How Depersonalization Might Help Anxiety
It may sound counterintuitive, maybe even a little bold, to claim that depersonalization could help anxiety. Believe it or not, this is the case for me, and for many others as well. Before jumping to conclusions, let me clarify what I mean.
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Depersonalization Can Improve Habits
I am not saying that by itself the experience of depersonalization reduces feelings of anxiety. Quite the opposite can be true.
What is really being said here, is this:
becoming intimate with your relationship with dp can help develop the positive habits that reduce the cycle of anxiety.
When dp is not demonized and treated as a problem, but is instead looked at objectively, it can be a window into yourself from which you can learn from your habits.
This is not uniquely true for dp, but is especially powerful with the condition, because dp is intrinsically related to our sense of self. Our attachments, desires, memories, etc. are all inseparable from this sense of self. Essentially, the triggers and causes for dp are direct indicators of what we cling and attach to.
How To Benefit From Your Depersonalization
The best way to benefit from dp, is to learn how you treat both anxiety and dp.
It is typical for us to treat uncomfortable emotions as problems, as if they shouldn’t be there. The truth is that there is no real benefit we receive from this, as the emotions have real causes that are just as apparent as the emotions we welcome. The more we treat them as “bad”, the harder it is for us to be at peace with them in the future.
In fact, trying to convince yourself that it’s not “logical” to feel a certain way, or that you “shouldn’t” have those feelings, will never have any long term benefit for dp or anxiety. That type of thinking only widens the conditions for which situations can trigger anxiety, meaning the frequency will actually increase.
This is very important when it comes to how we feel while experiencing dp. This is because if dp is considered a problem by the brain, then when something does trigger dp, the brain may react with further anxiety as it notices something wrong. This is commonly known as the feedback loop or the cycle of anxiety.
The Best Approach
You might wonder now what you should actually do to make this happen. Here is the mindset you should have while experiencing both Dp and anxiety.
Notice what occurrences and thoughts actually trigger your Dp. See if you can relate the experiences to any fears you have or uncomfortable situations you have experienced.
When the same thoughts and occurrences happen, dive into them emotionally. Instead of pushing them away, or distracting yourself, feel the actual emotion like you would a pleasant one. This behavior makes it easier for the brain to stop the alarm bells in the brain that are responsible for Dp sticking around for longer than it should.
In Conclusion
Changing your mindset in regards to how dp is approached can be hugely beneficial. The type of thinking that ensues when using dp as a window into yourself, rather than a condition or poison, is setting you up for a radical sense of peace. Thank you for reading!
Disclaimer: This is not medical advice. If you would like to speak with a licensed professional, I recommend Online-Therapy: https://onlinetherapy.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=2&aff_id=1549
