I recently had two severe panic attacks induced by caffeine about a month ago and since then I've been severely anxious and moderately depressed (it was like night and day, I went from normal to full blown panic disorder in one day) I was put on 10mg of Paxil with Ativan as needed and have only finished my second week of Paxil, still waiting for the meds to kick in. I am aware of depersonalization and disreality, both of which I experienced during and after my panic attacks, but now I'm experiencing something different, in a way. I see everything as "wrong" and "weird" almost dream like, yet I don't feel detached or feel like nothing is real. I still think everything is real but everything feels "strange" and "off". I wish I could explain more but I don't know how. Even my memories seem that way when I recall them. I'm not constantly feeling this way just within the past 3 days. Is this just depersonalization and disreality? Has anyone else experienced this? Thanks!
Anxiety: Everything looks and seems "strange" and off. Anyone else experience this?
Question posted by Msavvy on 15 Nov 2015
Last updated on 13 June 2021
I'd also like to clarify that I've been having these symptoms while NOT having a panic attack.
19 Answers
I have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder and GAD (I'm taking venlafaxine for it), and just lately when I got my first job, I had severe panic attacks. I also tend to self harm during the panic attacks (I usually hit my head against the wall and can't really stop it).
After I quit the job, I noticed how everything started to seem off. I notice weird tiny details I never noticed before and all of my personal items seem off and unfamiliar. My phone interface looks weird. My favourite games tend to feel like I never played them before. My toothbrush seems like it doesn't belong to me. I just found silver earrings I wore for years and thought "those can't be mine". They look so off. This got me really worried and had me googling it. I'm relieved I'm not alone.
I’ll comment again on your post. I was diagnosed with GAD also and probably have some depression mixed in as the two go hand and hand.
Like i said earlier, i have had this happen numerous times before. When it strikes, my whole world changes quickly. Beautiful sunsets and rises turn into overwhelming sights. Things i enjoyed become overwhelming and not fun also.
With exception of an occasional rough day with thoughts and panic etc., i try to go with the flow or ignore it.
The trouble i find with ignoring the symptoms is that it is still there and usually comes out when i try to relax.
There are some anxiety chat room available on the internet you can go on to find support.
It really is a horrible thing to go through. Presently, have been going through an episode triggered by stress over the vaccine and work issues. Right now i feel some calmness and still feel weird, if that makes sense.
I have had anxiety for a number of years , off and on. I once went 9 years without an episode.But over the past two years, I was hit with high levels of anxiety. These were.both related. To covid concerns.
In 2020, I experienced an anxiety attack in my sleep after.the lockdowns hit. What complicated the situation more.was.that I started self medicating with xanax. It.made things worse. Eventually a.doctor prescribed mirtazzipine and Seroquel. I don't know.what the seroquel was for because I was.rational. The mirtazzipine helped with sleeping. After about two and a half months from the start of this nightnnmare, I began to calm down and things returned to.normal. I went through the whole perception thing along with total fear and panic attacks. Things do return to normal.
It is a.horrible thing to.go through but I can tell you I have weathered these episodes at least 15 times over a 48 year period. Durations varied from a few weeks to a few months along with severity. I have always returned to the confident person I was before the attacks.
Looking back over to these episodes, they all had one thing in common; they occurred after a stressful time or a life changing event.
I've experienced it all, the scary thoughts, panic nightmares etc and I have gotten through it.
Hope this helps someone
I had a panic attack that lasted a year. Since I was on Workers Comp, they found a psychiatrist for me and it felt like he saved my life. He put me on Xanax and that worked for me. He added Prozac to help my anorexia/bulimia and that gradually helped as well. Back then psychiatrists could prescribe pain meds as well. I had suffered a back injury and as a Dancer/Instructor it put me on the sidelines for a while. I recovered enough to get back to my career, but as anyone who has experienced panic attacks or anxiety you know that there could be an attack right around the corner, so before you know it your thought patterns can put you right in the middle of an attack. My hands would shake so bad I could barely change the channels on my car radio. And the "I'm having a heart attack" feeling can send you right to the E.R. Now, years later, I am unfortunately a chronic pain patient after 2 back surgeries.
The second one failed, and I started falling all over the place. Just last year in July I found out these falls plus partially numb feet were happening due to nerve impingement from my back. I have sadly spent over a year in a nursing home, trying to get the treatment I need. I do see the end of the tunnel and I will be moving somewhere no later than next year. I swear by Ativan for my anxiety, along with a boat load of pain meds. I have built up such a high tolerance to the pain meds that they barely take the edge off of my pain. When I was at home I took the Ativan as needed, but I still practice deep breathing when I start to feel antsy. My doctor from the '90s told me to take the Xanax as prescribed to keep my blood levels even, and I did do that. I know I talked more than just the panic, but for me the pain and the panic go hand and hand. You can get through these miserable times, and I pray that you find the right doctor and the right meds to make your life better.
