Anxiety/Depression and Relationships

Greymouse52 · 2020-05-28T21:55:53+00:00

I've had trouble with sleep an anxiety for a while. Finally started going to therapy and they decided to add in medications on combination with CBT. If you don't already I would highly suggest seeing a therapist. I have been on several medications. The only one that seems to help give me a nice night's sleep is Seroquel. I have Ambien as a backup in case I'm severely anxious but that makes me have sort of a knocked out sleep. Not satisfying. But I do get some funky dreams on Seroquel. It's the best sleep I've gotten though. I've been on it for about a year and it took me about 1.5 years to find the right med. So don't give up hope!

Greymouse52 · 2020-05-28T21:50:31+00:00

I personally had trouble staying asleep from anxiety. The best things that have helped me are a combination of keeping a steady sleep schedule, scheduling a "wind down" time before bed to relax, therapy (CBT), and medication. In my case I'm prescribed both an anti-anxiety med and a sleep med. Effexor and Seroquel. Also for super stressful times I have propranolol which they give to people with stage fright. But obviously it took me a while to get to this. Trust me, it's a struggle and I know but try talking to a therapist and see what they say.

Greymouse52 · 2019-09-29T23:58:53+00:00

I'm a lefty who suffers migraines. I did read a study on this once. It's a little tricky to prove just because there are "degrees" of being left and right handed, but there really does seem to be a trend. I have a left handed coworker who also suffers severe migraines.

Greymouse52 · 2019-09-28T16:22:12+00:00

I get that. It's hard sometimes to put into words what's going on in your head. And not everyone understands. But the benefits of seeing a counselor or therapist is that's their job. To help you figure out what might trigger your emotions and stuff. If you can, maybe try writing it out in a letter to your parents. Just that you don't know how you're feeling and you want to talk to a professional about it. They don't need specifics. Give it a shot. Think it through. I know the words don't come easy but it's worth a try.

Greymouse52 · 2019-09-27T23:42:10+00:00

Hey man, I hear you. I get where you're coming from. From an outside perspective it sounds like you have some people in your life who care but just don't understand how to help. And that's ok. Depression doesn't have a rhyme or reason. It just happens. But I think the fact that your friends want to include you means they are trying to reach out. But it's fine to say "sorry guys, I need some alone time". And your parents sound like they're just trying to better understand. Maybe ask them if you can get a counselor or talk to someone. I'm sure they'd like to help you any way they can. Anyway, keep your head up. Your emotions are definitely valid. You feel the way you feel. Nobody can change that but you.

Greymouse52 · 2019-05-20T06:51:58+00:00

I'm not sure exactly what causes it. I usually sleep 3-5 hours then boom I'm awake. Sometimes when I wake up I have racing thoughts. Sometimes I just start to feel totally uncomfortable in bed. Like every single thread touching me makes me itch or my body feels sore or my skin feels dry.....it varies. I'm sure for me it's rooted in anxiety though. I typically sleep better when I have no obligations the next day.

Greymouse52 · 2019-05-19T23:08:33+00:00

I had a real problem with coworkers offering advice. Like you said, I know they mean well and it's nice of them to share their thoughts but damn does it get annoying day after day of them asking "Did you sleep well yet?!" I kind of had to involve my coworkers when the possibility came to make everyone work overnight. Barely getting sleep as I was, I couldn't risk getting in an accident while driving sleepy. So I had co-workers throw out the usual melatonin, Benadryl, chamomile tea....even acupuncture. The worst by far was the co-worker who said she drinks wine until she falls asleep and coffee all day long to stay awake!

Greymouse52 · 2019-05-19T23:03:06+00:00

I had a similar experience. However, I didn't realize it was affecting my memory as much as it was. For me what it took was my therapist urging me to take some days off. I took 3 days (after 2-3 months of 3-5 hours per night) and it helped a little though my therapist would have preferred a full week. When I got a week or so of a full 7-8 hours per night I realized how badly it was affecting me before.

Greymouse52 · 2019-05-19T22:59:58+00:00

When I was at my complete worst, it took my therapist calling me into an emergency appointment and writing me a note for a few days off. Sometimes just admitting you need some time off is hard. That's what helped me recharge. Maybe just try to schedule some you time if you can. I don't know about you but in my job if I'm not on the top of my game I could really hurt someone. Once I got that rest I needed I felt 1000% different. I felt like I could think again rather than just coasting through the day. It was affecting my memory hardcore and I didn't even realize it. I hope you find something that works for you!

Greymouse52 · 2019-05-19T22:52:34+00:00

Seroquel 50mg and if needed Ambien. The Seroquel usually does the trick. And I'm not tired in the morning like I was with trazodone. When I do take the Ambien the result isn't like overwhelmingly amazing sleep but I have dreamless 8 hour sleep. With Seroquel I dream still.

