Bizarre Experiences of Nausea and Dissociation?
Hello, I'm a 23-year-old female currently taking 50mg of sertraline daily to manage anxiety, a routine I've been following for approximately three months. Occasionally, during my day-to-day life or even while asleep, I experience peculiar sensations akin to dissociation. It feels almost like a fleeting out-of-body encounter, which is then followed by a wave of intense nausea. This dissociative feeling tends to last around 30 seconds, and the nausea persists for about a minute. I cannot identify any discernible triggers for these occurrences. In addition to sertraline, I have a history of being prescribed other SSRIs (always as directed and never concurrently). I did not encounter any side effects with those medications. My medical history is relatively unremarkable aside from a couple of surgeries addressing right-sided thoracic outlet syndrome. Currently, I am enrolled in an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program, which leaves me feeling perpetually fatigued and under stress. However, I noticed these episodes began prior to the start of my studies. I would greatly appreciate any insights or advice!
Answers (1)
2/17/2026, 10:40:35 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing some concerning and unusual sensations, including feelings of dissociation and nausea, especially given your current stress levels from your rigorous nursing program. While these symptoms can be distressing, there are a few insights and manageable steps you can take.
Explanation
Dissociation, which can feel like you're observing yourself from outside your body, is often related to anxiety, stress, or fatigue. It can also be a side effect of medications like sertraline, especially as your body adjusts. The nausea that follows may be linked to the stress and anxiety itself or a response to the dissociative experience. It’s important to recognize that while these sensations are troubling, they can often be addressed with self-care and stress management strategies.
Next Steps
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Start keeping a simple log of when these symptoms occur, including the time of day, your activities, and your emotional state at the time. This can help you identify patterns or potential triggers.
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Stress Management: Since you are experiencing significant stress, focus on incorporating relaxation techniques into your routine. Consider practices such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness meditation, or yoga, which can help ground you and potentially reduce dissociative episodes.
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Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you’re staying hydrated and eating regular, balanced meals. Skipping meals or dehydration can worsen nausea and fatigue.
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Sleep Hygiene: With your demanding schedule, prioritize getting enough restful sleep. Aim for a consistent sleep schedule and create a calming bedtime routine to enhance sleep quality.
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Open Communication: Reach out to a mental health professional or your prescribing physician about these symptoms, especially since they have appeared consistently. They may want to review your medication or explore other therapeutic options.
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Self-Care: Dedicate time for self-care activities that you enjoy, whether they are hobbies, relaxation, or socializing. Balancing study with enjoyable activities can help alleviate stress.
If you notice the episodes become more frequent, severe, or if you develop additional symptoms, it’s essential to discuss this with a professional. Remember, you are not alone in this and finding support can make a significant difference. Let me know if you would like further information on any of these recommendations.
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