I have been dealing with this exact thing for the past couple weeks. I felt like no one understands and I can’t get treated for something when even I don’t know what it is. I’ve been letting the internet run me completely insane looking up things. I’ve had cancer, brain tumors, you name it. But after reading these comments, and although I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy, I’m glad I’m not alone.
I know this was posted 5 years ago but I’d really appreciate an update... have you come out of it? Is there hope?!
Yes there is hope i had this feeling for the past two months after a panic attack but the feeling is mostly gone what is left is the disturbing existencial thoughts
Don't lose hope you will feel normal again
I have fully recovered from it yes, don't lose hope I know how terrible it feels, but you will feel 'normal' and like yourself again. When I had this I was convinced I would never feel normal again but I did. It lasted a few months for me, but it can be different for everyone. It won't go away all at once, but gradually fading away and one day you'll realize it's gone. Don't worry, you're not alone, and it will pass soon!
Hi @scared, how did you recover from it?
I think I have the same condition now. I had a severe anxiety/panic attack for about 3 or four days. It was a constant anxiety feeling. Afterwards, I was left with this brain fog feeling where things did look like how it use to be. Its been about two months now so I’m wondering how long this will take. Any stories how on long this can last?
Im experiencing this too man hope it goes away
Yeah man. What’s ur story? Hope you get better man.
Bro trust me, I promise you, it is just all mental. I’ve suffered from this condition on and off for legitimately years now and the only way to get rid of it is to stop thinking about it man. I can bet you that anytime you are doing something that gets your mind off it you feel fine. It will go away man just hang in there I know how it feels bro!!!
it’s all in your head I promise you. I’ve been on and off of this and the only reason it gets to me is because I am constantly thinking about it 24/7. just know that you will get through it I promise you. stay strong I know it is such a rough time I swear to God I know i’ve been through it. It’s all an illusion at the end of the day you’re fine.
Same here. I was always anxious but didn’t know it or wasn’t aware of it . After my first panic attack I became hyper aware of other people and how they were reacting to me. I have GAD and the change I think is that after my first panic attack during a stressful time, my anxiety which was in the background unnoticed, has moved to the foreground and plays a role in my everyday life. I rationalize it all by thinking that a panic attack was bound to happen sooner or later to reveal my background unrealized (now realized) anxiety.
Yes. I have this feeling after experiencing an emotionally traumatic event.
Yes I've had this and it is derealization, just know that it won't last forever, it will pass, it's not dangerous although it feels so awful. Its a very common with anxiety and it can be tricky to brake the cycle. I've had the same thing about 11 months ago, anxiety and panic attacks sprung out of no where it felt like I was loosing my mind. But the important thing is to not worry about how it started and just try and decrease your stress and give your self a brake, the more you think about how it happened the worse it gets. I tried taking medication for it but I think it just complicates things, the only medication helped me was sleeping pills when I needed them. Counselling and making adjustments in your life it's the way forward. Google "anxiety coaches podcast" it is a really good podcast by Gina Ryan. It really helped me learn about the condition
Thank you so much for your response to my post Josh, it is a comforting thing to think that this will eventually pass and that I am not alone. I agree it’s definitely derealization, I find I slip in and out of it, and I try to keep myself sane by rationalizing myself through it, I’m at a constant battle with myself, it’s a total mental drain. I have taken into consideration going to counseling and I have worked on suppressing the memories associated with the feelings. Again thank you kindly for your response, it did well at easing me up a little and I will have to check that podcast out after submitting this comment :)
I am feeling this way now, I am so desperate to feel better, this odd feeling I feel is driving me mad, my moods are flunctuating within seconds, I can’t think straight, I have panic attacks, I just want to feel human again. It started off as this intense fear one night, and then it was just episodes, and now it follows me wherever I go, it’s gotten so bad to the point where I have feared my own family. I can’t help but feel like I make every social situation awkward and everyone tries to stay away from me, I ruin everything. This feeling has stripped me of my personality, I don’t know how to act around anybody, not even myself, I’ve lost myself and I’m trying so hard to act as I should and do the things that I should do.
Hey lily I responded to the wrong question but I think you have the same thing. I have also been there in your situation and just know that it will pass. I know what you mean when you say your emotions and feelings I so drastically up and down and can change so much in less then a second, it is such a horrible place to be. But it will pass!! I had it so bad that I would even have it when I was completely asleep I couldn't even get away from it in my dreams. You gonna be alright though, I know it doesn't feel like it right now but you will!