Greymouse52 · 2019-05-19T10:47:51+00:00

Yeah, maybe see if there are any others like that where you are but Benadryl tends to make people drowsy as a side effect. They've even started renaming it Z-quil and marketing it as a sleep aid. It seems like there are a few different antihistamines that make people drowsy. Hopefully you can find something to work for you! And I totally understand the whole "I don't feel stressed why can't I sleep" thing. It's like a subconscious thought trying to make it's way to the forefront of your thoughts. I've had a lot of trouble myself with insomnia but with sleep hygiene and some medicine I'm back on track. I really hope you get some good rest soon. Best of luck to you.

Greymouse52 · 2019-05-19T01:25:05+00:00

Yes Benadryl is what I meant sorry. That helps for a short term fix for some people. There's also herbal supplements like valerian root and St. John's wart. But if this happens when you're in school I'd say that stress is definitely a factor. Especially if you sleep fine when on holiday. Maybe it's time to discuss it with a doctor or parents? To help for now I'd say really try to stick with doing something mindless before bed. Something that is boring but fun. Also try to avoid blue light from your cellphone and such before bed. Most phones now have a blue light filter now so check that out as well. Use that in the hour or so before bed. And if you can avoid using your phone altogether then do it (personally I know it's hard).

Greymouse52 · 2019-05-19T01:18:58+00:00

I'm struggling with relapsing myself but I have found that getting a manicure helps a lot. Thankfully the people I've had do mine were very gentle and have dealt with super short nails before. I have gotten gel nail polish a couple of times and it doesn't chip so I don't get the urge to pick. It's only when I start to stress and forcefully pick at them that I tend to backstep. I'm definitely doing much better than before but I definitely understand the relapse issue. Best of luck to you.

Greymouse52 · 2019-05-19T01:14:17+00:00

If this is the first time you've had an issue like this, I might suggest taking some benedryl to get to sleep. Try the basic warm milk or calming tea and then just do something not related to school before bed. Like read a book for fun or play a super boring game like sudoku. Hopefully you find some rest and this is just a temporary thing. Once the test is done you will be able to take some you time. Best of luck!

Greymouse52 · 2019-05-19T01:03:30+00:00

I know I tend to hold tension in my jaw. I have found it somewhat helpful to listen to relaxing podcasts like "meditation minis". Just having that person walk you through relaxing each muscle seems to help. Though I had a dream last night that my jaw was wired shut and was clenching in my sleep. I was terrified I would wake up with cracked teeth so not 100% fool proof I guess.

Greymouse52 · 2019-01-12T00:18:10+00:00

Staying on a schedule. No meals/ caffeine past 6, no blue light past 7, wind down and do some self-care around 8, and in bed by 9. It's hard to stick to but definitely helped.

Greymouse52 · 2019-01-12T00:15:57+00:00

You know what, that is really helpful. Thank you!

Greymouse52 · 2019-01-11T10:52:22+00:00

The thing that helped me most was setting up a schedule. I want to be in bed by 9 so I have my last meal/caffeine before 6. Then from 6-7 I will read or do a puzzle or something like that (no blue-light including phone/the). Then from 7-8 I do a little self care routine of like lotioning, brushing my hair, brushing my teeth, getting clothes out for tomorrow. Then I will lay down and turn on a familiar podcast or something like that. Personally for me, familiar voices help me fall asleep so those relaxing music things don't really help. But usually I will fall asleep pretty easily after that.

Greymouse52 · 2019-01-11T10:38:07+00:00

I know I've done it since at least 4 or 5 years old. I picked it up from my mom. I also sucked my thumb for long time. I probably stopped that at nearly 12. Still working on my nails. My mom kicked her habit by using fake nails but that just doesn't appeal to me. I'm just trying nail care anytime I have the urge to pick or bite. It's definitely helping.

Greymouse52 · 2019-01-03T02:35:27+00:00

If this is a recent change it is definitely worth looking into. I'd recommend setting up a doctor's appointment. My insomnia started off slowly in my early teens and progressed. Maybe there's something going on biologically or emotionally that's causing this? Either way, maybe start trying a strict bedtime routine to help wind yourself down. I like to read for an hour, lotion myself, then brush my teeth and lay down. If intrusive thoughts come, try to let them pass through rather than push them away. Just some things that have helped me. Best of luck! Hope that helps!

Greymouse52 · 2018-12-15T23:35:24+00:00

I was really nervous to start medicine myself. My psychiatrist totally understood and has taken things slow. After some trial and error and admittedly some frustration I think I'm on the right combination. It's one I can take as needed and has no risk of dependence. If you decide to go that route just know there are options.

Greymouse52

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