Following a traumatic event, I have been experiencing persistent anxiety for a week, constantly feeling as though my sense of self is disintegrating.

Hello! I just wanted to say that I'm multidirectional.

Depersonalization is when a person feels unreal to themselves. It's a common experience, and it can make you feel isolated and disconnected from your surroundings. You might feel like you're living in a dream, your thoughts become unclear, and your emotions feel dull. It can impact your social life, making it difficult to work, study, or socialize. Depersonalization is related to dissociation from reality. These two experiences can happen separately or together.

- Information from the Internet

I came across this description of the symptoms of depersonalization and thought I'd share it with you.

You think you are depersonalized, and I think it's because

It's so hard to go through a traumatic event and then have to deal with persistent anxiety for a week afterwards. It's really tough.

It's so hard when you feel like you're not able to connect with your emotions. I've been there, and I know it's tough.

It's totally okay if you don't have any interest in anything right now.

These feelings arise, my friend.

After checking out depersonalization,

It's like the world seems unreal, you know?

It's so hard to feel happy when you're going through this.

It's totally normal to feel less interested in things you used to enjoy.

I can imagine that after you "detected depersonalization," your cognitive and emotional experiences must have changed quite a bit.

I'm sure that before you became aware of and understood "depersonalization," your emotions must have been relatively stable.

I can see that you're feeling anxious because you're not sure about your situation.

It's totally normal to lose interest in things you used to love when you're going through something like this. I can guess that deep down in your subconscious mind, you have a strong resistance (denial) to "disease," and this psychology is transferred to yourself. Everything started when you became aware that you might be depersonalized.

After the funeral, my dear friend,

I'm so sorry you're feeling depressed and afraid of death. I can understand how you might feel that life is meaningless.

The first time I saw it, I was told that it was PTSD and that it would get better in a month. Then, all of a sudden, it got better for two days during my period!

Then, after I got back home, it went on for a little while. I was scared of death, but at the same time, I felt like life didn't matter. I thought about Zs.

I'm so sorry to hear about your experience at the funeral. It must have been really difficult for you to see and feel the meaninglessness of life in that moment.

It'll take a little while to get back to your usual self. It's so important to take some time out to look after yourself emotionally.

I'm not sure why "going back to the old place" makes you feel so sad, but I think there must be a reason. Maybe you could think about whether you've experienced "negation" or had negative feelings and memories in the "old place"?

After that amazing mountain climb, you felt so much better for two whole weeks!

After going back to school, I started to feel a bit unreal again. I couldn't really feel any emotions. It felt like I was living in a dream. I couldn't really feel the passage of time. There was no continuity.

I'm so happy to hear that exercise and the goal of "climbing a mountain" brought you back to life for a little while!

You shared your inner emotional experience after returning to school, and I noticed that your perspective was always on your internal experience, inward, not outward (interpersonal perspective).

I think this might be one reason why you feel like you're living in a dream.

School can sometimes make it hard to do the things you really want to do. It can give you things to do (homework, exams, activities) that you might not really want to do.

You can think of school goals as small steps towards your ultimate goal (if you have one).

What kind of life do you want, and how can you make it happen?

I'm happy to tell you that there's no decline in memory or intelligence.

I'm pretty sure that's not the case, but let's look into it together.

I can assure you that if your "depressive experiences" and "dissociative experiences" don't significantly impact your daily life, they're not considered a disease.

If you feel like your experiences are too much for you to handle, we can definitely think about ways to avoid them.

You want to go hiking, so you go for it! You have an idea (a Sunday goal), and you go for it. And you feel a sense of control over your life return.

The things you've been through have caused a lot of upheaval in your life, making you feel a lot of pain and preventing you from quickly integrating into your current life. It'd also be helpful to see if you've gained anything from this traumatic experience.

We don't just gain pain, we can also gain various growth experiences. From what you've told me, I don't know what the specific trauma is, but I can tell that this traumatic experience is still quite important for you. Your constant anxiety is causing you a lot of pain.

