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