Anxiety: When Nothing Else Feels Real

Anxiety

 

Anxiety: When Nothing Else Feels Real

 

Introduction

 

Anxiety is a complex and often overwhelming mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While its manifestations can vary from person to person, one common experience reported by individuals struggling with anxiety is a feeling of detachment from reality. In this blog post, we will delve into the phenomenon of anxiety where nothing else feels real, exploring its causes, symptoms, and potential coping strategies.

 

The Surreal World of Anxiety

 

Imagine waking up every day to a world that seems distant and surreal, as if you’re watching life through a blurry lens. Your surroundings may appear distorted, and the people and objects around you feel detached, almost like you’re living in a dream. This altered perception of reality is a characteristic symptom experienced by those living with anxiety.

 

Causes of the Disconnect

 

Anxiety is often rooted in a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. The feeling of detachment from reality can be attributed to several causes:

 

  1. Hypervigilance: Anxiety can lead to a heightened state of alertness, causing individuals to focus excessively on potential threats. This hyperawareness can result in a disconnect from the present moment and a feeling of detachment.

 

  1. Depersonalisation and Derealisation: Depersonalisation refers to a sense of detachment from oneself, while derealisation describes a feeling of detachment from the external world. Both experiences can be distressing and contribute to the overall sense of unreality.

 

  1. Cognitive Distortions: Anxiety often distorts our thoughts, leading to negative interpretations and catastrophic thinking. These distorted thought patterns can further reinforce the feeling that nothing is real, as anxiety clouds our perception of the world.

 

Symptoms of Disconnection

 

Individuals experiencing anxiety-induced detachment may exhibit a range of symptoms, including:

 

  1. Feeling emotionally numb or detached from oneself.
  2. Sensations of being an outside observer in one’s own life.
  3. A sense of unreality or living in a dream-like state.
  4. Difficulty concentrating or focusing on tasks.
  5. Memory problems or difficulty recalling past events.
  6. Heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli.
  7. Dissociative experiences, such as feeling disconnected from one’s body.

 

Coping Strategies

 

If you find yourself struggling with anxiety and feeling disconnected from reality, consider these coping strategies to help regain a sense of grounding:

 

  1. Mindfulness and grounding techniques: Engage in mindfulness practices such as deep breathing, meditation, and grounding exercises to anchor yourself in the present moment and reduce anxiety.

 

  1. Seek support: Reach out to friends, family, or a mental health professional for support. Talking about your experiences with someone who understands can provide validation and help alleviate feelings of isolation.

 

  1. Therapy: Consider seeking therapy, particularly Hypnotherapy, which can help identify and challenge negative thought patterns and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

 

  1. Self-care: Prioritise self-care activities that promote relaxation and reduce anxiety, such as exercise, adequate sleep, and engaging in hobbies you enjoy.

 

  1. Limit stressors: Identify and minimise triggers that contribute to your anxiety. This may involve setting boundaries, practicing time management, or avoiding certain situations that exacerbate your symptoms.

 

  1. Medication: In severe cases, medication prescribed by a mental health professional may be necessary to manage anxiety symptoms. Consult with a healthcare provider to explore appropriate options.

 

Conclusion

 

Living with anxiety can be an isolating experience, especially when nothing else feels real. However, it’s important to remember that you are not alone and there is help available. By understanding the causes, recognizing the symptoms, and adopting effective coping strategies, you can navigate the surreal world of anxiety and reclaim your connection to reality. Reach out for support, prioritize self-care, and take small steps towards healing. Remember, there is hope for a brighter and more grounded future.

If you are struggling with anxiety and would like some help or support, arrange a discussion call with us by clicking HERE or by completing the form below.

