Teenage boy and derealisation

Lotty

Hi, my son is 13 in year 9 and believes he has derealisation (DR). I had no idea until he told me how he feels like he lives in a dream and is very detached from life and memories. He has been like it for as long as he can remember periodically but now it is permanent. After research I understand this stems from anxiety and he does have very many general worries about himself (teenage angst) and the world around him. He is finding it all very overwhelming and it is affecting his friendships and school work currently. Don't know where to start?

Mary38

Hello Lotty, I don't have any expertise in derealisation but do have experience of mental ill health with one of my sons during his teenage years and early 20s. He had two periods of extreme anxiety when he developed Tourette's and self-harmed. I would recommend talking to your doctor and the school without delay. Ask to be referred to a specialist in teenage mental health. If you've done this already, then perhaps go back and be more demanding. It often takes some time to get a referral and you might get passed from pillar to post but persevere. Good luck.

Lotty

Thank you, not sought any help yet so will talk to teachers and Dr. Thank you