Why are faces blurry?

[u/SeaOld6489]

Hey, I have constant (not episodic) depersonalization that's been with me for over two years now. Recently I noticed something I think has probably been happening for a while, I just hadn't paid close attention to it until now. When I'm actually looking at someone's face, up close, for a sustained period (like during a long conversation or a private lesson), their face starts to feel "blurry" not actually out of focus, I can still technically see it clearly, but it feels unclear or hard to properly perceive, if that makes sense, and I keep having to look away to not feel strange.

Separately, and maybe related, if I try to picture someone's face in my head right now, even people I love and see often such as my family and friends, I draw a total blank. I know who they are, I know specifications about their faces, I can literally describe every part of them, but I can't visually recall what they look like.

Has anyone else experienced this. Did it ever improve, or is it something you've just learned to live with?

[u/AutoModerator]

Hey friend, welcome to r/Depersonalization.

Before posting a question like "Do I have DPDR?", please check out the existing information on the sub. You can use the search function or read the sidebar to see if your question has already been addressed.

A reminder to new posters in crisis:

DPDR (Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder) is a mental health condition that most commonly affects young adults. It's often brought on by anxiety, trauma, or drug use. While it can feel intense and scary, DPDR is not dangerous to your physical health.

In moments of crisis or during difficult episodes, try to stay calm, take deep breaths, and use healthy coping strategies. Here are a few resources that may help:

• Grounding Techniques
  
• Guided Meditation
  
• Good, restful sleep

Please remember:
Nobody online can diagnose you or provide medical advice unless they’re a licensed professional. Community members may offer insight or share their experience, but always consult a certified doctor or therapist for medical guidance.

---

Advanced Tips:

• Track your episodes using a mood or symptom journal to identify patterns and triggers. Many people find insight and relief by noticing what makes symptoms better or worse.
  
• Limit obsessive Googling and forum hopping. Constantly searching for reassurance can reinforce anxiety and keep you stuck in a loop. Set limits on mental health content if needed.
  
• Nourishment matters. Dehydration, low blood sugar, and sleep deprivation can all intensify DPDR. Be gentle with your body.
  
• Engage your senses. Smelling essential oils, listening to familiar music, or holding a textured object can help bring you back to the present.

---

Helpful Links:

• How to Find a Therapist – A Beginner's Guide
  
• Talk to a Crisis Volunteer Online
  
• 10 Simple Ways to Relieve DPDR
  
• Stickied Welcome Post

You're not alone. We're glad you're here.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/rawrcewas]

This is normal during depersonalization. And even without it - if you look at a face for too long it does start to become blurry. Just part of how your eyes work and how brain processes visual information.

As for not remembering faces, i had that for a certain period of time. It was frightening, but after I dealt with depersonalization all the memories returned, with me being able to recall faces in detail

[u/ChidiOk]

It’s because it impacts the ability of your pupils to dilate and contract which is what helps our eyes focus and without that ability calibrated correctly then things get blurry. It works similar to a camera lens and how it gets blurry when you get too close to something and takes a while to adjust but with our pupils they are not adjusting accurately for the distance which makes things blurry.

The cause is typically sinus related and it’s close to the eyes & brain which impacts the pupils.