Let your life be filled with worry. You're not interested in anything, you feel like the world is not real, you're unhappy, you have no desire to live, and you have some extreme thoughts. I recommend that you go to the hospital to have a look at all these phenomena.

If you're feeling down, it's probably best to keep moving, find an exercise routine that works for you, and try to stay connected to reality through your senses.

Because you're a real person living in real life, when you feel like you'll never get better, it might just be your negative thinking taking over. It's probably best not to casually label yourself with content from the internet. You have a lot to face yourself, and the present moment is still worth facing. I recommend that you continue with psychological counseling. Good luck.

ZQ?

From your description, it's clear you've been feeling a pervasive low mood for some time. I really want to give you a big pat on the shoulder!

Fortunately, you are able to perceive these things yourself, which is great! And self-perception, the ability to see yourself, is the beginning of self-healing, which is an amazing process.

You're taking the initiative to care for yourself by seeking answers online. This is fantastic!

If the answer is just like the one you got, how can you make it work for you? If not, how can you make it work for you right now?

1. Absolutely accept the event and the emotions!

Traumatic events are events that are beyond the experience of the average person. People may encounter minor or major injuries in their lives, and they will react in different ways—and that's okay!

This is totally normal! And not reacting is definitely not the way to go.

2. Let go of your defenses and explore deeply!

Sometimes people deny their emotions and are afraid of the fact that they are sick. I saw that other questioners mentioned this point, and I also gave it a thumbs up!

There are so many ways to explore your deeper inner self! You can do it through some systematic and professional learning, or you can go to a regular hospital.

3. Have you thought about going to a formal institution for an assessment?

You can find out so much for yourself just by asking the right questions! Sometimes uncertainty can make us feel anxious, but if you want a definitive answer, you can go to a formal institution or hospital.

If you're not quite ready to do all of this, don't worry! You can always try making other adjustments.

4. Express sadness and deal with emotions.

Express your emotions and events in a way that you can accept. For example, write, or vent on a platform, describing your recent events and emotions. It's a great way to get things off your chest and start feeling better!

5. Keep up with your previous exercise routine. If you don't feel like doing something, no problem! Just give yourself a break and try to do it another day. Listen to music, soak up the sun, exercise, binge watch dramas...

6. Physiological factors: It's also important to keep your body healthy and happy!

This varies from person to person, which means there's no need to worry if you're not sure how you'll react. The mood can also be affected by the menstrual cycle, which generally makes people more prone to depression. But don't let that put you off! There are plenty of other factors that can affect your mood, such as seasonal affective disorder, the menstrual cycle, holiday syndrome... all these can make people depressed and vulnerable, but they are not absolute.

7. Give yourself time, but don't do nothing. You've got this! Take your time to digest and get along with your emotions. In addition to looking inward, look outward as well, and give more positive suggestions and responses.

Embrace your youth! It's a wonderful time to experience life and grow. You're getting better and better every day!

Dear Questioner,

In light of your query, I am compelled to extend my sympathies and offer a gesture of solace.

This is a challenging period for you. When these emotions arise, it is evident that you are experiencing significant distress.

From your description, I can discern a powerful underlying force, accompanied by profound sorrow. Concurrently, I perceive a desire for your swift recovery.

This is the resilience and fortitude manifesting in your physical being, including your efforts to extricate yourself from this ordeal through the act of composing a message of assistance here. I empathize with your situation, and it is my hope that, with time, your life will gradually improve.

From your description, it is evident that these reactions originated from a sudden traumatic event. It is unclear whether you have sought psychological assistance following the traumatic event. However, it is certain that this traumatic event has had a significant impact on you.

You are currently in the "grieving" stage. The aforementioned reactions, including anxiety, depression, a sense of loneliness, a loss of meaning in life, an inability to experience positive emotions, and emotional numbness, are all typical reactions to grief.

Furthermore, these reactions will occur during the acute grieving period. It is important to note that grief reactions are instinctive in humans and that grieving does not necessarily indicate weakness or strength.

