Question:
I often feel unreal, dizzy and lightheaded. I have felt this way from early childhood, and indeed, was so withdrawn and (I now know) dissociated that some people thought I was autistic. Sounds seem louder, and the world is much too stimulating. Most of the time my single greatest wish is to curl into a ball someplace dark. Lately, I have been spending too much time sleeping (about 14 hours a night, at least). My emotions are almost non-existent (although I do feel fear, but according to Gavin de Becker that isn’t an emotion, but a survival signal). I’m a physically healthy teenager, if that makes any difference. What could be wrong with me? I feel like I’m floating in space, and nothing is real. Reality is a brightly colored picture pasted over a void. Please answer.
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Answer:
It is not possible or ethical to diagnose over the public net so there is no way to say what is ‘wrong’ with you with any certainty. However, what you describe is not a normal way to feel, and definitely seems to be affecting your life for the worse. If you haven’t already done so, please make an appointment with a psychiatrist or psychologist who can properly diagnose you and offer you treatment to ease your sensitivities and pain.
