Depersonalization occurs when you have an “out-of-body” experience. You may feel like you are observing yourself from outside of your body or that your surroundings are not real. However, when experiencing depersonalization, you may also feel both of these things at once.
Many people experience depersonalization at some point in their lives. However, when depersonalization occurs repeatedly, it can interfere with your everyday life. Depersonalization is commonly linked to trauma.
In order to overcome this experience, trauma treatment is recommended. However, yoga can also help you overcome depersonalization.
Symptoms of Depersonalization
When you experience depersonalization, you may have the following symptoms:
- A feeling that you are outside of your body observing your thoughts or feelings (for example, feeling as if you are floating in the air above yourself)
- Feeling like you aren’t in control of your speech or movements or that you are a “robot”
- A sense that your body or specific parts of your body (arms or legs) are enlarged or shrunken, or that your head is filled with cotton
- Feeling emotionally or physically numb to your senses or responses
- A sense that you lack emotions
- Feeling as if your memories are not your own
The Basics of Yoga
Yoga dates back thousands of years. Originally used in Indian philosophy, yoga is now used to promote physical and mental wellness. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), yoga emphasizes physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation.
Various types of yoga are used for different needs. Some common types of yoga include the following:
- Vinyasa yoga: Movements are coordinated with the breath
- Hatha yoga: An “umbrella” type of yoga that incorporates poses from various yoga styles
- Iyengar yoga: Poses are held for a long time while controlling the breath
- Kundalini yoga: A spiritually focused yoga that uses specific postures and breathing exercises to release the energy trapped in the body
- Yin yoga: A slow style of yoga where postures are held for extended periods
Yoga and Depersonalization
According to the article “Yoga for Better Mental Health” by Harvard Health Publishing, “Yoga strengthens parts of the brain that play a key role in memory, attention, awareness, thought, and language.” Depersonalization causes you to become disconnected from your body and thoughts. However, yoga can help you find that connection again.
Yoga can also help treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Since depersonalization is often linked to trauma, implementing yoga practices alongside trauma treatment can “help reduce intrusive memories and emotional arousal and to produce calmer, steadier breathing.”
When you experience depersonalization, you may feel as if you are disconnected from your body or thoughts. You may feel like an “observer” of your own life. When you experience depersonalization, it can be jarring and interfere with your everyday life. Yoga can help you find breathing exercises that calm the body and mind to allow you to reconnect with yourself. Depersonalization is also commonly linked to trauma. Finding trauma treatment can help you overcome this experience. The Guest House is here to help you find the healing you deserve. Call us today at (855) 483-7800 for treatment options.