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Do you feel like you’re watching a movie of your life, where you’re simply playing a character? In other words, everything seems somewhat unreal. According to Anthony David, author of Overcoming Depersonalization and Feelings of Unreality, a study revealed that over 70 per cent of people experience feelings of remoteness at some point. Theses feelings mostly disappear on their own without any permanent damage. To reconnect with your emotions, it may help to find an interest or activity that you can fully engage in.

A coping mechanism

Some people learned how to detach in childhood as it helped them to cope in difficult circumstances. This coping mechanism may then follow into adulthood, in which case it is no longer useful and can cause distress.

Feelings of detachment can also occur when one is feeling extremely tired. ‘We think it occurs as an automatic protective mechanism that prevents us becoming overwhelmed,’ suggests David. Feeling overwhelmed and stressed can activate autopilot mode.

Dreamy feelings of detachment can kick in when one is faced with a sudden shock or crisis. This can also be seen as a coping mechanism so as to shield one from pain, albeit immediate.

Symptoms of depression

Loss of sensation may also serve as a symptom of depression. If the ‘unreal’ feelings are accompanied by a change in sleeping habits, appetite and general interest in life, a physician should be consulted.

Emotional control

Some people disengage from their feelings in order to keep their emotions balanced as they tend to feel safer without emotional highs and lows. In this case, detachment is a tactic to avoid extreme emotions and keep them on an even keel.

Identity crisis or existential crisis

If there is no obvious trigger, the person may be experiencing an identity crisis. Alternatively, that person may be suffering from a lack of meaning in their life. In order to get in touch with themselves again, some important life questions need to be addressed and answered. Feelings of detachment can serve as an opportunity for personal growth.

Click here to find out what you can do about feelings of detachment.

Tags: lifestyle