r/strange • u/NeighborhoodSea6148 • 3d ago
I have weird, scary experiences and I’m not sure how to classify them. I’ve never heard anyone relate to this, its extremely difficult to explain.
extra info just in case: I’m a 16 year old girl in high school. I have anxiety and im medicated for it. depression runs in my family and I’m almost positive I have adhd, I just finished testing and Im waiting for a verdict.
Ever since I was little I’ve had this strange occurrence where I’ll see a place, ex: my neighborhood, my horse-riding barn, my house. And I’ll see it, but the I can switch it in my mind. It looks almost the exact same but slightly different, and it feels unfamiliar and dreamlike. It’s extremely hard to explain because of how similar it looks.
For example, when I was little, I had a dream/memory (I really can’t remember) where I was in my house, but it was different. I had an entirely different way of seeing the layout and even though the layout is the same, it was unfamiliar and dreamlike. My best effort at describing it is when you see a place for the first time.
when you see a place for the first tine, the layout is unfamiliar and looks different from when you actually know it like the back of your hand. over t8me you get used to seeing it and mapping it as a familiar place.
I’ve never had the issue where I’ve gotten stuck here except one time, where I was at my horse riding barn. Back when I used to ride horses, i was at a lesson one day. My dad pulled into the driveway of the barn and the entire thing looked the same, but unfamiliar. and I usually can switch it at will*, but this time I could not switch it back no matter how hard I tried *(Switching at will is difficult, like when you try to stop backflipping in a dream but you can’t control it easily)*. I was completely petrified and I had a panic attack, because I’m usually able to switch out of it. I was never able to switch out of it ever again, and now I see the barn in my memory as the dream like one. I will only occasionally switch back to the original, normal one.
Im not extremely worried about this in particular, but I have absolutely no idea what it is. I’ve never heard anyone else experience this and everything I search up doesnt line up with what I’m experiencing. id like to know what’s happening to me, because it’s really scary when it happens. sometimes when I switch it’s harder for me to switch back and it makes me freak out, kinda like when coraline got stuck in the other mothers house. it’s really scary.
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u/Evening-Anteater-422 3d ago
Anxiety can cause the mind/brain to do some wild stuff.
I would bring it up with your doctor.
How long have you been on the depression meds? Did it start before or after? I've had to try a few different medications to find ones with the least side effects.
But my money is on it being anxiety related. Are you being treated for anxiety or have you been shown any techniques for dealing with it?
The brain really is a wild place and at 16 your brain is still developing.
I'm old and I've had some crazy "mis-remembering" incidents.
I also have a neurological condition that causes me to have issues with memory and perception.
It's definitely worth bringing up with your doctor.
Sometimes I'm in a familiar place, like my own street, and I'll stop dead in my tracks in front of a house and swear I've never seen it before. That kind of mis-perception is not uncommon.
Memories are not always reliable.
Please keep us updated.
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u/NeighborhoodSea6148 2d ago
I’ve been on meds for like 2 years at this point I think, but I’ve been able to experience this since I was veery young.
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u/laquintessenceofdust 2d ago
It sounds like you’re describing dissociation. Were you traumatized as a child? Because a lot of children from abusive backgrounds develop the capacity to willfully dissociate.
It’s also linked to autism and ADHD. So if you had a peaceful childhood, could still be dissociation but without being rooted in trauma.
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u/NeighborhoodSea6148 2d ago
my dad used to/still does yell a LOT and it has caused me issues with memory loss of my childhood, maybe it’s related?
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u/UprightSubmissive 3d ago
this sounds a lot like derealization, which is a super common symptom with anxiety. your brain kinda puts a filter over reality and everything feels off and unfamiliar even though you know it's not, like a dream you can't wake from. the fact you can sometimes control the switch is interesting though, might be worth mentioning to whoever did your adhd testing since they clearly know their stuff
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u/KQsHQ 2d ago
that sounds a lot like do you derealization or dissociation… Does it also feel like similar to when… Say your eyes get fixated on an object… And then you check back in your like aware that you’re staring at it… But it feels so good that you don’t wanna look away yet, and it takes you a second to actually break away from staring at the object blankly… That’s the only thing that I can kind of sort of compare to? Like when you’re looking at the dreamlike object, it’s kind of like the same fixation on the object that you can’t stop staring at? But then when you tell yourself to break free from the staring… That’s when you go back to the “real.” One ?!
