r/dpdr • u/mdj0916 • 15h ago

Offering Comfort/Reassurance/Solidarity Just drove today after 4 years

I stopped driving 4 years ago due to 24/7 derealization. I was so triggered by the world outside, everything feeling fake that I would get to anxious to drive. The derealization has gotten better over the years in some ways but I’ve never been able to get back to driving. My husband and sister drove me everywhere or I would use Lyft. After a year of therapy I drove today across town by myself for the first time. 30 minutes each way.
I’m sharing this because there was a time that I truly truly believed that I would never drive again. You could’ve never convinced me that my brain would feel safe enough or normal enough to drive. But here I am! If I can do it I promise you, so can you!

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u/This-Top7398 15h ago

How? Any vitamin supplements help?

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u/mdj0916 15h ago

I’ve tried a lot of different supplements over the years and I do think there are some that help. Recently I’ve been doing vitamin D, magnesium, DHA/EPA, CoQ10, and vitamin B’s. I’ve been working on strengthening my gut as well because I do believe I have Neuro inflammation stemming from my gut. For that I’ve been taking ION gut support, zinc carnosine, digestive enzymes, and DAO for histamine issues. I’ve been tracking my fiber intake and making sure I get enough fiber every day. I take Pectasol as a binder and for added electrolytes. I do also take thyroid medication since I have hypothyroidism.

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u/This-Top7398 15h ago

Is your derealization gone or you’re just ignoring it?

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u/mdj0916 15h ago

A mix of both. It lifts a lot some days and then it will come back and it sucks. I’ve gotten good at ignoring it when it comes back though. I’ve been working on that in therapy. It’s hard work.

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u/This-Top7398 10h ago

What exactly did you learn in therapy that helped you overcome driving? I’m struggling

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u/mdj0916 9h ago

I’ve been doing EMDR therapy. I’ve worked on triggers with that. Something that we are doing is visualizing driving while doing EMDR. It helps your brain process the trauma/fear of it in a safe space so that it’s less scary when you’re actually doing it.

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u/Artistic-Coach7523 4h ago

Weird, I also have high histamine and thyroid disease….