Mental health is being talked about much more than it once was. Although the stigma is certainly still there, it’s slowly beginning to crumble. Because of the onslaught of information that we have these days in regard to mental illness, we know about all the big symptoms to look out for.
On the flip side, there are still symptoms that people just aren’t talking about. There are certain signs of a mental health disorder which you could be experiencing without fully understanding what’s happening to you. It’s important that you keep a close eye on your mental health, and these are the 2 biggest symptoms of mental illness you’ve never heard of.
What are They?
Have you ever felt like you walking around in a dream, just doing things without even thinking about them? Or maybe everything around you doesn’t feel real, or it seems like you’re reliving a memory rather than real life. This sensation is known as disassociation.
This, however, is more of a blanket term that can be broken down into 2 symptoms – depersonalization (DP) and derealization (DR). Both are similar but still have distinct differences.
These symptoms can turn someone’s life to complete chaos. They can feel like they aren’t capable of enjoying life or of going out, and often feel like they have no control over themselves. Sufferers can feel detached from themselves or from the world around them, as well as feeling groggy and hazy.
Derealization
As we said before, although they’re similar, these two things are quite a bit different from one another. Derealization is the detachment from your surroundings. Sufferers can feel like they’re making their way through life in a dream-like state.
Depersonalization
This is arguably the most disturbing of the two. Depersonalization is the feeling of being detached from your own body and mind. People suffering from this can feel like they’re just watching life happen in front of them, as if through a foggy window.
Why Do They Happen?
Like many psychological symptoms, these are a defense mechanism. They can be attributed to stress, trauma, or the inability to cope with life. Depersonalization and derealization are the mind’s way of shutting off for a bit to give it a rest from the stress of the outside world.
In most cases, it’s a temporary feeling that passes with time. Until it does pass through, normal things can become exceedingly difficult. You can find it harder to process information, read, write, speak, or get everyday tasks done.
These two things can also come hand-in-hand with some other, less than pleasant symptoms. These can include sensory overload, drowsiness, weakness in the body, and difficulty concentrating.
What Can You Do About It?
It can be difficult to pull yourself out of a dissociated state. You may not be able to make yourself feel 100% better straight away, but there are small things that you can do which will help. Do some deep breathing exercises, focus on your 5 senses, and remove anything that’s overstimulating such as your glasses or bright lights.
The most important thing that you can do is to remind yourself that you are safe. Allow yourself the time to breathe and relax again. As well as that, always try to bring your attention back to reality and your body by concentrating on what you can see, hear, smell, touch, and taste.
It can be easy to overlook these symptoms, but if you’re experiencing them it’s important to take them seriously. Check in with a healthcare professional to rule out any serious mental health issues. Although you can experience these without a mental illness, they can also be a symptom of something bigger.
Share this article with your friends and family. Anyone can experience these symptoms and we all need to be on the lookout for them.
