Panic Attacks and Depersonalization-Derealization
Anxiety disorders can lead to a ripple effect that can create some very confusing mental states. Panic attacks are among the most common of these states and they are among the most frightening. Since panic attacks are similar in nature to respiratory problems and heart ailments, it is no surprise that they can make people feel extremely frightened and uncomfortable. However, there are other serious aspects to severe anxiety one can experience when dealing with extreme anxiety. They are depersonalization and derealization.
Depersonalization is, essentially, a form of anxiety induced out of body experience. That means the person experiencing depersonalization feels completely detached from his or her physical state. Instead of being one of both body and mind, a mental state develops where the individual seems detached and removed from their physical being. Of course, this is merely a pained mental state that is the result of extreme anxiety and confusion.
Derealization is a bit different from depersonalization, the person has a greater sense of being disconnected. They don’t feel like they are disconnected from their bodies. They feel totally disconnected and separate from their environment that is around them. People may assume this creates a euphoric feeling, but it doesn’t. It creates a state of confusion and disorientation. Many people, who feel disconnected from the environment they are in, will realize fairly quick that all is not as it should be and panic over this. The same goes for depersonalization.
You should not automatically conclude that panic attacks only are a reaction to fear on the anxiety disorders above. Fear and panic attacks go hand-in-hand though. And most assuredly, an individual in the midst of depersonalization and/or derealization will certainly feel afraid. Since the person is completely unaware to their surroundings, the panicky feeling often reaches too high a level. At this level it is hard for them to cope.
Additionally, a sense of panic is dangerous enough when the person is at least grounded in reality. With depersonalization and derealization, the individual is does not have the luxury of feeling the benefit of being grounded in reality. This, in turn, makes for an even more frightening scenario.
Some may wonder what can cause such disorienting scenarios. The reasons are varied. Some have blamed traumatic events on such problems while others have stated chemical imbalances in the brain are the culprit. Of course, it is also possible that a combination of manner factors can lead to the problems. But, regardless of the origin of the problems, it is necessary to take the steps required to reverse the problem.
Locating the reason that the anxiety is happening and eliminating it, will make the derealization, depersonalization, those panic attacks to go away. Because the anxiety is the base of all of these issues, eliminating it will most likely get rid of the other problems too. It does take therapy to make this happen.
There are many kinds of treatment available. There is drug therapy, various alternate therapies, and psychotherapy can be found. No matter which way a person decides to be treated, it is vital to search out the cure that will work for them to get rid of these problems, and thus set them free from the suffering.