The proximity of the deceased to the bereaved is a significant predictor of the likelihood of experiencing grief reactions. The use of inappropriate forms of strength can prolong the duration of grief reactions.

It is important to recall the aforementioned assertion that grief is often conceptualized as a linear journey, yet it is not a predictable or linear process. It is not possible to simply resume one's previous state of being after a period of grieving.

In contrast, grief can be conceptualized as a new home, a permanent residence for the living, where they must redefine their lives. A significant loss can result in profound and irreversible changes to one's life trajectory.

Even in the absence of complete resolution of grief, the meaning of life can be reconstructed, and a sense of abundance and satisfaction can be re-established. While the specific ways in which individuals adapt their lives following a bereavement may vary, and as the loved ones lost are also unique, a rekindling of a passion for life is an instinctive pursuit for those who have lost someone.

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The following are methods that may assist in alleviating the distressing circumstances currently experienced. Individuals may select an approach that aligns with their specific circumstances.

1. Seeking the assistance of a professional grief counseling agency is an effective course of action.

2. In the event that one is not yet prepared to do so, it is recommended to write a letter to the deceased when one is able to express one's grief, including one's thoughts and anxieties. It is advised to refrain from paying attention to grammar and to simply write what one wants to express on paper.

This can assist in the organization and articulation of one's emotions. It is also recommended to establish an inner spiritual connection with one's deceased loved one.

3. Engage in mindfulness meditation as a means of stress reduction.

4. Build up your resilience. If, for example, climbing a mountain provides a sense of wellbeing, then identify an alternative activity that has a similar effect.

5. Despite the inability to resurrect our deceased loved ones, it is still possible to construct a meaningful existence in their absence.

It is imperative that individuals who have experienced traumatic events receive psychological intervention and support. Trained professionals are equipped to assist individuals in navigating these challenges and promoting resilience. You mentioned that your school has a school psychologist, which is a valuable resource. Seeking guidance from this professional can be beneficial.

It is important to allow sufficient time for the symptoms of PTSD to manifest, as they do so following a sudden traumatic event. The duration of these symptoms varies considerably, depending on the individual patient.

In general, approximately 50% of patients recover within three months. Other literature indicates that about 30% of patients can make a full recovery, 40% of patients continue to have mild symptoms, 20% of patients have more severe symptoms, and 10% of patients' symptoms continue to worsen without improvement. Therefore, it is recommended that you seek a diagnosis from a psychiatrist at a professional hospital.

It is recommended that you place your trust in the efficacy of professional medical intervention and psychological counseling.

I extend my sincerest wishes for a swift and complete recovery.

Hello! I can totally feel your anxiety, depression, and confusion from your description.

I've seen many doctors, and they all say that depersonalization is unlikely, but I can't help but doubt it!

It's also totally normal to be sensitive to some of your emotional changes and to be able to clearly remember what symptoms you had at what time, down to the day!

At the same time, you can't help but check Baidu for confirmation based on your symptoms, which makes you more and more curious.

I think it must not feel very good. It is obviously very difficult and scary, but there is no reason or solution to be found, which makes people despair. But there is hope! You will get through this.

☺️ Accept your feelings!

It doesn't matter what the diagnosis is, your feelings are totally valid. Give yourself permission to feel this way and don't fight against it!

Absolutely! Something must have happened to make you feel this way, and this feeling is totally reasonable.

Absolutely! Especially after a traumatic event, it is totally normal to have many symptoms.

☻️ Be aware of what you can get if you think like this!

You have this amazing feeling that you're hoping to develop depersonalization! For example, even after the doctor has given a diagnosis, you still keep detailed records of your symptoms and the time points, and verify them on Baidu according to the symptoms.

So, just imagine for a moment what the result would be if you got what you wished for!

I have observed that your symptoms persisted for a relatively long time after you returned to your hometown and school, which gives me the chance to see how you're doing now!

I would love to make a wild guess! Could it be that certain actions of family members have caused you to feel negative emotions towards school or studying, and you have no way to fight back?

And you hope that the way you make yourself sick can temporarily relieve or resist this pressure.

