I realize this is probably not the right subreddit but I have dove into psychedelics lately, and think it could be contributing.
So my question is does anyone have a huge problem with the thousand yard stare like I do? Is it directly related to drugs? It scares me and my girlfriend and don't really know what to do about it. Thanks guys.
Posted Oct 16, 2013, 3:46 AM UTC
You might be experiencing dissociation. I suggest talking to a psychologist about this.
How likely is this? I am very scared
I cant say. All i know is that 'the thousand yard stare' is a symptom of dissociation or maybe Post-traumatic stress disorder, also known as PTSD. If you've had a difficult psychological experience it's possible that's what you have, but like i said, i suggest you talk to a licenced psychologist.
dissociation/depersonalization/derealization are all completely harmless, just very uncomfortable for the person experiencing. Do not be afraid you will be fine and you are not broken. The best way to counteract this is to be really involved in the moment you are in. Try your hardest to be as interactive as you can with any conversations or activities you are doing at that current time. If you find yourself getting in your head remind yourself why you are thinking those thoughts (because you are scaring yourself repeatidly for no reason) and try to focus on the moment again. Things like excersizing and eating well also help (but who can be fucked doing that shit?)
I've had alot of experience struggling with this for a long time now due to acid and weed. I have found how to fix it by doing what i mentioned above and staying off pyschoactive drugs. Trust me, I was as scared as you, if not more for longer, If derealization is what you have I know you will be more then fine. please do not worry.
PS. Sorry for the super late comment
Thank you so muc and I don't care how late your comment was because it is very helpful... It's good to know I'm not as alone as I think I am. Thank you so much again.
How often have you been taking psychedelics?
Probably about once a month
Edit: for about the past 4 months or so
Is the stare traumatic? Or just a focus on your thoughts? Don't let stigmas dictate how you should feel.
I'm boy sure I focus on my thoughts a lot but the thought isn't anything I can specifically point out
Do you get any emotional response while staring?
I feel when talking to someone who's been through something big I can see it in their eyes. Could be passion, fear, courage, empathy, love or others but there's something there. Not really positive or negative, just their reaction to events in their life.
Do you mean vacant looking eyes?
Yes
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You could simply be tired, its the most common cause of idle staring.
Otherwise, it can be caused by excessive internal monologue ("thinking to yourself"). If you become fixated or obsessed with a topic, idea or train of thought, it can manifest in periods of staring. If that prolongs and you find it hard to return to a regular first-person experience, it could be a dissociative disorder. Whatever the case, chat about stuff like this to a counselor. They'll be able to help much better.
Does it ever happen when you are sober?
Means you have autistic tendencies.
So, yunno, quit it with the drugs tardo. They'll make it worse.
Do you have source that verifies this?
Nope, just a troll. Fuck that idiot. You're talking about getting high and zoning out, right? Are you responsive to stimuli during this? If I were to come up and ask a question would you react at all? If you're completely oblivious to the outside world that could lead to problems in the future. Not being able to respond can be quite chilling for another person if they don't understand what is going on. If all that's happening now is that while you're high/tripping you focus on thoughts and let your eyes go slack I think that's perfectly normal. Psychoactive substances make me very introspective and there are times where I get so involved in my thinking that it seems my brain doesn't recognize/validate visual/audio input. I can easily snap out of it if my attention is called and only rarely do I lose the ability to speak (high dose L trips).
This is when I am stone cold sober. And yes my girlfriend snaps me out of it and I respond to her. This is the best way I can describe it...
I'm sitting on the couch staring through a tv that isn't even on, my mind is in a dark empty void of nothingness, I can't even focus on one thought. I will stay like that until I realize " I'm doing it again" or she snaps me out of it
That happens to me, too. I just get lost in my own thoughts. Or sometimes lack of thoughts. I wouldn't make a big deal about it unless things become self destructive or delusional. There's nothing wrong with getting deep into your own head. It could be an unconscious way for your brain to de-stress itself, as well.
Obviously, if you feel like this is something that's detrimental to your well being you should pursue an answer through more professional means. In the meantime keep your body healthy and get plenty of restful(!) sleep.
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What do you mean?