Barry Leonard
Barry Leonard
05/11/2023
Getting older the stresses and stains of life seemed to catch up with me, that coupled with isolation and lockdown through the pandemic I had lost all desire, drive and direction in my life. I felt flat and lost, lost of confidence and purpose. I knew something needed to change, I needed to change and that’s when Calmer minds came into my life and changed everything.Calmer Minds have been absolutely fantastic start to finish, form first initial consultation all the way through my weekly sessions with after care and support. The experience was very welcoming, friendly and uplifting to let go of a lot of the negative self imposed mental barriers that were holding me back and has helped me gain confidence and self belief back.The process has undoubtedly helped me regain my confidence and self belief back, I handle the stresses of everyday living and a high pressure career with more ease and have actually thrived and performed above a level I haven’t in years.I would most definitely recommend everyone no matter what you’re going through how big or small, go talk to Calmer Minds, working with them has changed my life drastically.
John Gotelee
John Gotelee
24/10/2023
Ricky is an excellent Hypnotherapist with a detailed knowledge of anxiety and fear removal.
Zoe Lewis
Zoe Lewis
22/10/2023
I had 3 very positive hypnosis sessions with Ricky to alleviate my anxiety ( I have severe General Anxiety Disorder ) I have found that I'm now able to cope in situations that I'd never have thought possible and my phobia isn't an issue anymore ( specifically moths/ agoraphobia) I'm now looking forward to my first aeroplane journey tomorrow ( Turkey) Thankyou so much for your support Ricky 😀
Alfie smith
Alfie smith
20/10/2023
Ricky is the best, his techniques really helped with my anxiety leading to my driving test and he still regularly checks in. Such a lovely space which really helped me relax. Would definitely recommend
faye saunders
faye saunders
15/10/2023
Ricky was so reassuring during all the sessions and fully explained the process during our initial consultation which put me at ease and made me feel comfortable.
Lena Dalton
Lena Dalton
12/10/2023
Had two sessions with Ricky. Very professional, friendly and calming. Never had hypnotherapy before but Ricky helped me feel very comfortable straight away. I didn't need to have any more sessions as they helped with my mild anxiety and I haven't had anymore therapy since. 🤗
Rory Albin
Rory Albin
15/09/2023
Anxiety was slowly creeping back, and starting to affect my everyday life. From the smallest of things to even meals out, enjoyable things that shouldn’t be stressful. We had a family holiday coming up and i knew i needed to get this sorted. I went to see Ricky and was instantly at ease, along with being possibly the nicest guy ever, he is calm, happy to listen and a great person to be around, which made it instantly easy to open up and talk through everything, i left it a bit late, but Ricky managed to see me 4 times before we went away on holiday. I’m happy to say we went on our family holiday and we done everything we wanted to do with ease and a new mindset going into each situation. The hypnotherapy sessions were something to behold and i would look forward to them each time. I’ve seen Ricky since being back from holiday and he was honest and said he could see a difference and a new confidence. which made me feel great. Ricky still txts and checks in with me often. He genuinely cares. He genuinely makes a difference. And for that I can’t thank him enough. What a guy and what an positive experience. I would highly recommend Ricky and his services to anyone going through any unwanted anxiety or stress no matter how small. Thanks Ricky.
Annie Thompson
Annie Thompson
09/09/2023
The calmer minds relaxing your driving test nerves download was a big help to me, I used it everyday for 5 days before my practical test and passed first time! After using the download I didn't feel a single nerve for my driving test and anyone that knows me knows how much of a nervous person I am! 10/10 would recommend 🌟
Elysia Dempster
Elysia Dempster
15/08/2023
I really enjoyed your realx claming driving test nerves download it helped me be clam and not stress out also the big thing is it helped me pass my driving test amzing download
Mike F
Mike F
12/07/2023
I am the co-owner of a local driving school. Myself and my other drivers have been using the Test Anxiety downloads on our pupils to great effect. Our pupils have all seen positive changes and the increase in driver confidence is amazing. Many of our anxious pupils have passed their driving test first time with all of them saying the anxiety downloads made a big difference to their mindset. We would highly recommend Calmer Minds Hypnotherapy to everyone.

Take the first step towards a brighter future and book your appointment today!

 

Our highly trained and experienced hypnotherapists deliver exceptional, personalised care to ensure that every client experiences positive, lasting change.

 

Don’t wait any longer, contact us today for expert help and guidance on
your journey to a better, brighter future.

    This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.