Understanding My Experiences with Dissociation and Physical Symptoms
Hello everyone! I'm 15 years old and I’ve been grappling with intense feelings of dissociation recently. About two years back, I experienced what I now refer to as a "silent seizure" for the first time. It happened around 2 PM while I was at school in the band hall. Suddenly, I found myself zoning out completely; I was just sitting there, disassociated from reality, until it dawned on me that I couldn’t seem to reconnect with my surroundings. Feeling lost, I turned to a friend and anxiously asked, "Where am I?" She chuckled, unaware of the seriousness of my situation, but I stood up and wandered out of the classroom, aimlessly walking towards the bathrooms. The sensation was akin to being in a dream—you know you’re somewhere, yet you can’t fully engage with the moment for what felt like 5 to 10 minutes. Strangely, I even had the feeling of observing myself from above as I moved through the halls, like a scene from a dream. In a state of panic, I contacted my mom. By the time I managed to leave school, my mind was clearing. She took me to her workplace where a colleague checked my blood sugar levels, revealing it was low. I had eaten that day, so this was unexpected (especially since my mother also faces issues with low blood sugar). This occurrence was unprecedented for me; thankfully, I haven’t faced such low levels since then. In the following weeks, I experienced intermittent dissociative episodes, prompting me to visit a doctor. I underwent blood tests, an electrocardiogram (EKG), and a routine examination. Everything appeared normal, except I was diagnosed with anemia—something my mother and sister also deal with. I walked away from that appointment without any real explanations, and after a while, the episodes subsided—thankfully, a relief. FAST FORWARD TO NOW: (15 years old) (Potentially relevant context) Recently, I’ve been enduring severe heart and chest discomfort. I’ve been noticing irregular heartbeats, sporadic strong pulsations, and sharp pain localized in my heart region and upper right chest. Lying on my side can be quite painful, and sometimes I struggle to take deep breaths. I make it a priority to get a full eight hours of sleep each night, I take daily vitamins, and I’m actively involved in competitive cheerleading, maintaining a healthy fitness level for my height and weight. We sought medical advice again, underwent numerous tests, and, once more, everything checked out fine. My heart was deemed healthy, and all other measurements were satisfactory. Initially, we suspected anxiety might be a factor, but my mom is hesitant to consider antidepressants, believing that my age may limit treatment options. She has recommended that I hydrate more and practice breathing exercises (which is somewhat ironic since I struggle to breathe when these pains occur, yet I don’t argue). UPDATE: During practice today, I unexpectedly experienced my first "silent seizure" episode in two years. It was more disconcerting than I recalled. I lost track of my location again and couldn’t re-engage with reality. It felt as if I was observing those around me from a dream-like vantage point. This realization frightened me, thinking that I had moved past these episodes. It took about ten minutes for me to regain my awareness of my environment. Additionally, this week, I noticed moments of dissociation, albeit not as intense as previous episodes. I found myself vacantly staring, and my vision felt oddly lazy, frequently. It's worth noting that I do not have a lazy eye. I plan to document these occurrences meticulously, and if they persist, I will consult my doctor again. Meanwhile, if anyone has suggestions about what might be happening to me, I would greatly appreciate it. Is this potentially linked to anxiety? I’m genuinely confused about my condition!
Answers (1)
2/7/2026, 3:50:30 AM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your experiences with this challenging situation. It sounds like you’ve been navigating multiple symptoms, including dissociation, heart discomfort, and irregularities. Here’s a summary of what you might consider, including possible links to anxiety and some actionable next steps.
Main Points:
- Dissociation and Physical Symptoms: Your experiences with dissociation and heart discomfort can be connected, potentially influenced by anxiety.
- Monitoring and Documentation: Keeping a detailed record of your episodes and any related symptoms will be highly valuable for your healthcare provider.
- Self-Care Strategies: There are effective strategies you can implement to manage your symptoms.
Explanation:
Dissociation, such as the "silent seizures" you describe, is often a response to stress, anxiety, or even physical health issues. The feelings of disconnect you experience may be your brain trying to cope with overwhelming situations or sensations. Your recent heart symptoms could also stem from anxiety, especially if no physical cause has been identified. It’s quite common for emotional stress to manifest physically, including irregular heartbeats or chest pain.
Given your family's medical history of low blood sugar and anemia, it’s wise to also consider how fluctuations in your physical health could impact your mental state. Maintaining stable blood sugar levels is particularly important since it can influence mood and energy levels.
Next Steps:
- Document Symptoms: Keep a daily journal of your symptoms, noting when episodes occur, their duration, and any triggers (like stress or lack of sleep). This will help in identifying patterns.
- Focus on Hydration and Nutrition: Continue to hydrate well. Since you mentioned low blood sugar previously, consider regular, balanced meals that prevent spikes and drops in blood sugar.
- Practice Relaxation Techniques: Engage in breathing exercises during calm moments and practice mindfulness or meditation to help ground yourself during dissociative episodes. Apps like Headspace or Calm can guide you.
- Increase Supportive Interactions: Talk to a trusted adult or friend about your experiences. Having someone you can confide in can help alleviate anxiety around your symptoms.
- Consult Your Doctor: Share your journal with your healthcare provider during your next visit. Ask about the possibility of anxiety being a factor and discuss both physical and mental health concerns thoroughly.
Closing Thoughts:
Navigating these symptoms can be overwhelming, but you are taking important steps by documenting and seeking guidance. While it might feel discouraging at times, remember that many people experience similar challenges and find effective ways to cope. If your symptoms worsen, don't hesitate to reach out for medical support sooner. Take care, and stay proactive in your health journey.
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