Why Depersonalization Is Not a Brain Disorder?

So often I am asked the question, “Is Depersonalization a brain disorder, because it sure feels like it could be?”

Isn’t it normal that anyone experiencing the symptoms of depersonalization would wonder this, especially if they do not understand what is going on and how to stop it from happening.

What a strange sensation occurs when the mind becomes exhausted from the constant habit of fearful worry. Thoughts become slower and one feels disconnected from their own sense of self and life. They feel unreal and detached from everything in life that makes them feel grounded and balanced.

Anxiety seems to add to these feelings of detachment and their appetite is interrupted, along with sleep patterns.

So doesn’t it seem pretty inevitable that the person would come to the conclusion that they must have a “Brain Disorder,” or they’re damaged in some terrible way?
They, naturally begin to overthink even more, going over past events or what they consider previous wrongdoings that could have led to this terrible interruption in their life. “Maybe it was the marijuana I smoked back in 11^th grade,” or “Remember when I was elbowed in the head playing basketball?” All sorts of scenarios fill their mind, but it doesn’t matter, because none of these events were the culprit.

Let me stop and reassure anyone struggling with Depersonalization or Derealization that they are not experiencing a “brain disorder” or “brain damage.” Yes, it’s normal to think this due to the nature of the symptoms but this is merely indicative of a tired mind, a mind exhausted from the habit of fearful worry.

Naturally, the more you worry over this strange condition, with intrusive symptoms, the more adrenaline is released and other stress chemicals such as Cortisol. These fuel the DPDR and a cycle of fear-adrenaline-fear takes place, interfering with your sense of well-being and overall clarity in thought.

No, your brain is not damaged, no, you are not experiencing a brain disorder at all. You have simply worried yourself into a fatigued mind, which is waiting for you to move out of your own way, so it can refresh.
Your mind, basically, is trying to give you a break from constant worried thought. It’s taking a step back so it can recharge, but this act feels strange and uncomfortable, therefore, resulting in you worrying even more, adding to the sense of cobwebs in the mind.

So, if you are experiencing sensations of Depersonalization or Derealization, understand that your fears, your worries and mostly your negative scary thoughts are fueling this condition. There are many ways to interrupt this behavior and rapidly return to “normal” clarity and a rejuvenated mind.  This is not difficult and only involves a few simple corrections in thinking and lifestyle.

Our DPDR Intensive Recovery Program answers all your questions and guides you through a rapid recovery. It’s time to stop managing symptoms and eliminate them completely.

https://depersonalizationtreatmentcenter.com/product/depersonalization-dpdr-intensive-recovery-system-mp3-download/

It always seems to occur in the same way. It’s a Saturday night and everyone is unwinding at a friend’s house. This is has always been your way of relaxing, after a tense week. This week, in particular, has been even more trying. Your boss was in a bad mood and you became the target of his anger. Your girlfriend was out of town and you drank too much on a night out with the boys. You didn’t have time to eat properly, so you did fast food most of the week. It was definitely a time to relax, unwind and forget about everything. So What Went Wrong?!?

Understanding The Logical Connection Between Porn Addiction and Depersonalization/Derealization (dpdr)

There is a true connection between Porn Addiction and feelings of unreality, disconnection and detachment, also known as DPDR. Once understood, this makes perfect sense because of the reasons behind this reaction.

Many miss the realization that the constant, compulsive use of pornography, so readily available online, often leads to feelings of emotional numbness, brain fog, and a general feeling of disconnection from their reality.

Naturally, the more the person begins worrying about their addiction along with the way they feel, they unknowingly fueling depersonalization (dpdr) with the release of Adrenaline. Again, this progression of behavior makes sense because the mind becomes not only fatigued from worry but emotionally upset by the release of adrenaline all day long. Every “what if” and “oh my goodness” thought releases small spurts of adrenaline. Not enough for a panic attack but enough to set the person’s mind on edge most of the day.

Any type of constant, worried, fearful thinking adds to feelings of depersonalization and this addiction sets oneself up for a very tired mind, leading to these interfering symptoms.

How We Help

Here at the Depersonalization Treatment Center, we offer:
– One on one counseling to provide complete understanding and a Step by Step Plan to interrupt this behavior.
– A proven DPDR recovery protocol designed specifically for those with porn addiction and feelings of detachment, unreality and disconnection.
– A supportive environment for those healing from compulsive porn use and the correct tools to interrupt all symptoms of depesonalization, derealization (dpdr).

Our approach combines 25+ years of experience, comfortable tools that work and the correct steps to ensure a reconnection with your sense of clarity and emotions.

