Feeling Detached After EMDR Therapy: Seeking Guidance
Greetings, I've created this alternative account to maintain my privacy. I'm undergoing EMDR therapy to address childhood trauma, and while I’ve managed to confront 2 of the 5 identified triggers so far, the journey ahead feels overwhelming. Lately, I've noticed profound changes both physically and mentally. After researching online, I suspect I might be experiencing derealization. This has been a long-term struggle, affecting me for over four years, but the intensity has reached a point where it feels nearly intolerable. Tasks that once seemed easy have become monumental challenges; my home environment is chaotic, and I find myself remaining in bed to avoid confronting the discomfort that arises when I attempt to stand or walk. Here are some symptoms I'm currently grappling with: - Intense mental fog and a vacant gaze, particularly during movement - Blurred eyesight - Unusual levels of perspiration, even in cool environments - Continuous cold sweats, especially with rapid movements - A sense of dizziness and near-fainting when I attempt to be upright - A racing heartbeat, noticeable in my throat, when I’m on my feet - Significant back pain during physical exertion Additionally, I have some longstanding conditions: - A diagnosis of Asperger’s syndrome - Hand tremors that have puzzled medical professionals; I believe this condition may run in my family - Heart issues that are prevalent on my father’s side of the family For the sake of transparency, as per guidelines, I'm a 21-year-old female. My only supplement is a multivitamin; I’m not on any other medications. I apologize for the lengthy message; I'm feeling quite desperate and frustrated. I genuinely want to consult with a healthcare professional, but in my country, there’s a tendency to dismiss concerns that seem "unserious." I plan to discuss this with my EMDR therapist next Monday. The last time I contacted my doctor, they wouldn't even schedule an appointment, so I wish to gather all necessary information before I attempt to book one again. Could anyone provide insights on what might be happening to me? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Warm regards,
Answers (1)
4/3/2025, 7:01:04 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm glad you reached out during this difficult time; your experience of feeling detached and overwhelmed is significant and deserves careful consideration. It's understandable to feel frustrated, especially when facing both physical and mental challenges, and it's positive that you're seeking support.
Main Points: You may be experiencing symptoms of derealization and anxiety, which can be intensified by EMDR therapy and your existing health conditions. It's important to recognize these feelings and prioritize self-care strategies while preparing to discuss your symptoms in detail with your therapist and doctor.
Explanation: Derealization is a common response to trauma, stress, or anxiety; it can create feelings of detachment from your surroundings or yourself. The physical symptoms you described, such as intense mental fog, blurred vision, excessive sweating, dizziness, and racing heartbeat, can all be associated with high levels of anxiety and panic responses. Given your connection to childhood trauma and the challenges you're currently facing with EMDR, it’s not unusual for these feelings to resurface or intensify.
Your longstanding conditions, including Asperger's syndrome and family history of heart issues, may also contribute to the complexity of your symptoms. It's crucial to approach this holistically, recognizing how both mental and physical health can intertwine.
Next Steps:
-
Document Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed log of your symptoms, noting when they occur, their intensity, and any triggers. This information will help you in discussing your experience with your therapist and doctor.
-
Practice Grounding Techniques: To manage feelings of derealization and anxiety, try grounding exercises. Focus on your senses: identify five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste.
-
Engage in Gentle Movements: If it feels okay, try to incorporate gentle movement into your daily routine, like stretching or light walking, to help with the dizziness and discomfort. Even small steps can create a sense of accomplishment.
-
Manage Stress and Anxiety: Explore calming activities such as deep breathing, meditation, or soothing music. These practices can help reduce your symptoms of anxiety, especially when facing overwhelming feelings.
-
Prepare for Your Appointment: When you see your therapist next week, express your concerns clearly, focusing on how the emotional and physical symptoms are impacting your daily life. This will help them understand your situation better and tailor their approach.
-
Self-Care: Prioritize rest, nutrition, and hydration. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule can also help with mental clarity and physical wellbeing.
