Monthly Archives: October 2017

Depersonalization and Substance Use

Anyone who is prone to feelings of depersonalization is also quite reactive to outside stimuli, and therefore must be aware of the reactions one might experience after substance use and why full clarity of mind is dependent upon avoiding certain substances, for good reasons.

It is helpful to know just how reactive you may be in order to counter this reactivity and avoid having to face intrusive symptoms of depersonalization, derealization, anxiety and other physical and emotional interferences.

Lastly, it’s important to learn how to interrupt feelings of depersonalization and derealization so your mind refreshes and clarity and peace of mind return.

Let’s begin with the definition of Depersonalization and Derealization:

– Depersonalization is basically a mind that has become extremely fatigued due to prolonged fearful worry. This tired mind creates feelings of detachment, unreality and disorientation, as if separated from the world and the people in it.
– Derealization is when one’s surroundings appear unusual, different, distant, strange and a bit “off.”

Neither is an illness. What one is experiencing is the results of an exhausted mind which is basically a learned behavior/habit that may simply be treated and remedied when approached in a very specific manner.

Anxiety usually accompanies this sensation and helps to fuel the symptoms.

The mind is basically waiting to refresh as soon as one learns to move out of their own way. Learning to make the proper corrections concerning the way one thinks along with specific nutritional changes, enables one to interrupt the symptoms and learn to step out of their own way, allowing the mind to refresh and clarity to return.

Substances Adding to the Feelings of Depersonalization, Derealization and Anxiety:

Marijuana: This seems to be one of the strongest triggers of depersonalization as it simulates the sensation of detachment and fogginess at the same time. Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC properties, which enhance the euphoric high, are not regulated and might range from small amounts to much higher percentages. The problem is that one is not aware of the percentages and therefore might not experience its affects until they have smoked or ingested large amounts.

Pre-Workout Formulas: These seemingly innocuous and vitamin enriched substances often contain large amounts of chemicals that share identical properties with caffeine. This serves to energize and allow the individual to assume they are building a stronger body, when in truth it is merely a temporary assumption created from the enhanced stimulants in their body. The mind and body become rapidly dependent on these formulas and to add insult to injury, many double up on dosages believing it will speed up the process. Unfortunately this only maintains a greater dependency and physical addiction which culminates in a difficult physical and emotional crash upon discontinuation of the formula. The person is left in an exhausted, low energy frame of mind and body, struggling to make it through the day. Other side effects which accompany use of this substance are anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, hair loss and feelings of unreality (depersonalization).

Alcohol: Many who experience life’s difficulties often begin using alcohol in an effort to self medicate, in amounts that often create more physical and emotional issues. Alcohol is high on the glycemic scale and this large content of sugar creates initial euphoria which always results in a very steep crash. One experiences heightened anxiety, depersonalization, insomnia, sweating and trembling.

Antidepressants and Antianxiety Medications: Remember that the individual prone to both anxiety and/or depersonalization is highly reactive to outside substances. It’s most important to recall that medication is number one on that list. This means that while someone who is less reactive may tolerate an antidepressant or antianxiety medication and feel generally well while doing so, but those who are more reactive may experience many of the adverse reactions (side effects) rather than the benefits of these medications. Withdrawal may also be a problem when deciding it’s time to discontinue use. This often leads to feelings of increased anxiety, fogginess, depersonalization, derealization, headaches, insomnia, and nausea. Dependence may also a problem with these medications along with severe and difficult withdrawal reactions.

Adderall: This medication contains a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine and is primarily used for those seeking help for ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. This is appropriate when the exact protocol as prescribed by your physician is enforced, but unfortunately many are using these medications in a sporadic manner, for example, during final exams, term papers, and projects that require increased mental stimulation. This is when the mind and body experience withdrawal symptoms and severe side effects such as panic attacks, anxiety, depersonalization, derealization and other generalized anxiety symptoms, as the mind tries to maintain balance.