Is Recovery Possible?

Yes! You are not alone. We have worked with countless numbers of men and women over the years who are now:
– Feeling reconnected to themselves again.
– Experiencing full clarity and a refreshed mind.
– Stronger emotional connection and happiness.
– Freedom from compulsive behaviors.

We’re Here for You

Whether you are struggling with porn addiction or have already stopped and are still experiencing depersonalization, we’re here to help. We’ve helped others in the past and are here for you now.

Call or email us today for a confidential consultation
Phone: 215-635-4700
info@depersonalizationtreatmentcenter.com

It always seems to occur in the same way. It’s a Saturday night and everyone is unwinding at a friend’s house. This is has always been your way of relaxing, after a tense week. This week, in particular, has been even more trying. Your boss was in a bad mood and you became the target of his anger. Your girlfriend was out of town and you drank too much on a night out with the boys. You didn’t have time to eat properly, so you did fast food most of the week. It was definitely a time to relax, unwind and forget about everything. So What Went Wrong?!?

You went home after smoking with your friends. You weren’t feeling as relaxed as usual, even a little edgy. Maybe it was that little piece of the edible you tried. It did seem to add to your anxiousness.

The next morning you wake up and before you even get out of bed, you begin to “check in” and see how you’re feeling. You’re even a little worried about last night. You still feel “funny” and can’t shake the thought that you’re still feeling HIGH. How could that be? It was over 10 hours ago that you smoked. Could it be the edible? Could it be you’re sick? Could it be (heaven forbid) you damaged your brain? All of these fearful thoughts begin to fill a worried and tired mind, adding more fuel to these feelings.

Why You’re Feeling This Way

– It all began with the preceding week. You were tense from work. Your boss was picking on you. You were eating poorly, lack of sleep, drinking too much and generally overlooking self care.

– You smoked and ingested an edible, which instead of calming you down, did the opposite. Interesting enough, many substances enhance the mood we are already feeling. If we’re happy, we feel happier but often if we’re tense, they can add to the tension.

– You’re still tired, lacking proper nourishment and this opens the door for FEAR to enter the picture. With FEAR comes the chemical ADRENALINE. This is the chemical in the body that is released to give us energy when the need to run is in order. Unfortunately, when fearful or worried, just as much adrenaline is released, which makes one feel anxious, on edge and more concerned about how they’re feeling.

– Fear-Adrenaline-Fear begins to cycle, making one’s mind extremely tired. This can be confused with feeling high. Naturally, if one were to know this at the time, they would relax and it would pass. BUT if a person is overtired, stressed and worried about the way they feel, they might begin to worry more, releasing more adrenaline, skip meals, because of lack of appetite and have trouble sleeping due to worry. This all adds to the spacey, foggy sensation of a very tired mind…often confused with being high.

WHAT TO DO

1- It’s very normal to feel worried and upset at this stage. All sorts of fearful thoughts run though the mind. “What if the marijuana (weed) was laced with something bad?” or “What if I damaged myself?” You wish you could turn back time and stayed at home last night!

2- Do Not Panic- You are dealing with a fatigued mind due to a compilation of all the stresses of the week. The more fearful your thoughts, the longer this lingers.

3- Stop Checking In– Every moment you are thinking “What if” thoughts, you are fueling these uncomfortable feelings. Every moment you are NOT “checking in,” your mind is refreshing.

4- Remember, this is nothing but a very tired mind, due to the circumstances that occurred. It is not an illness. You are not sick. The more you stop thinking alarming thoughts, the sooner your mind will refresh. Tell yourself this: “The more I stop thinking “what if” scary thoughts, the faster my mind will rejuvenate.” and “Every moment I am thinking fearful thoughts, the more my mind is growing tired.” It’s as simple as that.

5- It’s basically about STEPPING OUT OF YOUR OWN WAY, allowing the mind to refresh. Be kind to yourself.

6- Eat Well for DPDR– Skipping meals adds to the release of Adrenaline (giving you energy that nutrition would have done). You do not need that release of adrenaline. Eat your meals instead and let your mind refresh. Have a lean protein along with all your meals and snacks.

7- Lastly, memory has a way of taking over, if you allow it. Your mind is fooling you into believing you’re still high. It’s just a tired, fatigued mind…not from lack of sleep but from constant, fearful worry. STOP the HABIT of worry and you are stepping out of your own way, letting the mind refresh, so clarity returns. You can do this!

This is a learned behavior and can be unlearned. This is habit and you have the ability to reverse it.

Feel free to contact us if you have further questions. We’re here for you!

