On Derealization As A Traveler

Have you ever felt as if the world around is unreal as if you are watching a movie?

This particular psychiatric state is often called 'Derealization Disorder.'

For someone who experiences this state, life becomes like watching a movie that they are in.

There are several reasons for a person to experience this state but the most common reason is intense anxiety.

I have experienced this intense anxiety state before while traveling.

For me, flying is an anxiety-provoking experience.

When I’m sitting on a plane preparing for take-off, my sense of time becomes distorted, while my senses become heightened at the same time.

A sense of detachment is common as well, the people around me don’t seem real. I enter an alternate universe.

I used to really fear this state until I educated myself and understood what was occurring.

In fact, it has been my experience that once people learn what derealization is…they no longer fear it as much, it’s that whole fear of the unknown thing that’s the real issue it seems.

As a life coach and a resilience consultant, I am constantly asking myself, how can I learn from this experience? What has it really taught me?

For me, derealization has taught me that I can go into an anxiety-ridden altered state and not fear it.

I used to dread traveling, partly due to experiencing derealization, not just on planes either, I’ve had this experience on subways as well.

However, now when I experience derealization, I can use some Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-based self-talk.

First, I identify what is happening…I’m having a derealization episode…then tell myself…this state is temporary and will eventually change.

Just saying those two statements to myself makes the situation completely bearable.

I also conduct a body scan in order to relieve tense muscles and stay mindful of my breathing.

I have a tendency to hold my breath while having a derealization episode, so breathing long, slow continuous breaths is important for me.

Using this strategy, derealization no longer has a powerful grip on me.

Here are a few tactics if you’re struggling with anxiety on an airplane.

Have you experienced derealization? If so, where did this occur?