Have you ever had an ego death experience Ben? It's not like you're describing here. It's not something to fear. Consciousness remains, but the box you use to limit "yourself", that separates "you" from experience itself, that separates "thatness" or "tathata" as the Hindus say, into separate "things" - the borders dissolve. And you realise the great illusion of separation. It's the most beautiful experience I've ever had.

And yes I'm still able to function afterwards. I still have an ego, I now realise what it is (an art project the universe is playing) and don't get too anxious about it. I still love life. In fact I love it more. I love my partner, my friends, my family. I am very successful at work. It's just I no longer have an anxiety disorder or an eating disorder. I am not afraid of death either.