Best wishes,

Ronnie Freedman, PhD
Depersonalization Treatment Center
215-635-4700   We Welcome Your Calls, Emails and Questions
info@depersonalizationtreatmentcenter.com
https://www.depersonalizationtreatmentcenter.com

Many who experience depersonalization/derealization dpdr, are perplexed about these feelings and how they began.

It’s not only frustrating but upsetting in a way that creates one’s confidence to falter, trying to figure out the puzzle behind this condition.

Let’s start at the beginning:
Depersonalization: Feeling Unreal, Detached or Disconnected
Derealization: One’s surroundings look and feel unfamiliar

The Cause:
Days, weeks or months of constant fearful worry tend to exhaust the mind. One is unknowingly tiring the mind in ways it’s never felt as weary in the past. Look at it this way, if one were to study all day and night, their mind would become tired. Now, add the element of FEAR to the study process and the mind becomes completely exhausted.

Never mistake the feelings of depersonalization/derealization for illness. It is a learned behavior a habit that you have the power to interrupt and overcome. You exhausted your mind by the habit of constantly thinking in a fearful manner. All the symptoms that followed were those of a tired mind.

How to Overcome DPDR

Once you understand what this is, what it is not and how to interrupt the behavior that triggered it, you are on your way back to clarity of mind.

– You are endlessly Checking In, all day, from the moment you open your eyes until you go to sleep at night. Catch yourself doing this and STOP. You can recognize this by two words, “What if” while checking in. The chemical Adrenaline is released when you think this way and by doing so you are releasing small spurts of this into your body all day long. Tell yourself that every moment you are not checking in and thinking “what if” thoughts, your mind is Refreshing! Yes, it’s rejuvenating by interrupting this negative behavior and it Works!

– Begin eating lean proteins at every meal and snack to maintain balanced blood sugar levels and boost Serotonin in the brain naturally. Your mind is tired and you may even feel “down” due to the drop in Serotonin levels. They are the feel good chemical in the brain. Begin rebuilding them naturally by following the DPDR Diet, which is comprised of lean proteins, good fats, fiber, fresh vegetables and fruits. Shopping the peripheral of the market is where all the healthy foods are located.

– 30 minutes before bedtime, eat a Complex Carbohydrate. Not a simple carbohydrate like candy, sugar or soda, but a Complex Carbohydrate such as a bowl of low sugar cereal (ex. Cheerios of Rice Chex) , Oatmeal, Toast, Crackers or Muffins. This will release all the Serotonin you were building all day long by eating Proteins (which built up amino acids-the precursor to Serotonin). You will immediately feel sleepy, relaxed and peaceful. Odds are you will sleep through the night and wake up feeling more like yourself again.

The combination of learning how to think differently (retraining the brain) and using our dpdr diet, will enable you to overcome depersonalization and derealization, without the fear of it returning, because at that stage you will know too much for it to slip back in again.

Understanding is everything, combined with the right plan to overcome these intrusive feelings, will not only give you back your clarity but show you how capable you are to gain control of a satisfying life again.

Feel free to email or call if you have any questions concerning Depersonalization, Derealization (DPDR) or Anxiety Conditions.

Best wishes,

Ronnie Freedman, PhD
Depersonalization Treatment Center
Phone: 215-635-4700
info@depersonalizationtreatmentcenter.com
https://www.depersonalizationtreatmentcenter.com

Depersonalization and Derealization dpdr are not difficult to overcome IF you approach them correctly.
First of all, let’s define each of them:
Depersonalization is when you feel “unreal,” “detached,” or “disconnected.” It is often referred to as “Brain Fog.”
Derealization is when your surroundings feel and look “unfamiliar, “off” and “different” than usual.

Naturally, experiencing either of these sensations can be upsetting and even alarming to many people. Let’s find out the truth about both these conditions.

Neither Depersonalization and/or Derealization is an illness. Both are a learned behavior and a product of the habit of constant, fearful worrying. The body is releasing adrenaline in response to your fearful thinking. Eventually, one feels depleted and fatigued from overthinking issues in a constant pattern.

The mind becomes very tired, not from lack of sleep but from thinking deeply and fearfully, from the time one arises in the morning, until they go to sleep at night. In essence the person is studying themselves all day long, just as if they were studying for a test. We all know how exhausting this can be and so it makes sense and is very logical that a tired mind can and does develop from constant, deep and most of all, fearful thinking. This is where it differs from studying. The element of fear makes all the difference. This is what exhausts the mind in a much different way.

