By Ronnie Freedman, PhD

Depersonalization is a disorder that is fueled by the way we think. It is not an illness and does not require medication, especially since the majority of individuals who experience depersonalization are reactive to most outside stimuli, medication heading this list.

One, unknowingly, fuels this disorder by falling into the habit of fearful, negative thought. It becomes a strong, perpetual habit which eventually exhausts the mind, resulting in intense feelings of brain fog, detachment and unreality. Frustration follows, if the individual does not know how to interrupt this habit and allow the tired mind to refresh.

There are many triggers that lead to feelings of depersonalization:

– The stressful habit of fearful worry about one’s health, grades, work or situations.

– A prolonged illness, along with confinement.

– A reaction to a medication.

– A reaction to recreational substances (marijuana, LSD, ecstasy).

– A reaction to alcohol.

– A reaction to caffeine, nicotine, sugar or combination.

Understanding is essential, as far as a permanent recovery is concerned. One must understand that this is not life long sentence and this condition is easily overcome when approached correctly.

Treatment requires a simple yet specific process that must be strictly adhered to for permanent recovery to occur.

Two Step Process:

1 – Thought Changing: Retrain the Brain – One must learn to think correctly by learning to interrupt the habit of fearful “what if” thinking. This requires practice and will result in a mind that refreshes quite rapidly after a relatively short period of time.

2 – Nutrition Plan: Food Correction – This specific food plan and menu ensures the proper nutrients in the correct combination to create a less reactive mind and body. By doing so, one is able to settle down and focus on retraining an overactive mind, allowing it to refresh and rejuvenate. Eating correctly also leads to the natural boost of Serotonin, the feel good chemical in the brain and help to maintain balanced blood sugar levels, resulting in a true sense of well-being.

Full clarity returns when one learns how to use this process that interrupts the behavior that taxes a sensitized mind.

Other helpful suggestions which allow the mind to refresh are as follows:

– Interests–  Losing oneself in interests that fully engage, rather than remaining caught up in self thought and worry.

Volunteering:  Volunteering services to others forces one to engage outside of inward thinking.

– Outdoor Activity–  Engaging in outdoor activity on a daily basis, regardless of weather. Moderate outdoor exercise is therapeutic in many ways. It oxygenates the mind and body and allows light (even on cloudy days) to boost Serotonin levels naturally.

– Mindfulness Meditation – This simple form of meditation, even when practiced for a few minutes a day, brings forth astonishing results. It not only relaxes both mind and body, but allows one to acknowledge (to pinpoint) areas of the body holding muscles tense and tight. By doing so, you are able to instantly release this tension and immediately cap the release of stress chemicals in the body.

One has choices concerning this condition. Making the correct choice leads to a natural and permanent return to full clarity. Learning how to stop fueling the disorder is key to full recovery. It is not difficult and simple to follow. It is natural, effective and allows a tired mind to refresh in short order. Clarity returns, peace of mind replaces tension and fear, and a normal sense of well being resumes.

Depersonalization Treatment Center
www.depersonalizationtreatmentcenter.com
info@depersonalizationtreatmentcenter.com
Office Phone: 215-635-4700
9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (EST) Mon-Sun
Or
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Marijuana Induced Depersonalization: Simple Recovery

by Ronnie Freedman, PhD

Lately there has been an increase in marijuana related experiences of depersonalization disorder, feelings of brain fog, detachment and unreality. One who never experienced disorientation and anxiety becomes frustrated and frightened as the symptoms not only linger but seem to intensify with time.

One does not have to struggle long term once understanding replaces fearful thinking. Relief lies in understanding this situation and learning how to achieve a complete and permanent recovery.

Understanding the Fatigued Mind

No matter what the trigger for these physical sensations, whether prescription medications, recreational drugs, alcohol abuse, or even prolonged stress/ illness, the effects of the initial event will eventually dissipate. Unfortunately, by this time, the mind has become fatigued by the habit of constant fearful worry. This continuous introspection is accompanied by the release of adrenaline throughout the body, heightening already intrusive symptoms and further tiring an already exhausted mind. More fear is induced and the cycle of fear-> adrenaline-> fear begins. A habit is born and if not approached correctly, one becomes entrenched in trapped feelings and fears permanent damage. Nothing could be farther from the truth but one must learn how to interrupt these sensations in order to pick up the pieces and return to normal living.