☺️ Don't give yourself negative suggestions!

The good news is that many doctors have made it clear that you are unlikely to suffer from a personality disintegration.

But you still look for clues in every moment of your life, looking for evidence of your illness, such as recording in detail the feelings and duration of your mood changes, like a kind of obsessive repetition.

It seems to keep suggesting to myself that I am sick and I will never get better — but I know I can beat this!

This negative self-talk makes it difficult for you to escape from your emotions, but there is a way out! By recognizing that your negative thoughts are keeping the bad feelings recurring, you can start to change them.

↗️ Focus on the positive!

Trust the diagnosis of a professional doctor, focus on the positive, and give yourself positive suggestions!

It's time to switch up your routine! Try new activities that'll make you feel a little more comfortable.

Think about all the ways you can feel better! Find new ways to relieve your emotions or try new activities, like hiking!

Wishing you all the best!

Hello! I'm sending you a warm hug from afar.

You will feel the anxiety, restlessness, and low mood and lack of motivation that your body and mind experience after a traumatic event.

This is the emotional feeling everyone has when facing trauma. When facing a major loss in life, people respond with emotions first. If an individual overreacts to the emotional response to trauma, they will experience emotional disorders and corresponding physical symptoms. This prevents them from better perceiving and utilizing their own resources and abilities to cope with trauma. They will feel helpless and powerless, accompanied by secondary anxiety, unease, and panic.

Emotions are neither good nor bad. They are the body and mind's instinctive self-protection when faced with danger, harm, and pain. All emotions are functional, especially negative emotional feelings. Accept and get along with the emotions you feel. Explore the needs hidden behind them. For example, you may desire to be supported, accompanied, comforted, and listened to. When you can accept and get along with your emotions, experience and explore the needs hidden behind them, and respond to these needs through your own efforts, the harm that emotions do to you will be reduced.

Tell your close family and friends how you feel. When you express your inner feelings and listen to them, you can sort through your emotions and feelings more effectively. You will realize that you are not alone and that your family is there for you whenever you need support.

Anything that has happened is reasonable. Since any loss has already occurred, accept it. Don't blame yourself too much, because everyone is doing their best in every moment.

Events do not cause pain. Our interpretation of events causes pain. Trauma brings pain in the short term, but it also brings opportunity. It inspires us to think about life, value, and love, and how to live in a better way.

So, accept the temporary discomfort and work on getting along with your feelings. You can also record your feelings, emotions, and moods over time by keeping an emotional diary, which will help you better understand your emotions.

I am Yang Lili, the answerer. I love you, the world.

Hello, questioner.

I would give you a hug from afar if I could.

Warm your anxious and confused heart!

I don't know what kind of trauma you have experienced or how it has affected you.

I want to know why it made you question your own personality.

I'd like to know more about this funeral you mentioned.

I am going to analyze something that may be useful to you, despite my doubts.

If you have experienced a trauma that has caused you a great deal of distress, you may still develop PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).

It is still possible. Let's start by sharing some relevant information:

This symptom produces a series of stress reactions in the form of emotions, thoughts, and behaviors that arise from terrible fear, helplessness, and the loss of loved ones.

The duration of each stage of response is not fixed, but it is a gradual process overall.

Those who survive this process often initially exhibit fear, helplessness, doubt, confusion, and numbness.

Inattention and denial of the facts are the main psychological defenses.

Anxiety and fear will manifest themselves in varying degrees of depression and sadness, as well as physical reactions.

This can result in increased heart rate and blood pressure, as well as changes in sleep patterns.

If a secondary or subsequent stressful event occurs at this stage, it will exacerbate the victim's stress response and lead to a variety of serious psychopathological symptoms.

They undoubtedly exacerbate the victim's stress response and lead to a variety of serious psychopathological symptoms.

These include various degrees of depression, anxiety, suicide, and acute stress disorder (ASD).

The definitive term for this is post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD.

Psychotherapists working with PTSD patients focus on two main areas.

You will experience traumatic memories and the various physical and psychological reactions that occur in dangerous situations.

