What stood out to me was how disorienting dissociative panic attacks can be. The first time it happened, I felt like I was watching myself from a distance, like I was in a movie and the world around me just went out of focus. My heart raced, and yet, there was this strange sense of calm mixed in with the chaos. It’s almost like my mind decided to take a step back to protect itself from the overwhelming feelings crashing over me.
During these moments, I often feel disconnected from my body, like the heaviness in my chest and the quickening pulse are happening to someone else. I remember standing in my kitchen, trying to make a simple cup of tea, when suddenly everything started to feel unreal. The walls felt like they were closing in, and my thoughts began to spiral. It’s unsettling to think that something so familiar can turn into a source of fear in an instant.
What I’ve learned is that dissociation can be a response to extreme stress or anxiety, but understanding it doesn’t always make it easier to cope with. It’s like my mind’s way of saying, “Whoa, this is too much!” And while I appreciate the protective nature of that response, it doesn’t make it any less frightening when it happens.
Afterward, I always find myself reflecting on what triggered it. Was it a stressful day? A lingering feeling of overwhelm? Sometimes, I can pinpoint it, but other times, it feels like it comes out of nowhere. Have any of you felt that way? It’s like trying to catch smoke with your bare hands—impossible, right?
Finding grounding techniques has been essential for me. I’ve started carrying around small reminders—things like a favorite essential oil or a little stone that I can hold in my hand when I start to feel that familiar shift. It’s a grounding touchstone that reminds me, “Hey, you’re here. You’re safe.”
I’m curious to hear from others who experience similar feelings. What do you do when you start to feel that disconnect? Have you found strategies that help you stay grounded? I think sharing our experiences can really help normalize these feelings and remind us that we’re not alone in this.