is it common for someone bipolar to feel out of there body? - Bipolar Disorder Message Board

marshmallow · 08-26-2006, 08:48 PM

I read a post that someone mention feeling outside of their body and my husband asked me to try that and I said I cant. Now I am wondering if this is something that happens when manic or something? Anyone feel that way? Thanks.

fiesty_leo · 08-27-2006, 05:49 PM

Hi,

It's called depersonalisation and it's happening to me at the moment and driving me insane. From what I understand, it occurs more often as a result of being nervous or worried or panicky (consciously or otherwise) than being manic. Or, sometimes, it can just happen for no obvious reason at all.

marshmallow · 08-27-2006, 06:42 PM

Thank you for your reply. I will have to look up information on depersonalization. I hope your ok soon.

Picali · 08-28-2006, 12:28 AM

Hi Marshmallow,

I was 'out of my body' for the best part of ten years and still experience it now when I'm very stressed out - in fact I can kind of call it up now when I can't cope.

I don't know if it's the same as you are talking about - I feel as if I'm watching myself go about my daily business. A much more confident, capable 'me' takes over and I just shrivel up and let her get on with it. Sounds a little crazy I know! I read a lot about Disassociative Identity Disorder - there were some similarities for me there. I have a lot of friends who suffer from anxiety and depression who describe similar things from time to time. I have on occassion seen 'myself' kind of lift up and leave my body (which is a bit freaky). I used to do a lot of drugs when I was a teenager - I don't know if this contributed at all.

Sorry this has probably raised more questions than answers. I do find the whole field of psychiatry quite confusing and lots of conditions seem to overlap and be called different things by different people. If it helps at all, I tend to pick out the bits that apply to me and call them whatever I think fits best - I know it's not an approach a doctor would agree with but in terms of keeping things straight in my head it seems to work. I sometimes used to feel that my 'other' person was the manic one and I was the depressive.

Hope this isn't too confusing - sorry if it is. Janine

marshmallow · 08-28-2006, 12:40 PM

Thanks, Pic you cant confuse me I am already way toooo confused about the mind and what makes it work. I try to figure out things and it just leads to one more thing to figure out. LOL Thanks again.