Hi! I feel exactly the same. It's hard to explain isn' t it? I started having this feeling about 2 weeks ago. I remember one night out of the blue I was struck by a feeling of extreme hellish fear, and I immediately didn't feel like the same person anymore, also, everything feels different. like everything has a very dark, weird, and gloomy vibe to it. even things that are normally fun or enjoyable. like you described, even my memories feel different when I recall them. Have you recovered from feeling like this or are you still struggling? I really wonder what this awful feeling is and Im really scared that it will never go away...
Its anxiety mate.very bad anxiety.do you suffer from it?
yes I have been diagnosed with GAD about 6 years ago, I didnt have any symptoms the last few years though, this feels very different from the anxiety I used to have.
Have you changed meds?
no, I have been put on solian though because of these symptoms. I only have to take them a couple weeks though.
Its called derealization mate.i have it 2 months now.it comes from anxiety.is that medication helping at all?
How are you managing?
It's not helped with the weird feeling, but at least Im now able to eat and sleep properly again.
Did you have a bad panic attack or anything just before it started?
no not really. it just came out of thin air.
Please take my advice.do not search and search everywhere for answers.its like a kind of shock from too much anxiety.the only way to get rid of it is ignore it.it could just go by itself.all you get online are horry stories.people that get better dont bother posting online because they are too busy living happy lives.ive tried meds and got blood work done twice.everything comes up normal.if you dont panic and you ignore it your brain will realise you are safe and pop!you will be back to yourself.both my older brothers went through thus and are now fine.i am trying to take their advice but its hard somedays.keep your mind occupied and keep busy.
Yes Im gonna take your advice on this en stop strolling the internet everyday for answers. it does help a lot to know Im not alone however. I think I just have to wait it out and trust that eventually I'll feel normal and like myself again. I am trying to keep as busy as I can. Thank you for your answers.
If you add me as a friend on this then you can send me private messages.i can give you advice or we can perk each other up through bad days.it eases up once you control your anxiety.it can take a while do so dont panic if it takes a while to snap back out of it.i hope your doing well and hopefully we will both be laughing about this soon.best wishes.gareth
Hope your doing a bit better now pal
Sounds exactly like what I have been going through. I have never been sure if this is depersonalization because I don’t have the floating sensation that others describe. Are you doing better? I have found I can’t take antidepressants for some reason that make me off the chain worse. My psychiatrist thinks I have bipolar 2 (recent diagnosis). I was wondering how you’re doing and if you got any answers. It’s scary going through this and no one can really tell me what it is.
Hi Annette, can you send me a private message because for some reason my comment gets deleted.
Hi.i hope you are doing a bit better now.its just a very bad form of generalised anxiety disorder.mine is now gone.i have constant bad anxiety and panic attacks but the derealization is now gone.get your anxiety under control and keep as busy as possible.dont be afraid to try meds but id advice against benzos.they do work for the short term but very hard to come off.i wish you the best and hope you are doing better
You have described my symptoms exactly! It's so horrible isn't it! Did you ever get better? I can see this was posted a while ago now.
@scared21 you have discribed how I've been feeling for weeks now! Please let me know what has helped you!
Hi, I have to say I'm feeling better than when I posted this but Im still not back to my old self. I do think its a form of dp/dr, that goes away geen very slowly and gradually. I still get the weird vibe though I cant even explain. The way I cope is I just try to live my life normally, get enough rest, and do things that I enjoy. Also, I highly recommend you stop strolling the internet and forums for answers. These are mostly full of horror stories and nonsense.. How did yours start? Free to message me anytime.
@dragonss So accurate. I've had this happen to me once before when i was 16. I am going through again currently for about a week now. I had a very bad panic attack and it triggered this weird feeling again. I keep over thinking it and it causes more fear and anxiety. Last time it took awhile to go away because i was unaware i had anxiety. You are right though just ignoring it and pushing through everyday works. One day you just feel fine and can feel happy again. I feel comfort knowing im not the only one! Anyone else have any advice? I prefer to not take meds.
Hi,I hope you are feeling better.i don't really check up on these sites anymore as they just remind me of how bad I was.
I havnt had this feeling now for a few months.i had been in and out of hospitals,scared stiff,not knowing what was wrong with me.
The bright side is I can tell you what I learned.
Dp/Dr ie derealization and depersonalization.
Both very common with anxiety and depression.
You feel like you have gone crazy but you havnt.you feel like your perception of everything has changed and your stuck that way.
You are not stuck that way.
When you have it,it feels like you will never be the same again but you will.it honestly just takes time.
Look at my posts from last year,I was going through this and I was terrified.now I still suffer with extreme anxiety,ie panic attacks.but I have good weeks and bad weeks.
