(NewsNation) — Following news that Saturday Night Live actor Bowen Yang took a break from his podcast to prioritize his mental health, revealing he’s battling a “severe bout of depersonalization.” Medical professionals are educating the public about this disorder.
Depersonalization/derealization disorder involves the persistent or recurrent feeling of observing oneself from outside the body or of an unrealistic perception of one’s surroundings. These sensations can resemble a dream-like state and can be unsettling. mayo clinic.
“People who suffer from this condition feel that their life is like watching a movie from the outside, that their memories don’t belong to them, that they feel like they are robots, that they are even in the real world.” It can be very scary because you don’t feel like you’re there.” You’re responsible for what they say,” explained psychotherapist Dr. Robi Ludwig.
Mr. Ludwig emphasized how those experiencing this disorder can face overwhelming, excessive and destructive emotions that interfere with their daily lives.
“Fortunately, there are treatments that can help reduce symptoms and get you back to normal life, allowing you to be more attached to your body and mind,” Ludwig said.
Other symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic, include numbness in emotional or physical sensations and reactions, body, legs, and arms that appear contorted, swollen, or constricted, and head wrapped in cotton. It includes the feeling of being there.
In some cases, episodes can last for hours, days, weeks, or even months at a time. For some people, episodes can turn into feelings of ongoing depersonalization and derealization, which can go up and down on a regular basis, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Ludwig said research suggests that 74% of people may have certain symptoms of the disease, but the disorder is considered to be present if it persists and recurs. He said that’s why he feels it “makes a big mess in life”.
The exact cause of the disorder is not well understood, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Ludwig said the symptoms could be caused by “trauma, intense stress, sometimes lack of sleep and, of course, some people are genetically predisposed to this kind of out-of-body experience.”
She explained that psychotherapy and certain medication regimens can be successful when it comes to reducing symptoms.
“When someone is in this state of depersonalization, they should not be overly attached to the unpleasant symptoms they are aware of, but rather use their five senses, such as touching cold objects, listening to music, or writing in a journal. Reconnect with yourself and your surroundings.It helps reconnect you with yourself,” explained Ludwig. “So sometimes we need to step away from our daily routines in order to stay fit, strong and healthy.”
If you have feelings that are confusing, persistent, and interfering with your daily life, work, or relationships, health professionals recommend talking to your doctor.
“See someone you trust and get therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is very effective. Talk therapy is very effective,” Ludwig said. “There are treatments that are so successful that no one should have to endure these uncomfortable symptoms and feel disconnected.”
