    Re: Size distortion?

    I don’t know if this is considered the same as what you are describing but...one time when I was obsessing over having a DVT in my calf, I was convinced one leg was much bigger than the other. I mean seriously it definitely looked bigger to me. I was still in college at the time and was living with my parents for the summer. My mom got a tape measure and measured both calves. I was shocked! I still didn’t want to believe it. It is amazing what anxiety can do to us. I was actually seeing something that wasn’t there. I thought I was crazy!

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2014
    Posts
    16,747

    Re: Size distortion?

    You don't need to make an appointment with any medical doctor, Debbie and I think you know this really?

    You DO need to stop googling but you know this too. You know what happens when you do. You know how your thought patterns can take off and spiral given that "ammunition".

    You have the power to sort this one out for yourself x

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Aug 2015
    Posts
    330

    Re: Size distortion?

    Thank you for your responses.

    Jamie - thank you for reminding me that our perception is “off” when our anxiety flares.

    Pulisa - thank you for reminding me about the power google has over us anxious folks. This morning as I was waking up, I dreamed that my right leg was super long and had a Pinocchio foot. I’ve never dreamed anything like that before. Sigh. I opened the door and asked for it.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Posts
    24,667

    Re: Size distortion?

    Quote Originally Posted by Cptdebbie View Post
    This morning as I was waking up, I dreamed that my right leg was super long and had a Pinocchio foot. I’ve never dreamed anything like that before. Sigh.
    Thank goodness this didn't make you think your nose grew

    Positive thoughts
    __________________
    "Eat. Drink. Enjoy the work you do. Be thankful for the blessings God gives you in this life. Live, love and seek out the things that bring your heart joy. The rest is meaningless... Like chasing the wind." King Solomon

    The best help is the help you give yourself! http://cbt4panic.org/

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jun 2014
    Posts
    16,747

    Re: Size distortion?

    Just laugh about it, Debbie? "Pinocchio foot" is pushing it even for Dr Google!

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Sep 2017
    Posts
    73

    Re: Size distortion?

    Hi - yes, this used to happen to me a lot when I was little, as well with one of my siblings. it was very strange and discomforting. This is a real disorder (NOT a bad one though). It's called the Alice in Wonderland Syndrome. There is generally no known cause. Do you get migraines? It's more common in those that do but in most cases the cause is not known.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Posts
    4,889

    Re: Size distortion?

    Quote Originally Posted by FamilyPicnic View Post
    Hi - yes, this used to happen to me a lot when I was little, as well with one of my siblings. it was very strange and discomforting. This is a real disorder (NOT a bad one though). It's called the Alice in Wonderland Syndrome. There is generally no known cause. Do you get migraines? It's more common in those that do but in most cases the cause is not known.
    We need to stop labelling everything that a human being experiences a disorder.

    I've had episodes of size distortion since I was a child. It's just part of being normal, and NOT something out of the ordinary.

    The most common for me was feeling like I was looking through binoculars the wrong way round, that everything was tiny. It's just something that happens.

    By labelling a disorder, the medical profession obtains another reason to prescribe drugs. Ridiculous.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Posts
    537

    Re: Size distortion?

    I HAVE experienced this. And it happened in the bathroom for me too. I noticed that I have tiles in the bathroom that give a weird visual effect. As I stand up they give the illusion that I am bigger than everything else around me. Do you have tiles also? I think it’s pretty common and most ppl don’t even notice it as anything but ..

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Aug 2015
    Posts
    330

    Re: Size distortion?

    Katniss, I do have tiles in the bathroom. I am thinking, though, that it may be some depersonalization. I had another episode yesterday while I was wearing my heat mask for my dry eyes. My eyes were shut, but I just “felt” smaller. It was strange. Of course, anxiety makes our bodies do and think strange things.

    I’m trying not to stress about it. Ha ha ha

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