Two Part Recovery

It is essential to follow a specific therapy process, one which is accelerated and will enable a complete and permanent recovery. This does not involve medication since you are dealing with an individual, who is already reactive to outside stimuli, medication being high on that list.

Retrain the Brain

1- The first step towards recovery, beyond understanding the tired mind, is learning how to allow fatigue to lift naturally. It’s learning how to move out of one’s own way, so the mind is no longer exhausted by the habit of fearful thinking. One must learn how to replace unproductive thought with a more productive way of thinking. This is not difficult but must be followed in a specific step by step process. It generally takes 21 days to form a new habit, if one were to strictly adhere to the new behavior on a daily basis. Allowing for the intensity of habit and the normal “two steps forward, one step back” process of general behavioral recovery, a 2-3 month average for full recovery is expected.

Nutrition Connection

2- The second part of recovery involves nutritional therapy. This includes foods one already has in their own kitchen, bringing forth a noticeable improvement in both mind and body within a short period of time. This approach actually boosts Serotonin levels in the brain naturally and maintains balanced blood sugar levels, leading to a less reactive mind and body. Along with retraining the brain to think in a more productive manner, one finds that life returns to normal as a fatigued mind refreshes and rejuvenates naturally.

There is no need for medication, long term therapy or continuous discomfort when this disorder is approached correctly. With this two-fold approach, one is able to achieve a true sense of clarity and peace of mind by learning to change the way they think, along with a few simple nutritional alterations. By doing so, life returns to normal, as one begins to feel like their “old self” once again.

Dr. R. E. Freedman
Anxiety and Depersonalization

http://www.depersonalizationtreatmentcenter.com

Office Phone: 215-635-4700
Office Hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Daily

info@depersonalizationtreatmentcenter.com
Depersonalization Recovery Program Package available on MP3 Download
Online Coaching Available

Depersonalization, along with anxiety, is often the result of marijuana use, due to the physical and emotional reactions this substance elicits in many individuals. There is a specific approach to combat these reactions and restore both mind and body to a true sense of well being.

Many are now experiencing a disturbing reaction to marijuana, which never occurred in the past. Intense feeling of anxiety replace the initial subdued reaction normally expected.

Many have experienced the following intrusive symptoms after smoking marijuana:

– Increase in fearful thoughts
– Racing heart
– Hyperventilation
– Shaking hands
– Sweating
– Racing Thoughts
– Nervousness, shakiness, and weakness
– Inability to concentrate
– Irritability
– Hunger and/or nausea
– Tingling or numbness in the lips or tongue

The reason for these reactions, although a riddle to many, is the closely related correlation between marijuana use and a low blood sugar reaction. The more one smokes the steeper the crash and the greater intensity of these symptoms. If one is aware of this reaction and compensates by countering the low blood sugar symptoms, the episode is quickly ended and life returns to normal. If, on the other hand, the individual believes they have injured or damaged themselves, fearful worry takes over and eventually could lead to a fatigued mind and feelings of depersonalization.

Depersonalization is a mind tired from the constant habit of fearful worry. It is fueled by one’s anxiety over the way they are feeling and the cycle of worry continues until interrupted by understanding and effective behavior modification. In other words, one must learn to view this from the proper perspective and immediately interrupt the cycle of fearful worry. By doing so, the exhausted mind rapidly refreshes and life returns to normal.

The solution may sound simple but for many the habit of fearful worry may become firmly entrenched and will require more practice for them to believe this is (a) only the result of prolonged worry and (b) simple to rectify when applying the correct method.

Many are convinced they have sustained damage from the substance and wrongly believe they must require medication to combat their perceived condition. This is a misconception since medication will only exacerbation a condition, prevalent in those who are already highly reactive to outside stimuli. They will, as studies have proved, experience the adverse reactions rather than the benefits of most anti-anxiety/anti-depressants on the market today.

The Solution

The solution to this problem is fairly clear for those who experienced this reaction. The first and foremost recommendation is avoidance of this substance as some are more susceptible to these reactions. If one is reactive to stimuli such as caffeine, nicotine, prescription medications, temperature/climate change, or sugar, it is suggested that they would be reactive to marijuana or other substances in this category.

