Why do i feel like im in a dream?
The story
i dunno what's been going on with me lately, but it feels like im living in this weird dream state most of the time. like i'll be sitting in an important work meeting and suddenly it hits me: i'm not really here. it's like I'm watching myself from a distance, wondering why i can't just make myself focus, you know? it's not even deliberate daydreaming or zoning out, it's more like my mind is pulling away without asking for permission. freaks me out quite a bit tbh.
Anyway, i've tried explaining this to one of my friends and they just said "maybe you need a vacation or something." I mean, maybe they're right, but it feels deeper than that? sometimes when i'm in these meetings and i try to engage in what's being discussed, it's as if the words sound muffled and don't fully register. almost like i'm listening from behind a thick wall;
Also i sometimes wonder if i'm the only one who experiences this constantly. I read somewhere that dissociation can be tied to anxiety or stress but can also just happen randomly (go figure). I've always considered myself laid-back (at least outwardly) but inside my head's a whole other story. Like i'll catch parts of convos and have fleeting thoughts about whether i forgot to send an email or sign off on some report; priorities are jumbled up real good. 😂
Maybe it's cause before all this wfh stuff started back whenever that was (losing track at this point), had no problem focusing better during face-to-face interaction where body language and presence sort things out subconsciously more easily vs now everything seems distant through screens). either way... guess what i'm saying is while pushing through these meetings trying silently screaming internally hoping one day might snap back into reality permanently rather than intermittently.
Stories in the same category
Points of view
Try therapy
I guess therapy could be an idea. Maybe it's worth exploring if there's something more going on. It's just weird, you know? Like, why is my brain doing this whole 'dream state' thing without even asking me first? It feels like I'm being tugged away. Wouldn't hurt to talk to someone about it, I suppose.
oh man i feel you! same happened when i tried yoga for relaxation lol
Yoga works wonders for some people. What kind do you practice?
Yo, I totally feel you on this one; it's like our brains just hit that weird autopilot mode sometimes and we're left wondering if we're the only ones!
it's intriguing how your description aligns with what a friend of mine went through a few years back. they remarked that sometimes our brains struggle to adapt to shifting environments, especially with the shift from face-to-face to virtual settings. while talking to someone might help, have you considered adjusting your workspace setup or incorporating short breaks? it's amazing how small tweaks can create a surprising difference in clarity and focus.
i kinda wonder if it's related to the screen fatigue we all get sometimes; those endless virtual meetings can really make you feel cut off even when you're trying to engage.
sounds like you're dealing with some serious brain fog, and that can really mess with your head. maybe a change in routine could shake things up? different environment or daily habits might help reset your mind a bit. also, sometimes just talking to people who get it, like online or whatever, can make the whole thing feel less isolating even if you're still stuck in it. 🤷♂️
I get where you're coming from but could it be something else? Maybe you're not giving enough credit to how much strain remote work adds. Even though tech connects us, there is an undeniable gap between engaging online and doing so in person. Being unable to truly connect due to tech barriers could unintentionally trigger these feelings.
That's actually a great point about remote work, might look into ways to fill the gap!
hmm, it sounds like you're going through some really unsettling stuff. personally, i've definitely felt off-kilter when screen fatigue stacks up after a long day of remote meetings. could be your brain's way of coping with the monotony and lack of physical cues that we're used to in face-to-face situations. maybe trying different techniques, like structured breaks or setting specific times for tasks, might help clear things up a bit? sometimes switching things around can give a different perspective on what might help ground you more. 🤔
sounds like you're experiencing a pretty intense case of derealization or depersonalization. it’s wild how our brains can just do that without any clear trigger, right? perhaps keeping a journal or tracking when these episodes occur could give you some clues about patterns or triggers. sometimes getting things out on paper helps to ground us back in reality and see what's happening from a different angle.
Thanks for the suggestion! I'll give journaling a shot, it's worth trying to see if there's a pattern or trigger. Maybe writing things out will help me sort through this fog.
Man, your story totally reminds me of this one time when I was sitting in class, just staring at the board thinking about everything except the lecture. Like my mind chose right then to start planning the weekend or replaying some old convo. 😂 I think it’s kinda wild how our brains randomly decide to check out and leave us behind like that! Anyway, maybe keeping a small doodle book on hand can help with staying grounded during these virtual meetings? Just a thought; might help refocus your thoughts without completely zoning out!
Have you tried therapy?
Man, I totally get where you're coming from. It's almost like living in a real-life Truman Show, right? That dream-like detachment sounds pretty intense but I'm curious if it's ever happened outside of work too (like, is it specific to meetings)? I've had times when burnout made me feel distant but putting more nature into my routine helped balance things out. Have you tried stepping outdoors more often or just mixing up your daily scenes? Sometimes, physically moving through different spaces can pull the mind back to feeling grounded;
Sounds like a classic case of dissociation brewing over there; it's not uncommon and can be pretty unsettling. Have you thought about checking aspects like your sleep or diet? Sometimes those less-obvious factors sneak under the radar and mess with our heads. Also, have a look at reducing multitasking when working remotely, especially on screens, which might help keep your focus in one place better...
i guess i could try paying more attention to my sleep (easier said than done) or see if i'm living off cereal a bit too much. cutting down multitasking sounds smart, except I'm just trying to remember if i've already reduced it or not. jeez, adulting is fun. 🥴
tell me bout it hate those moments happens everytime im stressed :P
Stress definitely makes it worse for me too!
hey, i get the feeling there might be more going on than just screen fatigue or remote work blues. sometimes our bodies react in funky ways to stuff we’re not even consciously aware of. 🤔 have you considered looking into mindfulness techniques? when everything feels like it's slipping away, grounding exercises can sometimes help anchor you back to reality; focusing on sensory details around you could make a difference! maybe even something like yoga or meditation could offer a reset button for your brain and give you moments of clarity amid all that fuzziness.
Could be worse...