I have periods of depersonalization and derealization. Sometimes I feel like I don't exist. Feeling dead seems like a severe, more specific form of dissociation, at least in those who are type II. I can't imagine how difficult it is to reach out for help when you truly believe your life is over. I've learned to cope by asking if it makes a difference- like if our experience is our reality (which is how I see it), does it matter if this is all basically a big game of The Sims or whatever? To me, it doesn't because either way I'm here experiencing it. So I end up feeling a bit dreamy or more out of it but I don't get as bothered by it and that seems to help those episodes pass quicker without any sort of breakdown. (Note: I'm okay, it's not very common for me unless I'm very physically sick or have family is the hospital, etc. I'm very aware of this relating to my trauma and very stressful time can make my brain get the wrong idea, assume the traumatic events are happening again, and start distancing me from experience to protect me. Just don't want anyone to think I'm avoiding treatment or something and worry. The fact that I can ask myself those questions is one of the best things I've gotten out of any therapy, it really helps me stay stable even when everything else doesn't feel stable.)
During those periods where you feel like you don't exist, do you normally know that this isn't really the case, or do you fully believe it in those moments?
What's the opposite of transient cotard syndrom? Terminal? Would be a bit ironic. For those interested in a hard scify story: Blind Sight by Peter Watts. Wonderful book! Quite not a light read.
@@ARTexplains Ahh! Of course, you're right, but chronic isn't as funny :( Glad you liked the book! Might htat have been the kernel of inspiration? It was (isfaik) the first time I heard of Cotard syndrome (or blind sight for that matter).
@@daddyleon I knew about Cotard Syndrome before I read Blindsight, but it's definitely one of the few pop culture references to the disorder that I have seen (Scrubs referenced the disorder in an episode, as another pop culture reference off the top of my head).
@@ARTexplains Ahh! Very nice to know of it before hand. I found myself googling and reading up on a couple of things while reading the book. But recognition is also nice to have. I...still have to really commit to watching Scrubs. Seen some episodes here and there, but nothing dedicated to really follow the story. Sounds like you'd recommend it?