Remember, you're taking important steps towards healing, and it's okay to seek help and express your frustrations. You're not alone in this journey. If you need further clarity or assistance with specific self-care techniques, feel free to ask. Wishing you strength as you navigate this.
Related Questions
Navigating Alcohol Consumption While on Antidepressants
I am currently prescribed Escitalopram at a dosage of 10mg and Trazodone 50mg, which I take before bed for my mental health. Additionally, I use Clonazepam to help manage my anxiety. Earlier today, I joined a few friends for a social gathering where we had some drinks. I informed them that due to my medication, I usually avoid alcohol; however, I opted to have a single beer so I could participate in the festivities without feeling out of place. Now, approximately three hours later, I do not sense any lingering effects of alcohol. If there were any, they are quite subtle. My question is: Is it safe for me to take my medications in light of this?
Concerns About Potential Brain Damage at 16
To begin, I’d like to clarify that I’m currently located in Europe, where I observe that many individuals in my environment engage in more extreme behaviors than I do, even as I strive to partake in social activities without crossing the line into recklessness. My journey with alcohol commenced at the age of 14, albeit in a very mild manner. By the time I turned 15, I started drinking more regularly, making sure to space out my experiences approximately weekly to monthly, totaling around ten instances of intoxication. Notably, I noticed I had an adverse physical reaction to alcohol—specifically, skin flush the following day—which prompted me to transition to cannabis as it felt easier on my body. I limited my cannabis use to weekends while adhering to similar spacing, with one exception. At 16, I found myself smoking almost every day for a week after a particular incident, but I was able to regain control thereafter. When I was 15, I also experimented with psilocybin mushrooms on two occasions, which proved to be positive experiences and made me realize I needed to cut back on alcohol consumption. Recently, I had a successful experience with 150 micrograms of LSD after careful preparation. This evening, I intend to consume half an edible instead of resorting to drinking or smoking, aiming to increase my intervals between substances to once a month at a minimum while maintaining a healthy lifestyle as an athlete. Despite my efforts, my naturally anxious disposition makes me concerned about anything that may cause irreversible damage to my brain, including, for instance, excessive screen time. I would greatly value insights from professionals regarding these worries. For context: I’m 16 years old, assigned female at birth but have been on testosterone for seven months, standing at 5'4" and weighing 125 pounds.
Concerns about HSV Transmission During Nasal Suctioning for My Baby
Recently, I experienced my first cold sore at the age of 29, appearing at the edge of my lower lip. With a three-month-old infant, I have been particularly cautious, believing that the herpes simplex virus (HSV) is transmitted solely through direct contact. I made sure to avoid kissing my baby and kept my distance. On her three-month birthday, she woke in the early morning with significant nasal congestion. Feeling exhausted, I instinctively reached for the Frida nasal suction, my usual go-to in such situations. While using the device, I made sure my cold sore was not in contact with it. Typically, I only use the suction in her nostrils, afterward blowing air onto my hand to check for any mucus and then continuing the process. However, as I performed this task, I began to question whether I was potentially spreading the virus; my research revealed that HSV can indeed be transmitted through saliva. Although most of my usage was suctioning, I realized I had occasionally blown into the tube to assess its effectiveness before resuming suction. Naturally, I'm feeling anxious and regretful for not thoroughly considering the risks involved. Additionally, I learned that my illness may have contributed to my cold sore, and now I suspect my baby may also be coming down with something—her first cold has me quite worried. I took precautions by wearing a mask, and throughout the week, she seemed unaffected. Being a breastfeeding mother, I hope she has received ample antibodies to help her. I would greatly appreciate any insights on whether I need to be alarmed or if there are specific signs I should monitor. Thank you for your assistance!
