Why Do I Distance Myself From Other People And Usual Activities?

Do you experience depersonalization: experiences of unreality, detachment, or being an outside observer with respect to your thoughts, feelings, body, or actions (e.g., perceptual alterations, distorted sense of time)?

Do you experience derealization: experiences of unreality or detachment with respect to surroundings (e.g., individuals or objects are experienced as unreal, foggy, lifeless, or visually distorted)?

Do the symptoms cause significant distress or impairment in important areas of functioning (e.g., social, occupational)?

Based on your answers, it is unlikely that you have a serious problem with distancing yourself from others. It’s not unusual to feel a little disconnected once in a while. Some people may feel the need to disconnect with their environment from time to time to be able to connect with themselves again. It’s common to feel disconnected in the world we are living in today. Technology is a big reason that people may feel disconnected and too often we find ourselves in some sort of auto-pilot state. But if someone feels disconnected for a long period of time and it impairs daily activities, he may be suffering from depersonalization/derealization disorder.

Based on your answers, you may be displaying depersonalization and/or derealization symptoms. Such symptoms can be caused by several factors including drugs, but also by a mental problem. Besides depersonalization/derealization disorder, the symptoms are also associated to other mental conditions, such as panic disorder, schizophrenia and post-traumatic disorder. Don’t forget that it’s completely normal to feel a little ‘off’ from time to time. But at the moment that your symptoms of distancing start to impair your day-to-day activities, it is not normal anymore. It may be useful to make an appointment with your doctor to talk about your symptoms and to understand what help may be beneficial.

Unfortunately, you are displaying symptoms typically seen among individuals who have depersonalization/derealization disorder. However, distancing yourself from others may have several other causes. It is very important to seek medical attention. Your doctor will determine past problems, trauma’s or other factors that may cause your symptoms. If treatment is needed, usually this includes cognitive behavioral therapy. The therapist will help you find strategies to copy with your symptoms. It can be very frustrating to feel disconnected from others and usual activities, especially if it happens frequently. It may be therefore be useful to connect with other people with similar issues.