Sometimes you’re in a situation where you “zone out” or feel like you’re not sure where you are. This may simply be due to lack of concentration or boredom. However, there are also mental health concerns that can make a person feel detached from their surroundings. This is known as derealization, and it can make you ask yourself, “Why doesn’t my life feel real?”

Derealization is usually referred to as a symptom of depersonalization-derealization disorder. This disorder makes you feel like you’re detached from your own body and like your surroundings aren’t real. It can also be a symptom of severe anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder.

Derealization can be caused by a variety of other instances that aren’t linked to mental health challenges. Read on to learn about the ins and outs of derealization. You can gain a better understanding of when it’s a cause for concern.

The basics of derealization

Depersonalization and derealization are often grouped together; however, it’s important to note the difference. Depersonalization means feeling detached from your own body, thoughts and emotions. Derealization refers to feeling detached from your environment, including the surrounding places, people and objects. Derealization essentially means that you’re lacking external awareness.

Symptoms of derealization can vary from person to person, but it often includes:

• Lack of emotional connection to those around you
• Feeling like you’re in a dream
• Seeing your surroundings as distorted or lacking coloring
• Distorted perception of time and distance
• Objects looking like they’re changing in size or shape
• Thinking that lights are brighter than they are
• Muffled sounds from your environment
• Feeling like you’re looking through a fog

What can cause you to ask yourself, “Why doesn’t my life feel real?”

There are some instances of derealization that happen to people every once in a while that aren’t a call for concern. In other instances, derealization can stem from a mental health condition that requires further support and treatment. 

Here are a few reasons why a person may experience derealization:

• Circadian rhythm changes — Your body’s circadian rhythm is its 24-hour-cycle internal clock. If there is a shift in your circadian rhythm, you may experience derealization. This can be due to altered brain functions. It may also be due to instances of jet lag or sleep deprivation.
• Substance use — It’s possible to experience derealization as a symptom of drug or alcohol use. Drinking alcohol, or taking substances such as hallucinogens or ecstasy, can lead to derealization.
• Stress and anxiety — If you become extremely stressed or anxious, you may feel like you’re “spacing.” This is often a description of derealization. It’s often deemed as a defense mechanism as a way for your brain to tune out to reduce feeling overwhelmed.
• Depersonalization-derealization disorder — If you’re experiencing recurring episodes of derealization, you might have depersonalization-derealization disorder. If left untreated, it can interfere with your ability to handle daily responsibilities and maintain healthy friendships.

The symptom can also be a manifestation of neurological conditions or severe mental health disorders. It can be valuable to receive a thorough medical evaluation to rule out other underlying causes.

What to do if you’re often asking yourself, “Why doesn’t my life feel real?”

Many people experience extreme stress, fatigue and alcohol consumption every now and then. That’s why brief moments of derealization aren’t uncommon. But if you’re experiencing persistent or worsening episodes of derealization, it’s important to talk to your health care provider about a potential mental health disorder diagnosis.

Recurring derealization in the mental health world often points in the direction of a depersonalization-derealization disorder (DDD). This disorder also includes feeling like you’re watching your body as an outsider. Not only can high amounts of stress lead to DDD, but it can also play a role in developing generalized anxiety disorder. 

Both depersonalization-derealization disorder and generalized anxiety disorder can impact a person’s overall quality of life if left untreated, so it’s important to complete diagnostic tests to determine a potential mental health condition diagnosis. Once you receive a diagnosis, you can collaborate with your health care provider to determine the best treatment options.

DDD and generalized anxiety disorder are both often treated with a combination of medication and therapy. However, every person is different, as is the severity of their symptoms. If your mental health condition symptoms, including derealization, are interfering with your overall quality of life, you can benefit from more intensive support beyond outpatient therapy sessions.

At Lightfully Behavioral Health, we can help you manage your derealization, and related symptoms, through four levels of care: Residential Treatment (RTC), Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (vIOP), Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). We use evidence-based, clearly defined, data-driven and whole-person-centered care provided by compassionate experts.

Change is possible. When you’re ready to take the first step, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.