Uncertainty Surrounding My Health Incident
I am a 15-year-old girl currently battling a cold, and I also have a confirmed diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Additionally, I suspect I may have POTS, although that's not officially confirmed. Earlier today, I got up to visit the bathroom, which requires navigating around twenty steps from the living room. As I stood up, I noticed my vision starting to blur, but that’s a familiar sensation for me, so I didn’t think anything was amiss. Upon reaching the bathroom, my eyesight faded to complete darkness. Losing my sight entirely isn’t unusual for me, and while frustrating, I merely found it bothersome rather than alarming. Once inside, I turned on the light, and although I couldn’t see it illuminating the room, I heard the click of the switch, indicating it was on. I then attempted to locate the sliding door to close it. However, I misjudged the doorway completely on my first try. I felt it was odd, yet I dismissed it and tried again, but I encountered the same issue. After my second attempt, I experienced significant trembling in my limbs, so intense that I realized I was on the verge of falling. To prevent that, I quickly lowered myself to the floor, remaining blind to my surroundings. After about five seconds, my vision began to return, and I noticed my legs were still shaking. A few seconds later, the shaking subsided, and I regained control over my body. I stood up right after, feeling relatively assured that it wouldn’t happen again, but I opted to sit for safety's sake. This event occurred just a couple of hours ago, and thankfully, it hasn't recurred. Although my vision tends to dim when I stand, that is a typical occurrence for me, and I’ve since retained partial sight. I did not lose consciousness during the incident and have clear memories of the entire experience, without confusion or disorientation afterward. Notably, epilepsy runs in my family; my aunt has it, and my mother’s cousin experienced several seizures a few months back, although he hasn’t had any recently. Personally, I have never fainted, though I’ve come close multiple times. It’s important to mention that I’ve never experienced a seizure before, and I remain uncertain whether what transpired was a seizure or something different altogether.
Navigating the Fine Line Between Anxiety and ADHD: Seeking Insights on Dual Diagnoses
At 28 years old, I find myself seeking a better understanding of whether my primary challenges stem from anxiety, ADHD, or perhaps a combination of both. From a young age, I have experienced difficulties with focus, restlessness, impatience, and discomfort in social situations. These challenges didn’t suddenly arise in adulthood; instead, I recall struggling to pay attention in class, often needing to reread material multiple times. I frequently felt as if my brain was racing, easily becoming overwhelmed by background noise, conversations, or any form of pressure. Currently, reading continues to be a struggle, as I often rush through texts without fully absorbing the information. The same pattern emerges in tasks like problem-solving and programming—I require repeated attempts to truly grasp the concepts. In addition, I have dealt with considerable anxiety throughout my life, characterized by fears of being judged, persistent worry, heightened alertness, compulsive behaviors like constant checking, and physical manifestations such as agitation and a racing heart. After consultations with various healthcare professionals, I was diagnosed with anxiety, leading to medication that I began taking about a year ago. This treatment alleviated some fears and allowed me to function better, yet the fundamental challenges related to focus, motivation, impatience, and mental agitation persisted. When I abruptly halted the medication, my anxiety symptoms returned with a vengeance. My current psychiatrist initially viewed my situation as stemming from anxiety and traits of OCD, recommencing treatment for anxiety. However, by our third appointment, considering my symptoms have been present since childhood and the anxiety treatment only provided partial relief, he proposed that ADHD might be the root issue, suggesting that anxiety could possibly be a secondary concern. Thus, I am now prescribed medications addressing both anxiety and ADHD. What complicates my understanding is the significant overlap in symptoms: - Persistent mental restlessness and a sense of being "on edge" - Challenges in maintaining attention and completing tasks - Low drive, tendencies to avoid tasks, and procrastination - Social anxiety coupled with fear of judgment - Feeling overwhelmed by sounds, conversations, or stressors - Anxiety medications mitigate fear but do not resolve focus issues or cognitive restlessness I seek clarity on the following questions: 1. How do medical professionals distinguish between adult ADHD and anxiety disorders when the symptomatology is so intertwined? 2. What methods can help determine if ADHD is the primary issue rather than anxiety taking precedence? 3. Is it typical for ADHD, particularly when undiagnosed since childhood, to predominantly manifest as anxiety in adulthood? 4. How can one assess whether ADHD medication is effectively making a difference, especially with concurrent anxiety symptoms? Any professional insights on delineating these conditions in adults—especially when their roots appear to date back to childhood—would be immensely beneficial. Thank you for your attention and assistance.