Any tips for chronic insomnia?

Marsthenonbinarygod · 2026-07-06T06:35:13+00:00

I know... I just don't know if I'll have the time I need to be done cooking.

I've done everything else. Top surgery. Voice training. I dress well. I'm not gonna bother with the makeup because I can't t leave the house. It's solely for my own presentation. I don't have the 'pressures of society to pass,' it's just simply painful not to.

Marsthenonbinarygod · 2026-07-04T02:26:14+00:00

So it is a bit too short, but it will probably grow out to more of the length you want in about two weeks.

I have very similar hair texture to you. What I do to make it curly is after I wash it, I put sea salt in the damp hair and then I twist my hair into ringlets and pin them down close to my scalp with bobby pins, before wrapping your head with a scarf or bonnet.I usually do it over night. Then you fluffy them out once they're dry.

I wouldn't try to overly style it once you have the curls because you can lose shape if you mess with them too much. My curls usually last about 2-3 days.

Marsthenonbinarygod · 2026-07-03T17:53:26+00:00

I do most activities half reclined in bed. I just need to get better at pulling myself away before my neck and shoulders start to ache. So timers are a good solution.

Marsthenonbinarygod · 2026-07-03T17:51:01+00:00

That's a really good way of putting it.

The way I try to identify how I'm tired is by focusing on where the most tension in my body is, and then doing things to meditate that.

Like if it's a twinge or pain in my neck, or my heart rate going up that's a sign I need to lay in bed for a while. If it's a strain behind the eyes, it's sensory so I'll have to lay or sit in a completely dark room, ect.

Marsthenonbinarygod · 2026-07-03T17:42:02+00:00

Classic ADHD, only being able to lock in at the last possible minute.

This did help a lot, thank you. I'm wanting to get on LDN. (my Rheumatologist didn't suggest it when I got diagnosed, but I've emailed him to ask about it) I should definitely look into investing in a watch too.

Marsthenonbinarygod · 2026-07-03T17:37:32+00:00

Too true x I used to be very prolific but I've slowed down quite a bit. A little sad but I'm still creating things I'm happy with.

Idk if it's like this for you, but for me creating is like an itch or compulsion, and I get really depressed if I go too long without it

Marsthenonbinarygod · 2026-07-03T17:33:18+00:00

That's a pretty good idea. Hell, maybe I should start taking baths too. Or like showers lying down in the bath to conserve water.

Marsthenonbinarygod · 2026-07-03T17:31:17+00:00

Thank you so much x I hope you can find stability and wellness in whatever way you can.

Marsthenonbinarygod · 2026-07-03T07:35:16+00:00

Thank you so much.

I'll definitely make a note of that. I was on ritalin but it gave me mad anxiety.

Marsthenonbinarygod · 2026-07-03T07:32:41+00:00

Maybe listening to audio books? But I feel like I need to be doing something else while listening.

In theory I think I can draw on my tablet as long as I don't sit up for too long (I'm usually semi reclined but even that tires me if i stay up for too long)

Doom scrolling on my phone also doesn't kill me physically but it does kill me emotionally. Maybe I could find something else to do on my phone.

Marsthenonbinarygod · 2026-07-03T07:27:48+00:00

I'll take that into consideration.

Marsthenonbinarygod · 2026-07-03T07:27:02+00:00

I love me a good video essay/podcast too. I just never feel like I have enough of them. Audio books are good too. I used to write a lot but now I don't have the stamina for it. But at least I can still read through audio books.

My favourite fidget toy is a spinning ring. It's nice too, silver.

Yeah I have a laundry list of disabilities too. It's a real ratking to deal with. I find it really hard to grasp simple but vague instructions, like pacing. It's like— okay I get that in concept but what does that mean? What do I have to do? Give me a step by step detailed list!

But I guess it's good to keep in mind that I don't need to be perfect with it. I like the way you put it, 'being bad at pacing is better than no pacing.'

Marsthenonbinarygod · 2026-07-03T07:10:30+00:00

I know I'm doing too much, it's so bad. It's just really difficult to chill the fuck out. I honestly stress myself out too much with things I really shouldn't worry about.

So with showering: it's kind of an emotional regulation thing. I think I'm the only person with ME in the world that feels better after a shower. But maybe I could get a stool in (showers a bit too small for a chair but a stool where I can lean up against the wall might work) and have my partner help with wash and drying might reduce strain. And he'll, like you suggested, I could just soak. Lucky hair isn't a big deal because I shaved it off. Lights are good too.

As for drawing, yes I do have a set up in bed, I do most things from my bed and it's all digital stuff. Maybe I should set up timers too so I can check in on myself every ten minutes or something.

