Can't do reality checks because of derealization?

[theAqua]

Hi all I've been hoping to try lucid dreaming by doing reality checks but I've noticed that it can induce some panic or cause me to have mild depersonalization symptoms. I suffered with this only once when I was 16 about 7 years ago, but now that I want to lucid dream, the reality checks don't seem to be helping! The panic attacks sometimes come back!

[dolphin]

You don't have to do reality checks during the day to lucid dream. You just use them as confirmation that you're dreaming while you're dreaming during times where you aren't sure.

[cooleymd]

Hmm? You become anxious to the point of debilitation by doing reality checks in real life? Try changing your reality check, there are many kinds. Try reading some text over and over, or asking yourself where was I five minutes ago, hardly the stuff of panic attacks. What exactly is triggering the fear, others watching you?