I Feel Like I’m Living in a Dream

Reader’s Question

I can’t remember exactly when this began, but I feel like I am living in a dream, or I am not here and I am watching myself from a dream state. Sometimes it is worse than other times, but it seems to be underlying in my mind all the time, strong or weak. I keep telling myself that I am in control of my mind and for this feeling to just go away but I can’t make it go away no matter how hard I try. I have done some research and it appears that my symptoms are similar to a Dissociative Disorder. I have also read that this feeling will eventually go away on its own. I am beginning to have a hard time functioning in daily routine activities and I need help.

Our Clinical Psychologist’s Reply

The symptoms you describe can be associated with a Dissociative Disorder…and several other things as well. I don’t have enough information to get a clear impression of the extent or severity of your symptoms. I would suggest consulting with a psychiatrist. A change in our level of consciousness or awareness can be produce by medications, stress, and even medical conditions. A psychiatrist is both a mental health expert and a physician and is in the best position to help you sort out your symptoms. Your report of having a hard time with your daily routine makes seeing a psychiatrist even more important.