These situations will persist for an extended period following the disaster.

Psychotherapy typically employs cognitive therapy, exposure therapy, and behavioral therapy.

Psychotherapy methods such as EMDR are the answer.

The main purpose is to allow the victim to recover both physically and mentally in a safe environment.

You must free yourself as soon as possible from the traumatic memories, recurring catastrophic situations, fear, and grief caused by the disaster.

The images, sounds, smells, and inner experiences of the disaster will flood back to the victims' minds over and over again.

They will lose their perception of anxiety and pain, become numb, lose hope for the future, and withdraw from society.

You need to know that

For now, don't follow the online learning and don't try to harden yourself to the label of split personality.

Our ordinary thinking is probing, with assumptions and a search for relevant evidence.

This kind of cause-and-effect thinking limits the breadth of our thinking.

Furthermore, when we have prejudices, we often assume that the prejudiced assumption is true, which causes even more anxiety.

You need to find an authoritative medical or psychiatric institution to conduct a comprehensive scientific diagnosis.

Contact the psychological services at your school for psychological intervention and construction work.

You are wise and courageous to seek help from this platform, which is a rare occurrence.

If you feel isolated and helpless, find a self-help manual on the psychological platform.

I will always support you here, no question!

Hello! I'm happy to answer your question.

Pats the poster on the shoulder to give strength and hope they can get out of this sad mood soon. The death of a loved one is traumatic and can cause depression.

I don't know how close the deceased was to the questioner, but it seems like they were very close.

The closer someone is to us, the stronger the bond we form with them. This bond is about love, dependence, and intertwining lives. It is like a tree growing in our hearts, connected by its roots.

Losing a loved one is like uprooting a tree.

The questioner is grieving the death of a loved one. They will not be able to experience joy or vitality for a long time. This bond of love has affected their current life, making them depressed, unhappy, and even losing motivation to live. It seems that the questioner is using their own pain to mourn the deceased.

Bereavement is a serious loss for anyone. The bereaved usually go through the following five stages:

Stage 1: Denial and Isolation

We can't believe or accept that our loved ones have passed away, so we try to avoid the pain. After a loss, we may feel stressed.

We may feel sad, anxious, alone, helpless, shocked, guilty, and blame ourselves. We may feel tired, have trouble sleeping, be restless, cry, lose our appetite, feel chest tightness, and even feel like we're suffocating. We may have thoughts of disbelief, confusion, and thoughts of the deceased.

People often develop ways to avoid and deny reality. They might avoid situations that remind them of what happened. Some people still refuse to believe their loved ones have died even though they have seen them leave.

Second stage: Anger

We are not ready for reality to hit us again. We feel angry because we are vulnerable. We may even blame God for our loved ones' deaths.

Stage 3: Bargaining

People blame themselves for their loved ones' deaths. They ask, "What if I had done something?" This can make them feel guilty and blame themselves.

Stage 4: Depression

At this stage, we know that nothing we do can change the situation. There is no reason to escape. We will become vulnerable, depressed, and give up on ourselves.

This is the hardest stage. In the worst cases, people may want to die. It's normal to have suicidal thoughts and feel anxious. Talk to your family.

If you can't resolve it, get help from a counselor.

Stage 5: Accepting the truth – feeling sad – feeling better

We have to accept that our loved ones have passed away and express our grief. As time passes, the grief fades and we can then embrace life again.

Grief is a natural response to losing a loved one. Everyone can heal themselves. Loss is painful, and grief is how we grieve.

Most people can get through painful emotions by experiencing, accepting, and allowing themselves to grieve.

People grieve for different lengths of time. Most people move on in less than six months. Some people take longer.

If it lasts more than six months, get help.

The bereaved should accept their grief, fear, and guilt. They should express their emotions and seek help from family and friends. The love from family and partners can help heal grief.

If possible, find a counselor to share your feelings. The counselor will help you cope with your emotions and adjust your perception. As you work through your issues, you'll gradually feel better and be able to return to a normal life.

I hope this helps.