When the derealization lifted I realised that I was on a constant panic attack.the derealization was shielding me from the worst of the anxiety.
The one thing I learned that meant the most out of the whole thing is that it's a symptom,not a disorder.
I went back to work and kept busy.it was terrifying but it was better to be busy,instead of being stuck at home constantly obsessing about it.after my first 2 weeks working,I realised that I was getting 5 minutes here and there where I wasn't thinking about my derealization.after another 2 weeks I was getting a half hour here and there.
Now I get bad anxiety but the dp/Dr is gone.it took a while and it took going through some very tough weeks but it's gone.
I wish you all the best and hope with your recovery.
@dragonsa thank you for that. Just reading that gave me hope!! I appreciate it a lot.staying very hopeful.
Keep your head up and just take it day by day.it will lift but you need time to heal.a great book to help with anxiety is "Dare".i found it on amazon after hearing the autgor suffered from the sane thing.it amazing and comes with a free app and facebook group,you can talk to other people going through the same thing and give each other encouragement.the audios on the app are the best help I've gotten from anyone.anytime a panic attack comes on I put the audio on and it talks you step by step how to difuse it.
I’m recently feeling the same as Msavvy. A whole bunch of changes have happened all at one time, so I understand why I would feel this way, but I’m more interested in how everyone snapped themselves out of it. I do not take medication, aside from an aitvan here and there for extremely anxious days, or flying. It doesn’t feel like depersonalization or derealization, I’m aware of my surroundings and I’m in my body. Everything feels... off. Odd, and dark. My apartment is giving me a completely different vibe than once before. I recognize this feeling, as it’s something I’ve experienced after a particularly bad panic attack. I do not remember how I used to deal with it. It’s been a while. I have a job that I must get to, and can’t take a sick day every week. I would just like to take the necessary steps towards recovery.
I’m sure it’s a time thing, but in the interim, I’m wondering if anyone has any tips for all natural remedies: vitamins, herbs, teas, etc. that could aid in expediting recovery.
The logical part of my brain knows this will pass, but there’s the small part that wonders if this is going to be forever. I look forward to everyone’s feedback, and I hope everyone is feeling a bit better.
Thank you.
I just wanted to say thank you guys for sharing. I'm having severe issues right now with this exact problem and I've never heard anybody else ever describe it. So to find the exact explanation of how it feels is very comforting in a way. The dark scary and gloomy vibe part is just the worst for me, it's interfering with my ability to do well now that classes have started again. I feel terrified and depressed constantly, I can't even sleep. It's been awhile since anyones posted but I hope you all are feeling a bit better & if anyone wants to chat please message me. I'd appreciate just someone who understands. I really wish I could just snap out of this.
Hey @dizzy023, I was in a similar position as you. I just felt like I'd feel that way for the rest of my life, and any happy thoughts I tried to bring up were just destroyed by the terrible vibe that hijacked my mind and distorted reality. Like you, I searched the Internet for my symptoms and eventually landed here. Trust me and others on this forum: it does get better. If you want to chat about it, you can message me.
I’m also having this same problem after a severe anxiety attack which last for like 3 days straight. That was about 2 months ago. The anxiety a lot less now but I do have that same brain fog feeling where things just seem and fee strange. I’ve felt like this since the severe anxiety attack. Do people recover from this?
Hey!
I would really really be glad if you could respond to me. I’ve felt EXACTLY this,at night, the hellish death like black feeling that’s just horrible and so scary and lonely. Have you improved? Please tell me a little about your journey. This is the first time I have ever found somebody say what’s happening for me at the moment.
Thank you xx
I now have the same thing.did you get any better?
Did you ever recover fully?
I was just recently diagnosed with anxiety in the past 2 weeks. I have been to the hospital several times and I'm also 28 weeks pregnant and some of the symptoms I'm having I found it hard to believe that it was anxiety (panic attacks), and to be honest I still do but with the feeling your having of things seeming dream like or "off" in some way I feel that also everyday all day since all this started and it is calming to know that I'm not the only one.
Mine started 2 months before I was due to give birth. I have birth 3 weeks ago and still feel the same. Apparently the last 2 months of pregnancy is when your hormones start getting really high and I'm hoping as my hormones calm down I will get better. Do you still feel like this 'Overwhelmed28'?
Did it ever go away?how are you now?
How is it now???
Paxil works by altering serotonin functions throughout your body. In addition to its role in mood, serotonin has a wide variety of other functions, both physical and mental. It plays a part in learning and memory formation. Thus, as your body adjusts to the altered serotonin levels caused by the drug, it is quite plausible that you could experience some unusual alterations in general consciousness until your body adjusts. If it doesn't go away, however, you should probably consult your doctor.
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depression, anxiety, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, caffeine
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