If you are suffering from DPDR (derealization and depersonalization) you are probably wondering what has caused it, right? I did too.
I desperately searched for answers.
before I go any further if you don’t exactly understand or know what DPDR is, read part 2 here.
“You may be wondering if you have some form of incurable mental illness?”
Thats ok! I did too. It’s easy to make that assumption when you feel so strange and weird. It’s also scary when nothing you do seems to make it better and your symptoms worsen with stress.
It’s so important to understand that DPDR is a symptom of a dysregulated nervous system. That it stems from anxiety.
DPDR is a manifestation of stress, anxiety and stressed-out nervous system.
when you work on healing and conquering your anxiety and regulating the nervous system, you inadvertently heal your DPDR.
Triggers for DPDR
There are several different major triggers that I will list. Just remember that anything that can trigger anxiety and panic can also trigger DPDR.
- Marijuana: I hate to say it but weed can cause DPDR. Why? Because for some, weed can induce anxiety and panic, which can lead to DPDR. Being high mimics some symptoms of DPDR and a lot of people with weed induced episodes of DPDR claim it feels like a never ending high. If this is the category you fall under, ending your relationship with marijuana is important if you want to recover.
- Panic attacks: Yep. Panic attacks. They can cause the symptoms of DPDR because it is caused by anxiety. When you panic over your symptoms you make DPDR worse since anxiety and stress are the driving force behind it. Losing the fear of the fear and/or your symptoms is key to healing.
- Stimulates: Nicotine, caffeine etc. Stimulates can increase anxiety and heart rate, as well as increasing the excitatory neurotransmitters in the brain, all of which can exacerbate anxiety thus increasing the risk for DPDR or worsening the symptoms. For me quitting smoking was a game changer for my symptoms.
- Trauma/stress: Trauma and stress can trigger DPDR because it causes anxiety. Trauma can cause a person to get stuck in the negative feedback loop of anxiety.
This is not an exhaustive list, just a highlight of the most common triggers. Now let’s talk about what can trigger anxiety and possibly DPDR.
Anxiety and Panic Triggers
As well as the things mentioned above:
- Vitamin and mineral deficiencies: Vitamin b12 could arguably be the most important vitamin for the healthy function of the nervous system Vitamin B12 Deficiency Anxiety: What You Need to Know. – SoulMedicinals. All the B vitamins are important for the healthy function of not only the nervous system but the entire body. Magnesium is involved in over 600 enzymatic processes in the human body. Read more about mag deficiency and anxiety here.
- Lack of sleep: Sleep is majorly important for mental health by not only improving cognitive function and memory but sleep is also vital for processing traumatic events and stressful situations.
- work and home life stress: Creating balance at work and home is so important for anxiety and stress. Take note of what’s all on your plate. How can you better delegate your responsibilities to lessen your mental and physical load?
- Alcohol and drug abuse: Alcohol and drug consumption not only decreases quality of sleep but causes imbalances in neurotransmitters like dopamine and GABA, both of which play a role in mental health. Alcohol and drugs can also cause vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
- Gut imbalances: Gut issues like SIBO, H Pylori and chronic antibiotic use can cause imbalances in the gut microbiome leading to mental health issues like anxiety. Read more about that here.
- low blood sugar: When your blood sugar gets to low, it can mimic the signs of anxiety, panic and DPDR.
Don’t worry!
There is hope! If you have found yourself in the unfortunate situation of DPDR, this won’t last forever. Even if it feels that way right now.
It takes work but it is absolutely worth it and most of all POSSIBLE.
Stay tuned for part 4 on how to heal DPDR!
Disclaimer: The information contained in this post is not meant to diagnose or treat any medical condition. If you have any medical or psychiatric concerns, please seek the advice of a licensed healthcare provider.
Related content:
DPDR, Panic and Anxiety: My story – SoulMedicinals
Reading List for Anxiety, Panic and DPDR – SoulMedicinals
What Adrenal Fatigue Is and ways to Heal It – SoulMedicinals
Yoga for Anxiety: 6 poses to try today – SoulMedicinals
