I feel I live in a constant state of unreality. All this started many years ago, when I was just 8 y/o. I'm currently 34.
I went to some girl's birthday, where the parents improvised a disco with strobe lights and loud music. Suddenly I felt dizzy and being in a dreamlike state.
I remember telling my parents this, but as a kid it was very hard to explain.
Months went by and I pondered myself many difficult things for a kid: Am I crazy? Is this a dream? Was it true that I felt different before?
Time went by and no changes whatsoever. I still feel the same today.
It doesn't intensify with anything, it never goes away. It's like a constant thing in the background, no matter how intense the emotions I may feel.
It became a part of my life, but I know it's not right. The small part in me that still remembers, longs for feeling more, to actually feel I'm living.

I have no headaches, no seizures, I'm in very good health otherwise. I have a general positive attitude in life, and never felt depressed for no apparent reason.
I started to look this up, and found derealization and depersonalization as probable candidates.

I would like to know what can it actually be, also if anyone is/knows of a similar case, what kind of therapies are out there, etc.

Anything would be really appreciated!

Welcome to NeuroTalk, Unreal.

This forum doesn't get much traffic so if you'd like to post this in the New Members Introduction forum as well you may get more responses.

Here is the link to the New Members forum: http://www.neurotalk.org/forum88/

Welcome to Neurotalk.

What a nightmare you have lived.
I can relate because I have a seizure disorder from Lyme disease. decades ago, In order to prove I had a seizure disorder, they flashed a strobe light in my face until i had a seizure, and like you, was put into that surreal state. That is a horrible feeling to deal with...you have my utmost sympathy.

I also had a massive seizure from a medicine reaction and was in an impaired cognitive state for months, also in that same, dream like state you describe.

Have you seen a neurologist or any docs to help you figure this out?
Ever tried any meds for this?
Did you fall when this happened, perhaps causing a brain injury?
I take Lyrica for neuropathy and it seems to keep my seizures to a minimum.

I am sorry for what you endure and hope someone comes along who can help.

My best,
Diandra

Dear Unreal,
I just thought of something else, that may be a longshot but since you were only 8 yrs old, is a possibility.

There are many central nervous system infections(brain infections) one can get from viruses, bacteria, etc and maybe you had one of these issues already and the disco lights triggered a seizure but the underlying issue was never resolved???? Just a hunch.
Look at this.....List of infections of the central nervous system - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


The reason I say this is because I have a lot of experience with Lyme Disease and the bizarre things it can do to the brain. In my research I met many parents whose children exhibited bizarre behaviors or complained of feeling " dreamy" or "dizzy" or like how you feel when you spin around and around until you fall down. Many of these poor kids suffered for years and were dismissed as needing attention or were anxious or depressed.

As you expressed, small children don't have the vocabulary or experience to clearly explain how they are feeling. it was only found out years later these children actually had Lyme Disease and their issues resolved with treatment.

Please do look at the link for all the illnesses that could affect ones brain.
Diandra