Anxiety and Stress Forum - feeling as if in a dream

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Q: feeling as if in a dream

asked by: lexroxjax on July 3rd, 2008

New User

Hello, this is my first post and I'm hoping to find some friends who are familiar with anxiety disorders.
I have been diagnosed with GAD and Obsessional thinking (no compulsions). I am 39 and truly feel that I live w/ my anxiety disorder the best that I can, I can feel pretty happy and under control, thank goodness.
My 10 year old daughter has shown signs of Separation Anxiety Disorder and GAD for years, but very mild. She responds very well to the suggestions that my psychologist suggested.
However, I am now confused by a new "symptom". She is complaining this summer that she feels like she is "in a dream" and that she is not "really a person, and no one is really here". She seems happy, but I can see that this is bothering her. It started the last day of school, and I think it has something to do with the transition into summer vacation. The poor thing wants to be happy and enjoy the summer, but she is "stuck". When I ask her what is her worst fear, she says that she, or someone she loves, will get sick or die (common in GAD). She says that she just wishes this "not myself" feeling could leave her alone. I don't get this "dream" thing. Any advice or insight is very welcome!!!

Replies(7)

jgill917

replied on March 26th, 2009

New User

i know exactly what she is talking about

i have also dealt with this. i am scheduling to see someone about it this month. but i have been there too. it is a terrible feeling. you feel like your heads clouded and that everything going on around you isn't really happening. and that maybe your asleep. its a terrible feeling.

literarypractice

replied on April 7th, 2009

Experienced User

It's anxiety.

It's a symptom. She might also be lonely.

Karina2410

replied on June 16th, 2009

New User

I experience the same!

Hi, I have and am suffering from anxiety disorder..started of with panick attacks and am now having obsessional thoughts...such as your daughter! I think..Is everything a dream, everyone around me? what is when i wake up and everything is different. It bothers me a lot when i am alone. not so much when i am busy with work. If someone has a good advise on what to do about this...pls I am happy for any help!!

markgowers

replied on June 17th, 2009

New User

This is my reply from a similar thread, ignore the marijuana part:

If you're still reading this thread, these feelings are totally normal. I went through anxieties when I felt that too and I thought "oh no, what if I won't feel normal again?"

It tells you to just accept the feelings, and you'll just forget. It sounds easier said than done but just accept they're normal, and then you'll feel normal (because you won't be thinking about it).

A good example is if you think of your socks... you don't notice them at all, but when you think about them, you can't help noticing the feeling of it on yuor foot. It's the same as wearing glasses.

Obviously stop the weed, I've done it quite a few times in my mid teens and late teens.

But yes, it's just a form of anxiety and it'll go away. Read the link! It helped me.

jdb1290

replied on July 22nd, 2009

New User

i dont know how to explain the feeling i get but it comes over me all of a sudden out of no where i start feeling light headed and i feel like im in a dream but u also feel nauseated at the same time and if i just lay down or sit down it will slowly go away and i will feel like myself again i dont know what it is but it scares me. im 19 years old i also notice when it does happen to me and someone is talkin to me i dont pay attention and then i realize im going through another spell i dont know i just feel wierd when it happens does anyone know any answers for me.

JLynn005

replied on July 23rd, 2009

New User

I am 22 and that "in a dream" state has been happening to me since I was 14. I have been diagnosd with GAD and mild OCD and I take Zoloft 100mg. The medicine cuts the dreamy state drastically.Now i only feel like that maybe once a month.Feeling like that can be a little scary at first but you get used to it and you just have to keep telling yourself youll be ok and before you know it, it wont bother you anymore. Try putting your daughter in a support group with kids her age. It helps!

beardog

replied on September 16th, 2009

New User

It is called derealization - it is very hard to describe and relate to if you have never felt it, but it is just a less common symptom of anxiety. Don't worry, let her know that it is just something that will pass if she tries to realize shes not the only one that feels that way and it is a normal, if uncommon, human feelking

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