Understanding and Solutions

  • One must immediately realize that they are reactive in nature and begin learning how to make the correct life changes to compensate for this heightened reactivity.
  • A proper approach to desensitization of an overactive mind and body through a specific program will begin to lessen the affects that substance use has created.
  • Changing the way one perceives these reactions is imperative and immediate steps taken to correct the new intrusive behaviors.
  • Avoidance of all the above substances is best observed although stopping cold turkey is prohibited and will only lead to further discomfort. Instead, use of a protocol by your prescribing physician will painlessly help you slowly withdraw from use.
  • Learn how to follow the specific steps to overcome Depersonalization, Derealization and Anxiety so it is completely and permanently eliminated. This is not difficult but quite specific in nature.
  • Understand that you will always be reactive to many outside substances and lead your life around this fact. The choice is always yours and experiencing the return of clarity and peace of mind through the proper corrections and approach is well worth the effort.
  • Also, cut back on Caffeine and Nicotine. These are also chemical substances that interrupt a peaceful existence.
  • Choose to eat less Sugar as this too can be overstimulating and interfere with a true sense of well being.
  • Exercise in moderation. Most who are using pre-workout formulas are young and healthy and do not require the extra boost. Trust that your body will know its limits and enjoy exercise rather than pushing it too far beyond reasonable limits.

Most of all, understand that these outside substances carry more of a long term risk than you can imagine. Your body is set up in a natural way to meet all the needs you require. By adding chemical substances you are tampering with the delicate balance of both mind and body, and it often takes quite a while to regain this natural balance.

Do not lose hope as this is a process that must be followed specifically for full recovery to occur. Stick with it and know that every moment you are following the proper steps, making the right corrections, your mind and body will be refreshing, leading to a full return to clarity and complete peace of mind.

 

For more information concerning the proper steps towards complete and permanent recovery from Depersonalization/Derealization feel free to contact our office:

Depersonalization Treatment Center
Ronnie Freedman, PhD
http://www.depersonalizationtreatmentcenter.com
Office Phone: 215-635-4700
Office Hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (EST)
drfreedman@depersonalizationtreatmentcenter.com

Online Coaching Available
MP3 Program Downloads

 

 

 

Overcome Fear of Doctors and Hospitals

One of the most common fears is the anxiety one experiences over the prospect of seeing a doctor or going to a hospital. It is generally known as “White Coat Syndrome” and the symptoms of this anxiety always diminish and disappear after the visit is over.

Symptoms of “White Coat Syndrome” may be any one or multiples of the following:

– Racing Heart
– Spike in Blood Pressure readings
– Sweating
– Anxiety
– Panic
– Trembling
– Dry Mouth
– Advance worries thinking about it
– Stomach Upset
– Dizziness
– Loss of Appetite
– Sleep Difficulties

It’s important to remember that any fear induced experience is always triggered by your thoughts concerning the event. It is dependent solely on what you are telling yourself. Maybe as a child you experienced a difficult time at the doctor’s office or inside a hospital background. This alone might have created a strong impression or imprint on your mind. Whenever you thought of going to a doctor or hospital, the memory was enough to trigger a fear reaction. Therefore, this became your behavior, your reaction to a thought surrounding the possibilities of the event. This makes perfect sense but just because your mind claimed this early behavior, does not mean it is too late to change and eliminate it. One always has the opportunity to change learned behaviors and replace them with more positive ones.

Breaking Habits, Changing Behaviors

This is how one goes about making that change and deliberately creating a positive experience to overwrite the negative one:

– Always eat a protein based meal before going to your appointment. This will create balanced blood sugar levels to create a less reactive mind and body.

– BREATHE: This is one of the most important steps to overcoming fear in any stressful situation. Most people either hold their breath or overbreathe when upset. Take one slow breath in through your nose, hold it a few moments and take a long slow exhalation through your mouth. When you do so, envision all the burdens of fear you’ve been carrying on your shoulders lift with the exhalation. You’ll immediately feel as if a heavy weight has been lifted off your mind, as you become much lighter and relaxed.

