Derealization after receiving a steroid

[Naturalhealing2]

Derealization is something that I was completely unfamiliar with until January of 2014, It started for me immediately following a panic attack I experienced after receiving a one time steroid in the ER for an allergic reaction to ibuprofen. This is the most strange, fear invoking feeling I've ever had. I would not wish it on anyone .... Not even my worst enemy. It's quite unbelievable that nobody can see or understand a problem that feels so debilitating to another human being. I have not had any panic since February 2014, the derealization persists. I don't feel anxious at all at this point, but I continue to have derealization. It is definitely more severe right before menstruation. I haven't worked since this happened to me, but at this point I may have to for financial reasons. I don't know if I can function in a workplace with this issue. Honestly, I'm just making every effort to ignore it while waiting for it to leave. Monday makes a year since this happened. Has anyone out there had success managing derealization while in the workplace?

[Naturalhealing2]

Thanks so much for responding, I have had professional help, they believe this will resolve without medication, and I agree with them, I have strong faith , my prayer life, meditation has helped , I'm going to take your advice and go to work , hopefully that will eliminate this

[nursegirl6572]

Hi there!  I'm sorry you're struggling, I know it's tough.

I've experienced DR when my panic was severe, and yes, it's awful.  It's one of the more upsetting effects of anxiety.  Here's a journal I wrote about it...and more helpful even than the journal is all of the comments.  You'll see that this is a pretty common occurrence for anxiety sufferers:

http://www.medhelp.org/user_journals/show/11569/Derealization-and-Depersonalization-VERY-common-anxiety-effectsplease-read

Truly, the most effective way to address it is to dismiss and ignore it as much as you can.  Yes, I know, easier said than done, but the more you ruminate about it, the more you focus on it, and start avoiding life, the worse it gets, and the longer it sticks around.

Going back to work would be very very helpful for you.  Yes, it will stink for a little while, and you'll struggle to concentrate, but the busier you get, and the more you try to return to a normal daily schedule, the more you'll notice that the DR isn't as pronounced.  

If you aren't already, get involved with therapy, to help you learn coping skills.  Really though, the best way to combat DR is time, patience, and distraction.  It will most likely take some time, but if you consistently throw yourself into daily life, with work, exercise, etc.....you will overcome it.  It took me probably about 6 months, and literally, it was like one day I realized it wasn't there anymore.  As quick as it came, it left.  It was tough...I feel for you.

Keep posting, let us know how you're doing, you're NOT alone, that's for sure!

[LRon]

Are you seeing a physician or therapist about this? Perhaps there's help available for you.