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u/NeighborhoodSea6148 2d ago
I think I’ve experienced this? I’m not quite sure honestly I can’t remember all too well
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u/1InvisibleStranger 2d ago
Maybe you need to see a Neurologist? It kind of sounds like temporal lobe seizures or auras. Especially if it's been happening since you were young. You may have an undiagnosed Epilepsy. There are many different types of seizures, from auras, dejavu, absence, tonic clonics and many other various types.
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u/NumerousCap2181 2d ago
When this occurs, do you experience a sinking feeling in your stomach and a sudden pounding heart rate?
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u/NeighborhoodSea6148 2d ago
I have not noticed the pounding heart rate but the sinking feeling I have. it’s like a sudden feeling of doom.
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u/pugpug3 2d ago
It is possible you are just seeing and experiencing things, not a mental issue at all. I can't tell you one way or the other. But maybe it is nothing to be scared of, pay attention to what you see, discuss it with your doctors, maybe good friends you trust, and don't let anyone tell you they 100% KNOW what it is - often they DO NOT. They are guessing - my brother will tell people in seconds exactly what something was - and in my opinion, he did not. He didn't seem to realize the damage he could do by telling someone that "he could tell them right now" what to do. I have seen ghosts a couple of times in my life, and I feel the presence of my pugs that have passed away, shelter dog, pregnant cat that adopted me before a big storm (and was not leaving) - but nothing scary. One was in a "haunted" building that had been torn down, and our new store built over it. Just something I thought was an employee waiting for me, and instead seemed to be a hooded figure with its back to me, gone with no place it could have gone too - just disappeared without me seeing it do so. But no feeling of fear or danger.
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u/www__i0_0i__www 2d ago
Paranormal explaination: maybe you can auto-astral travel. Jump out of your body temporarily and shift back in. Realism/Skeptic explaination: Could be a form of depersonalization. This is a type of dissasociative state where you feel removed from reality, not able to access it. The Counting Crows aong "Around Here" have beautiful lyrics describing this.
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u/Mainard541 2d ago
Around Here, such a beautiful song. I had no idea it was about disassociation, but now it makes perfect sense.
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u/Ojibwe_Thunder 2d ago
I actually try to do this one purpose. It’s a fun way to look at things from a different perspective. I have diagnosed Panic Disorder and GAD. I wouldn’t get bothered if I suddenly couldn’t switch back to my “normal” perspective. They are equally true perspectives. But if it did bother me it may be a sign I’m feeling extra anxious for some reason. I’d reflect and talk with my doctor about it and see if you are experiencing more anxiety than normal. Oftentimes it’s my body signaling something is off balance or if I’ve recently completed something tough or exciting.
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u/Civil-Read-3571 2d ago
My husband and I were just talking about being able to do this just yesterday. We both can do it. I always called it “changing perspective”
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u/nicoolswa 2d ago edited 2d ago
I can relate. It happens when im intoxicated more...especially when I first used cannabis as a teen. Its like the room or place flips or switches and now all the sudden you're in a different dimension or the room is facing the wrong way etc. Ive been here many times. Edibles are the worst...thats when it actually feels like I go into a different dimension fr. And no im not a regular drug user. Occasional at best but rarely is more accurate.
I think you may be over thinking this sis. All this is is your state of consciousness. Your mind is very powerful, so much that you can literally do anything with it. Its magic. (Mind over matter...you can do literally anything you put your mind to).
This advice im about to give is the most important thing I need you to consider, ok...There are natural ways to heal your mental problems (ie anxiety, depression, etc..). The reason this is so important is because you are young. You have so much life to live and experiences to be had. Life is beautiful...all of it. Not just the good..the bad too. Try these please..
When you have anxiety the best way to treat/heal yourself is to go outside and get some sun. Try it for a week and see how you feel. Anti-anxiety medication is super addictive and the withdrawal from it can literally kill you. Make sure you talk to Dr and make a plan to ween if you decide to get off the meds. Which you totally should bc getting sun will help so much.
When you are depressed.. stay busy. Doing whatever. It doesnt matter what you do as long as you are in motion and keeping busy. DO NOT SIT AND OVER THINK THINGS. DO NOT SIT AND STAY STAGNANT. No good comes from someone who sits around over thinking all day. Its not good for anyone, sweetheart.
You'd be smart to listen to my advice. I have only the best of intentions.
Things I recommend... 1. Meditation/ yoga/ Be still. 2. Grounding. 3. Connecting in person with family and friends. 4. Limiting phone/computer time. 5. Good clean diet. No junk food, preservatives, no GMOS etc.
Number 5 is probably the most important of these if im being honest.