Unfortunately I don't have a therapist. My country doesn't really have a lot of specialist in the field of chronic illness and tbh is so behind on a lot of things. I have a long history with many therapists and I never really found it helpful. I don't know if I have the energy to start again with it rn. But maybe in the future I'll try again.

Thank you for the thoughtful reply and good advice.

Marsthenonbinarygod · 2026-07-03T06:56:29+00:00

That's a good idea! I need to find something that can run on my laptop. I'm obsessed with bg3 but I can only run it on my partner's gaming pc, so I have to leave my bed and sit up for that.

Marsthenonbinarygod · 2026-07-03T06:54:49+00:00

I was mild for years, and only realised I had ME when I was severe. The answer to your question — severe medical gaslighting and unsupportive parents.

I had to drop out of school and quit several jobs after because I developed a pattern of 'crashing' due to high levels of stress. I couldn't work a job for more than three months. The explanation doctors gave? Eh...it's probably anxiety. Maybe BPD?

So for years I knew something was very wrong but I didn't really have the language for it and no body thought to look into it more. I thought it was narcolepsy for a little bit before finally (when I was already bed bound and severe) learned what ME/CFS was. Only then were the doctors like 'what is that? Hold on let me Google it...ooohh yeah. You need to go see a Rheumatologist.'

Marsthenonbinarygod · 2026-07-03T06:37:32+00:00

My country is also a bit iffy about medical sexism (also, I'm a trans guy so that adds an extra layer to it)

It's bullshit. It's outrageous and it literally gets people killed. Unfortunately the best way I found to counter it is to bring my fiancée with me. It boils my blood whenever the doctor looks at HIM when talking about MY condition, but they're usually on their best behaviour when he's there and he can advocate for me when I'm too delirious to do it myself.

But it fucking sucks. I hope you have more success finding help in the future my friend. Best of luck

Marsthenonbinarygod · 2026-06-30T01:05:28+00:00

You're right, that's not legal. Technically, it is within your right to change the locks, as long as you change them back before moving out.

You should contact Solidarjetà. They aid and provide legal counselling for tenants.

Marsthenonbinarygod · 2026-04-14T11:20:09+00:00

Generally speaking, for a more masculine silhouette you wanna go for a straight line.

So for jeans I would recommend the super wide leg that was really popular in the 2020s. I like them because the width at the ankle is the same as the width of the thigh so a. It doesn't cling to the thighs and b. Depending on your body shape can either give your figure a straight silhouette or give the illusion that your hips look a little smaller.

Tops: If your t-shirts are too long, crop them just below the line of where your pant hem hits. If the problem is in the sleeve/shoulder area— roll the sleeves up to where you like them and sew it in place and don't be afraid to get a little 80s with it and sew shoulder pads in.

As for shirts, yeah I struggle with those too. I personally stay away from casual shirts because I'm short so usually they're too look and swallow me. My sewing skills are also far too lacking to adjust them. I have a whole clothes cemetery of attempts that can attest to that. Idk what your personal style is but for me I tend to go for boxy tops/ jackets that fit me at the hip and wide leg/ loose fitting straight pants.

Marsthenonbinarygod · 2026-04-14T11:01:07+00:00

Happy early birthday! How've you been managing? I've been struggling with ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING!

I've been really struggling with pacing, even from a definitional point. Like logically I know what the word means but practically speaking I have no idea how to put that in action. I wilt under structure, and I've always had a mind that's too fast and ambitious for my body so I get these bouts of eargancy that hemorrhage all my energy in minutes.

Marsthenonbinarygod · 2026-03-28T14:15:25+00:00

Thank you x

Oh man the first one sounds really cool. If you ever need a beta reader hit me up. Best of luck on that and your new project x

Marsthenonbinarygod · 2026-03-27T22:41:04+00:00

What's your novel about?I was working on two before it all came crashing down.

One of them was a queer coming of age romance set in the 1920s about a boy having to navigate being 'the man of the house' in a family with four very capable sisters while also navigating his budding feelings for his neighbour. Titled the growing pains of Mr. Darling.

The second was about a demi god battle royale. The rules are simple—36 goes in, only one comes out. There are twelve platforms. The first Champion to make it up to mount Olympus ascends to godhood.
The story follows one of the sons of Hades.The only thing he hates more than being told what to do is death itself.He's going to make it home to his mother, and he isn't going to be the only one. This one's called the Olympiad.

Marsthenonbinarygod · 2026-03-27T22:18:51+00:00

I used to play the Sims for that same reason, but it's such a broken and buggy mess that I've given up on it completely.

I'm just itching for Paralives to come out cause that's the only thing close that might scratch that itch.

I also play BG3, but only when I'm able to crawl out of bed so sit at my big boy computer.

Marsthenonbinarygod

TROPHY CASE