[18F] Experiencing emotional numbness and disconnection

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, you may be experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. Here are some possibilities:

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): This is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. It affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. You've mentioned feeling emotionally numb and disconnected from reality, which are common symptoms of MDD.

• Depersonalization-Derealization Disorder: This is a type of dissociative disorder that consists of persistent or recurrent episodes of depersonalization, derealization, or both. Depersonalization is described as feeling detached or disconnected from oneself, observing oneself from an outside perspective, or experiencing a sense of unreality. Derealization involves experiencing the world as unreal, dreamlike, distant, or distorted.

• Schizoaffective Disorder: This is a mental health disorder characterized by a combination of symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations or delusions, and symptoms of a mood disorder, such as mania and depression. You've mentioned episodes of extreme paranoia, which could be indicative of this disorder.

Please remember that these are just possibilities based on the information you've provided, and a formal diagnosis can only be made by a healthcare professional.

What you can do

1. Seek professional help: If you're not already seeing a mental health professional, it's important to get in touch with one. They can provide a formal diagnosis and treatment plan.

2. Reach out to trusted people in your life: Let them know what you're going through so they can provide support.

3. If you're feeling suicidal, reach out to a crisis hotline: In the U.S., the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or use the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.

What you should look out for

If your feelings of disconnection, numbness, or paranoia worsen, or if you start feeling suicidal, it's important to seek help immediately. You don't have to go through this alone, and there are professionals who can provide help and support.