– Watch your inner dialogue: Make sure you are viewing this situation from the correct perspective. You are going to a medical facility to improve the way you feel. Never allow this goal out of your focus. It’s about moving towards good health, not creating a negative experience.

– Know that most medical procedures are painless nowadays, including dentistry, so you will most likely avoid any pain or physical hardship.

– Remind yourself of the fact that if it was such an awful experience no one would ever go in the first place.

– Remember that doctors are people. You can talk to them, tell them your fears and even engage in normal conversation to lighten the experience. Engaging with your doctor as another person always easing the tension.

– If you feel the tension building into a panic episode, let it go by welcoming the feelings rather than pushing them away. Anxiety is a paradox. By running from it, you increase its power. By accepting it, even welcoming it, you drain its strength which is fueled by adrenaline and released in response to your fearful thoughts.

– Know that most every visit to a physician’s office or hospital are quite different than what you may have experienced years ago. They are virtually painless and pleasant since the widespread use of the newest instruments and procedures. Even recuperation is more rapid and with much less discomfort due to the high tech and modern approach to most procedures.

Also, understand that the more you do something, the easier the experience becomes. If you have not visited a doctor’s office or hospital recently, the experience might seem daunting to you. Going on a day when you have a simple or non-emergency reason to be there will often help you relax and build up your emotional muscles about the experience.

Many have found that volunteering at hospitals helps them a great deal. They become familiar with the surroundings and the experience settles into more of an every day, casual event. They share friendships with others who work there (professionals and staff), enjoy a stronger connection with their surroundings and prove to themselves that there is nothing out of the ordinary to warrant undue fear about the experience.

Bottom line, you are not alone. This is a difficulty that many go through and have to deal with at some time in their lives. With the proper approach these fears can be overcome and easily remedied. So much depends upon your perspective and thoughts concerning the experience. Learning to make a few simple changes in the way you approach these situations can actually turn a fearful memory of your past appointments into a pleasant experience of your present ones.

For further information concerning depersonalization, anxiety, fears and symptoms feel free to contact us at:

Depersonalization Treatment Center

Ronnie Freedman, PhD
Office Phone: 215-635-4700
Office Hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (EST), 7 Days a Week

http://www.depersonalizationtreatmentcenter.com

info@depersonalizationtreatment.com

Online Coaching Available
MP3 Program Downloads

Anxiety and Ringing in Ears (Tinnitus)

It’s not unusual to become aware of a background hissing or ringing in your ears when you are upset, stressed or in a very quiet room. This hypersensitivity occurs when your brain becomes reactive and your body goes into “fight or flight” mode. It may also occur when one has experienced prolonged stress and worry. In essence, all senses are turned onto high alert in order to protect you from a perceived danger. Sights, sounds, smells, touch and generally all of your senses are enhanced and in most cases exaggerated to almost uncomfortable levels.

With this hypersensitivity one becomes consciously and uncomfortably aware of auditory sounds that were never noticeable in the past. It’s as if someone has turned up the sound on your auditory (hearing) system and naturally the more upset one becomes, the louder and longer it persists.

The explanation of Tinnitus (ringing ears) for this is quite simple:

Tinnitus is a ringing, whooshing, hissing or pulsating, throbbing sound in one or both ears (usually stronger in one) that becomes more noticeable under stress, reclining in bed or in a quiet room.

Triggers that often result in Tinnitus:

– Neck difficulties such as Arthritis, or Stiff Neck, Upper Spinal Problems and Cracking Neck Sensations.

– TMJ (Temporalmandibular Jaw Difficulties) caused by Malocclusion (bite off or dental problems), experienced by clicking in jaw, popping sounds while chewing or yawning, exacerbated by grinding teeth while asleep or under stress. Jaw is often sore in front of ear which often extends to head, neck or back. Ringing in ears is also a common symptom of TMJ.

– Anxiety: Reactivity to outside stimuli due to a shock or prolonged period of stress which has yet to be reconciled. Fearful thought follows which often leads to sensitization.