If they have already experienced this reaction, the initial solution would be to treat this reaction as one would treat an episode of low blood sugar.

Low Blood Sugar Remedies

– Immediately drink 1/2 Cup of Orange Juice or 1/3 Cup of Grape Juice
or
– Tablespoon of honey or 1/2 cup of regular soda

Wait 10 minutes and follow with a protein snack such as:

– Cheese (on crackers or whole grain bread)
– Milk
– Nuts, Nut Butter
– Egg
– Poultry, Fish or Meat or Dairy (if tolerated) snack

The protein will maintain solid and balanced blood sugar levels for a longer period of time after the initial sweet snack restored blood sugar levels.

The anxiety and feelings of confusion will abate quite rapidly as one resumes their normal routine.

Long Term Solution

Those who were unaware of this protocol may be plagued with extended feelings of anxiety and depersonalization. This is not difficult to overcome. Once understanding and behavioral modification of the habit of fearful worry is initiated, the mind quickly refreshes, clarity is restored and life returns to normal.

For further information on this topic:

Contact: Ronnie Freedman, PhD
info@depersonalizationtreatmentcenter.com
Office Phone: 215-635-4700
Office Hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (EST)

http://www.depersonalizationtreatmentcenter.com
Depersonalization Recovery Program Package available on CD’s and MP3 Download

Depersonalization, a feeling of unreality often known as brain fog, and is created out of a fatigued mind, a mind exhausted from the habit of fearful worry. It is kept in place by the cycle of fear and will remain there until one learns to break this unproductive way of thinking and behaving. It’s imperative to remember this is not an illness. Depersonalization is strictly a learned behavior, easily remedied when approached correctly.

The individual experiencing depersonalization is most likely also contending with anxiety and frustration (often mistaken for depression) and often prescribed medication, which actually prolongs recovery. The minute medication is discontinued, symptoms return. This is why it is essential to learn the correct way to break the cycle of depersonalization through behavior modification and nutrition. Once again, this is not an illness, which is precisely why medications have very little affect and in most cases exacerbate the situation.

The correct way to approach this stubborn symptom is to look at it for what it is, a tired mind, unable to refresh itself due to the strong habit of fearful worry, which further exhausts. The goal is to refresh this mind, as soon as possible, and free the person from this intrusive symptom.

When the habit of fear is broken, the fuel which maintains depersonalization is removed. The mind is immediately frees itself from the constant release of adrenaline associated with the cycle of fear, depersonalized thought and the exhausted mind.

The plan to refresh the mind is the one and only necessity for full and permanent recovery. It is achieved by a two-fold process:

(1) Learning how to unlearn the behavior of fearful thought and worry.

(2) Implementing a nutrition plan with an emphasis on boosting serotonin levels naturally and maintaining stable blood sugar levels.

This combination allows an exhausted mind to refresh and symptoms fall by the wayside. It is important to unlearn a behavior that is keeping one “stuck” in this unproductive habit. The mind and body are eagerly waiting for the habit of fear to abate so it can refresh and lead to the return of clarity.

Changing the way one thinks and perceives resets the part of the brain that is always reacting to assumed dangers. New behaviors are essential since we are what we think about all day long. Un-learning unproductive thought patterns allows one true control over body reactions, which medication could never achieve.

The nutrition plan ensures a calmer more relaxed mind which contributes to a far less reactive body. Learning to boost serotonin naturally results in less reactivity to outside stresses, better sleep and a true sense of well being. Balanced blood sugar levels create a mind and body where stress reactions are not as easily triggered. Eliminating stressful substances (caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, excess sugars) allows one a mind and body that is far less likely to over-react.

Learning how to unlearn this habit is foremost in recovery and not difficult to achieve. It does not require a long or drawn out process for best results and is actually enjoyable to utilize.

The goal is to break the cycle of depersonalization, remove feelings of unreality and clear the fog. This is easily achieved by adhering to this simple, natural process, with no need for medication or long term treatment.

Ronnie Freedman, PhD
Depersonalization Treatment Center
215-635-4700

http://www.depersonalizationtreatmentcenter.com

info@depersonalizationtreatmentcenter.com
Depersonalization Recovery Program Package available on CD’s and MP3 Download