Can Anxiety Cause Depersonalization?

When you feel very anxious, your brain can go into a state of high alert that sometimes makes you feel odd or detached. This means you might feel like you're watching yourself from the outside or that everything around you isn’t real, which are common experiences in depersonalization. Anxiety can change the way your senses work, causing you to feel like your body or mind is not truly yours. Research has shown that the stronger your anxiety, the more likely you are to have these strange feelings. In other words, when anxiety builds up, it can lead to moments when you feel disconnected or as if you are in a dream. Many people notice these feelings during stressful times, and while they can be scary, they are not dangerous. Learning stress-reduction techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, or talking to someone you trust may help lessen both anxiety and depersonalization. If these feelings happen often, it might be a good idea to get help from a trusted adult or mental health professional to learn ways to feel more connected and calm.