Have you ever experienced moments when everything around you seems unreal or dreamlike? Known as derealization (the sense that the external world is unreal) or depersonalization (feeling disconnected from yourself), these sensations are unsettling yet common among people facing severe anxiety or panic attacks.
Derealization isn’t a philosophical thought experiment or a sign of psychosis. Instead, it’s a temporary, sensory-based feeling—like you’re detached from reality, even though you intellectually know this isn’t true.
According to research, nearly 25% of people experience derealization at some point. It might happen mildly when hyperventilating, standing up quickly, or intensely staring at repetitive patterns. Recreational drug use, including marijuana or hallucinogens, can also induce this feeling.
When derealization occurs without an obvious trigger, it can be distressing and provoke significant anxiety. Many people discover this term through an internet search and feel alarmed by associations with conditions like PTSD, panic disorder, epilepsy, migraines, or even psychosis.
However, experiencing derealization doesn’t necessarily mean you have these conditions. Just like a cough doesn’t automatically indicate a serious illness, derealization usually signals heightened anxiety rather than something more severe.
The challenge with derealization often lies in how we interpret it. Anxiety can magnify worries such as:
- “I’m losing touch with reality.”
- “I have a serious neurological issue.”
- “This feeling will never go away.”
- “I’m not in control.”
Such thoughts can fuel anxiety further, creating a panic cycle. In therapy at SF Stress & Anxiety Center, we address derealization similarly to other anxiety-related symptoms:
- Identifying and challenging negative beliefs.
- Practicing mindful acceptance without judgment.
- Understanding underlying anxieties contributing to these experiences.
By reframing derealization as non-threatening, many clients find its intensity and frequency naturally decrease, making it easier to manage or even eliminating its impact altogether.
If you’re dealing with persistent derealization or anxiety, professional support can significantly help you regain comfort and control.