How to Recover from DPDR:

– Recognize what you are doing to fuel the sensations of a tired mind, the spacey, foggy, detached sensations that make you feel unreal. Begin with “what if” thinking from the time you open your eyes in the morning, until you go to sleep at night. Catch this habit, catch this worried, fearful way of thinking and STOP immediately.

– Tell yourself that every moment you are NOT going inward and checking in, your mind is refreshing. It is rejuvenating because you are not fueling it with fear.

– Start doing things that interest you but leave the worried, fearful mind behind. Go for a walk. Activity (especially outdoors) focuses your mind on its surroundings. If, you begin to think “what if” thoughts STOP, correct yourself by talking back to the brain, saying “Uh-Uh, I’m not going there!” AND MEAN IT. You may have to do this a few times in order to make the correction but the mind is almost embarrassed that you caught it, like a child with his hand in the cookie jar, and it will stop this habit of fearful thinking.

– Shift your thoughts into subjects more pleasant and focus on your surroundings. The coolness of the air, the colors of the grass and trees, the ground under your feet and know that any thought that disrupts your thinking can be easily dealt with because you know what to do now.

– Start having a lean protein with every meal and snack to ensure balanced blood sugar levels. They drop when worry establishes itself over peace and calm. Also, protein will later boost Serotonin (the feel good chemical) levels, that are also prone to drop when constantly worrying.

Remember, this is NOT an illness. This is a learned behavior that you can easily unlearn. Checking in might be a problem now because it became a learned behavior but think of yourself as a twelve year old. Did you ever check in? No, not at all. This is why your mind remained clear. Now it’s time to reclaim that clarity…notice the habit of checking in and interrupt it immediately.

For more information or any questions about DPDR, feel free to email us or give us a call.

Sincerely,

Ronnie Freedman, PhD
drfreedman@depersonalizationtreatmentcenter.com
https://www.depersonalizationtreatmentcenter.com
215-635-4700, 7 Days a Week, 9-9, We’re here to answer all your questions
All calls and emails welcome

It’s not unusual to experience an overwhelming feeling of fatigue when struggling with Depersonalization/Derealization DPDR, Many state that they feel both wired and tired at the same time and this is the perfect description of this sensation.

First of all, there’s a valid reason for feeling this way. When a person is upset (and believe me, I’ve been there), they are constantly “checking in,” worrying fearfully about the way they feel. Their mind is filled with racing thoughts, all fearful and upsetting. This way of thinking releases adrenaline into the body, in an effort to provide energy to run or escape the feelings. Can you imagine how much adrenaline is released all day long when a person is constantly thinking fearful, worrisome thoughts about the way they feel? Little spurts of Adrenaline all day long add up. After a while, the body feels drained and feels extremely exhausted.

Picture yourself studying for finals. Studying uses up a lot of blood sugar and the day following the test, one often feels tired and depleted. Now, look at the way you’ve been thinking. As you wake up in the morning, you begin “checking in” fearfully, this self studying continues all day long. Is it any wonder, you feel fatigued, emotionally flat, exhausted and depleted. You’re studying yourself just as you study for an exam. You’re tired, you’re appetite suffers and you feel out of sorts.

How to Overcome Anxious or Adrenal Fatigue

– THOUGHTS: To begin with, understanding is essential. Knowing that everything begins with a THOUGHT. Any fearful thought releases adrenaline, which is necessary for energy in the body. This is why it is so important to watch how you THINK. Learning to interrupt the habit of fearful thinking is key to overcoming the feelings of Adrenal Fatigue that often accompany Depersonalization.

– Food is Healing: Do not skip meals! Food is energy and a missed meal causes the body to release Adrenaline to make up for the lack of nutritional energy. NOT only do you lack nutrition, but feel anxious from the adrenaline coursing through your body. Eat a lean protein with every meal and snack along with complex carbs and good fats. Before bed at night have a complex carb (dry cereal, toast, bagel, oatmeal, or even a few pretzels). This releases the adrenaline (which often drops when under stress) and ensures a good night’s rest.

– Exercise: Mild exercise helps restore a body that has been depleted by stress and worry. It boosts Serotonin (the feel good chemical) in the brain and lifts your spirits considerably. It also, provides more energy to a body that has been sedentary and stimulates a tired mind. Walking is by far the best activity for anyone who has felt exhausted by dpdr. It requires no equipment other than a good pair of walking shoes. Also, leave the “fearful” mind behind and focus on the present moment as you walk  off the fatigue. I had two dogs when I began walking daily and they not only appreciated their many outings but it personally improved my appetite and sleep became easier at night.