Take care. You got this. And you'll be just fine.
Get off the meds..it will mess up your mind in the long run and make you dependent on a drug to function. It will never cure you..only treat your symptoms so you are dependent.
F that!
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u/SpicyGello 2d ago
I agree with this EXCEPT telling someone to stop using a medication. Often medication is a reliable piece of the puzzle leading to mental health and stability. Often, without the medication it’s impossible.
OP- talk to your doctor about your medications. Discuss options, side effects and potential alternatives or dosage adjustments as you go. DO NOT feel obligated to continue a medication that isn’t working, making things worse or causing side effects that don’t subside quickly or are intolerable. DO have the courage to try a different medication.
I hate medication and at almost 50 I got the courage to change my medication. It was life changing. It took a few dose and med. adjustments. And continued therapy.
I WISH I had listened and had the courage at 22 to try medication. I likely would not have “needed” to have a complete break that blew my entire life up (career, marriage, etc.).You’re young. Have the courage to seek the tools that will help you succeed. Sometimes we must use new tools as required. Sometimes tools need replacement because, while it may be the right tool, it’s “old” and we simply needed the upgrade. Often as our needs change (age, life demands, etc.) different tools are needed.
If you get only one thing from this I hope it’s this.
You are doing the right things. Recognizing, researching, and having the curiosity and courage to explore what works for you. Keep the courage to try whatever and however many tools you need.Be safe, you got this.
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u/NeighborhoodSea6148 2d ago
the way you described it is actually the perfect way of how I see it, thank you.
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u/Busy_Seesaw5139 2d ago
Op do not get off the meds. That is horrible advice. Some people need medication for life and that is perfectly fine. I would suggest talking to your doctors about therapy that can treat depression and anxiety, but it will not just go away in most cases if you've had it your entire life. Much love ❤️
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u/nicoolswa 2d ago
Yes. Ive been there many times. Even as a child I remember laying on the ground or hanging upside down amd experiencing it that way also. I would pretend I was in a different world or i would pretend like I could walk on the ceiling lol
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u/NeighborhoodSea6148 2d ago
Omg I’ve experienced that exact same thing, I used to hang upside down from the couch and shift how I saw my kitchen.
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u/Turbulent_Media_2801 2d ago
You should never tell someone especially a teen to stop taking their depression meds! I get what you are saying about meds, but my husband gaslighted me all the time about my meds so one day I stopped taking them, 3 weeks later I was in the ER for...well you know and spent a week in a psych hospital until my insurance ran out and they booted me. I went back to my shrink and got back on my meds. I went to counseling and learned how to say 🖕to my husband.
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u/PriorDapper2701 2d ago
If you’re medicated for anxiety, why wouldn’t they address your so called adhd? That makes no sense
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u/NeighborhoodSea6148 2d ago
it took me a really long time to get medicated for anxiety and I just recently got tested for adhd. My anxiety presents really different than normal so it may have overshadowed a doctors concern for adhd.
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u/ses1221 2d ago
A long long time ago I listened to a podcast where they interviewed people with unusual disorders. I remember, one they interviewed a few people who had the experience of one day it just felt like their perspective of the world had shifted to a different angle. It was extremely distressing for them and somehow perceiving the world from this different angle just felt very wrong for them.
I wish I could find it for you. I have a strong feeling it might have been a RadioLab episode. Perhaps it's similar to your experience
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u/NeighborhoodSea6148 2d ago
this is almost exactly what I mean. a different angle is a perfect way to describe it, Im happy to know other people have experienced this too.
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u/Cool-Appearance1375 9h ago
Changes in perception are normal and nothing to be afraid about.
Derealization is what is sounds like and tbh the more you feed into the feeling the worse it becomes (unreality). Just learn to avoid and recognize triggers, everyone is different.
Not to mention growing older and changing, and being in different environments, and undergoing stress, or using different substances, including prescribed medication - your mind may have a different "feel" to it during different circumstances.
I'll use the passage of time to my advantage as an artist, for example. If I work at a drawing for several hours, I start to lose focus, and put it away, out of sight. If I return to it later, I'll have "a fresh set of eyes".
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u/zyptzk 2d ago
You're 16. Just hang in there and take the meds although there is a question(in my opinion) whether you've been diagnosed correctly. Do you socialise with your peers and are accepted? Do you do well in your classes? Don't question your ability to handle this situation. I hope your dissertation is honest.
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u/KeepingItAnonym 1d ago
Man. Ai may destroy this platform. Couldn’t even get through half of it. Waste of my t8me.
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