Is What I’m Describing Depersonalization Or Derealization? What Can Be Done?
Posted it in Psychology…thought I would here too, just to get more answers:
I get the feeling that my consciousness is floating up out of my head, like I’m detached from my body. I can’t stand the feeling. I feel it when I sit still and am not too busy, like when I’m watching TV or something, which is probably why I hardly ever watch it. Also, I can be sitting still, but if my mind is engaged in something, like reading a book, it does not occur.
For some background, I have all the symptoms of chronic neurological lyme disease and was bit by a tic and had the bulls eye rash that signals lyme back in 2001, but I had no insurance and didn’t know what the rash was so I never went to the Dr. for it. When I read about Lyme and saw that I have all the symptoms, I went to the doctor and I have the antibodies to lyme (showing that I have been exposed to it), but the levels were in the negative range. I’ve read that the virus starts hiding in the CNS at about 6 months post-infection and cannot be detected by the normal test, the only one my HMO will pay for. So my doc said I probably do have it but I need a spinal tap and an MRI of my brain to confirm it, which my HMO won’t pay for because the western blot was in the negative range. I’m switching to a PPO in June so I can see a lyme specialist in San Diego and have it paid for.
Until then, what can I do? I have hallucinations, forgetfulness, sensitivity to light, motions and sounds, but this “being outside myself” is what I really hate and feel I need the most help with. Does anyone know of anything that can help?
Shekhina on Tue, 1st Dec 2009 9:12 pm
Hey at least you know what’s casuing it. I’m insane for no reason.
I would say just keep busy to distract yourself. Make sure you’re eating well… try and eat organic if you can… lots of fresh vegetables are important, and drink plenty of spring water. Make sure you also get enough protein and carbs. Your body needs lots of energy to fight Lyme disease. Go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day, and get a bit of sunlight as soon as you wake up. Don’t do any strenuous or cardio exercise…
Apart from that, I don’t think there is that much you can do. You could see a doctor about these specific symptoms but they’d just offer you antidepressants, antipsychotics and the like, which you probably shouldn’t delve into in your current condition…
Hope you feel better soon