– Sleep: Make sleep an important priority without overthinking the idea of having to sleep perfectly every night. The goal is 7-8 hours of sleep. Keep your bedroom cool and have a relaxing nighttime routine. Listen to outside sounds in the distance, or repeat a calming phrase. Naming things alphabetically also tires the brain into falling asleep.

– Calming Exercises: Many find Yoga, TM or Mindfulness exercises to be quite helpful in quieting an overactive mind. This interrupts the pattern of “what if” thinking and gives the mind a rest.

– Avoid Caffeine, Nicotine, Alcohol and Street Drugs: This is essential to de-stressing  an overactive mind and body.

– Supplements: Naturally, confer with your physician before taking any supplement. I personally find that B Complex Stress Vitamins and D3 are very helpful. Don’t begin with a high dosage. Seek your physicians opinion on that as well. Remember, foods supply us with good vitamins as well. Meat, Fish, Eggs, Dairy, Fortified Foods (cereals) supply you with Vitamin B12.

Most of all, understand that so much depends upon letting go of fearful thought and habit. Remember, every moment you are not thinking fearful, worried, “what if” thoughts, your mind is refreshing and your fatigued body is rejuvenating.

Take care and know you are not alone.

Sincerely,

Ronnie Freedman, PhD
Depersonalization Treatment Center
215-635-4700
https://www.depersonalizationTreatmentCenter.com
drfreedman@depersonalizationtreatmentcenter.com
Open 7 Days a Week, 9-9

Symptoms of Depersonalization can be overwhelming, to say the least, but understanding them plays a huge part in recovery.

Let’s begin with the most common symptoms of Depersonalization and Derealization (DPDR):

– Feelings of Unreality, Brain Fog, Disconnected, Detached, Spacey, Fuzzy Mind
– Visual Disturbances, Focusing, Photophobia (light sensitivity)
– Inability to Concentrate, Inability to retain information, memory difficulties, loss of focus
– Sleep Difficulties, Inability to fall asleep and remain asleep, early waking, unrefreshing sleep
– Feeling Wired and Tired, Tense, Anxious and Fatigued at the same time.
– Loss of Appetite
– Lightheaded, Dizzy, Off Balance
– Emotionally Flat
– Anxiety
– Heightened Symptoms in Morning (Fuzzy mind, exhaustion, Lightheaded, anxious)
– Sugar and other Carbohydrate Sensitivity (tiredness), Minor Hypoglycemic Reactions
– Feelings of Frustration
– Irritability
– Strong Feelings of Fatigue
– Minor Adrenal (Anxious) Fatigue

The difference between Depersonalization and Derealization:

Depersonalization: Feeling of unreality, detachment and disconnection
Derealization: Feeling that your surroundings look or feel unfamiliar, different or “off” to you.

Cause of Depersonalization and/or Derealization DPDR:

Feelings of Depersonalization and/or Derealization do not appear overnight. They are generally preceded by days, weeks, or months of constant fearful worry about some situation or issue. Without fear, dpdr could not exist.

If an individual is constantly going over a problem in their mind, in a fearful way, the mind eventually becomes fatigued. The more tired the mind becomes, the slower it becomes to focus, retain facts or concentrate. Naturally, when fear enters the picture, it releases adrenaline which only serves to fuel the whole cycle. Fear- Adrenaline- Fear. This is what eventually leads to full blown Depersonalization or Derealization.

The Personality Profile

The person prone to DPDR is someone who:
– Is very Intelligent
– Is an overachiever
– Is a perfectionist
– Follows the rules (the good guys)
– Avoids confrontations
– Reactive personality to Caffeine, Nicotine, Sugar, Alcohol, Medications, Recreational Drugs

With the proper approach, anyone who is struggling with Depersonalization or Derealization is able to learn how to interrupt the intrusive symptoms and by doing so, LOSES THEIR FEAR OF THEM. This is half the battle.

Once the fear is gone and one has the ability to turn off the triggers, the mind is able to refresh and rejuvenate. Clarity returns.

Complete recovery relies on thinking correctly and eating in a specific say for relief of symptoms of DPDR, which maintains balanced blood sugar levels and boosts Serotonin in the brain naturally.

The beginning of recovery is understanding what these symptoms are and the cause of the symptoms. Knowledge truly is power.

Remember, Depersonalization and Derealization are basically the product of a tired mind…not from lack of sleep but the habit of constant fearful thinking. You are not ill. This is a learned behavior that can be easily unlearned.

Best to all,

Ronnie Freedman, PhD
Depersonalization Treatment Center
215-635-4700
https://www.depersonalizationtreatmentcenter.com
info@depersonalizationtreatmentcenter.com
Open 7 Days a Week, 9-9