– Sensitization: This is when the mind and body become extremely aware of every sensation which occurs, in an effort to keep one “on guard” in case of danger. This is the brain’s way of protecting you after a period of prolonged stress, which alerts and awakens all your senses to turn up the volume.

The Science: The science behind these sensations is simple to understand and will enable you to use this understanding to release your fears, which often contribute the most to the fueling of the sensation. Anxiety reactions create the release of Adrenaline into your system. This Adrenaline, along with other stress chemicals increase the blood flow in the body and enhances, stimulates or excites certain organs and their performance capabilities. It stimulates the digestive tract, often resulting in IBS reactions. It stimulates blood flow to the face, resulting in blushing and warm flushes. It stimulates or excites your ears and hearing apparatus to turn up the volume and listen for more faint sounds that normally remain softly in the background. This is very noticeable in animals when there ears perk up, listening for threatening sounds in their surroundings. Naturally our ears aren’t noticeably lifting but it’s the identical principle as one goes into alert mode and the volume intensifies within

Tinnitus Solutions

The good news is that this is temporary and easily manageable when approached correctly. Understanding is the first place to go in order to achieve full recovery.

– Often learning the science behind this interruption is enough to calm one down and allow healing to take place. Without fearful thought and contemplation concerning this anxiety related symptom, the mind and body adjust and hearing settles back down to normal intensity. This will happen, when you learn to let go of your fear in a very specific manner.

– The brain actually does adjust to these intrusive sounds as it has its own way of compensating for disturbances such as these. The calmer the individual, the more rapid the adjustment. If you are anxious concerning this, do not fear because there is a very specific treatment where you can learn to settle down and create a less reactive mind and body.

– You may not be aware of this, but the more stressed you become the more intensified the ringing or hissing sounds become as well. This is why many find a loud hissing will often disappear completely after they fall asleep at night and actually soften the following morning, until they begin thinking about it again. Some even find it the ringing is completely gone until they focus on it or remind themselves about it. So much is dependent on how one thinks and the fear surrounding the thought.

– If you suffer with TMJ, visit your dentist and look into appliances you may use when asleep to interrupt grinding and give the jaw a rest. Muscles will relax and this often leads to great relief, not only from tinnitus but also TMJ pain in the face and jaw. Be aware of jaw clenching during the day and consciously relax your jaw and apply relaxation steps to ensure less pressure to this area.

– Speak to your physician about arthritis in neck area and learn physical therapy exercises to bring forth relief from a stiff or cracking neck. Be aware of head posture, keeping chin in rather than jutting out, which is often the habit of stress and tension.

– Remind yourself that anxiety symptoms often lead to Hyperacusis or acute hearing where sounds seem louder and more intrusive when stress is the culprit, regardless of the trigger. Your brain will always adjust if you learn to step out of your own way and learn to specifically relieve the stress.

– Don’t be fooled into believing you have to over-protect your ears by seeking out quiet places and situations. The ears actually require adequate stimulation. This allows the brain to turn <strong>down </strong>the internal volume, resulting in relief of intrusive noise rather than pump it up, which occurs when you seek prolonged periods of forced quiet time.

Bottom line, do not become stuck in sensitization or the fight or flight mode of living. Sensitized individuals are hyperaware and hyperreactive to all outside stimuli. By learning to live in a calmer less reactive way, you are turning down the volume on all levels. Hearing returns to normal as tinnitus fades into the background where it belongs. Reactivity to stressful situations becomes easier to handle when approached correctly and life becomes more enjoyable on all levels.

For further information on this topic and all other topics relating to anxiety and/or depersonalization, feel free to contact us:

Ronnie Freedman, PhD
Depersonalization Treatment Center
Office Phone: 215-635-4700
Office Hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (EST), 7 Days a Week
info@depersonalizationtreatment.com
http://www.depersonalizationtreatmentcenter.com
Online Coaching Available
MP3 Program Downloads