A whole new world..

[sw]

Hi everyone I am new here & reasonably new to the extreme anxiety experience. Ive suffered bought's of depression in the past but after a recent trauma I am living with anxiety and not enjoying the experience at all of course. One of the most difficult symptoms I find is the insomnia..When I am having a bad day, like today, Ill be lucky to get to sleep until the early hours of the morning. Its a vicious cycle and feels so hopeless at times. This week I almost had an anxiety attack in a work meeting when a person triggered a memory of the recent trauma I referred to. It was a hellish experience and I hope its not the start of further deterioration. I am on medication that is taken at night and meant to help me sleep but only works on good days...Went off the sleeping tablets as I do not want to become reliant. Thankful to have the opportunity to share a part of my story with my peers & hear your feedback 🙂

[NicoleP]

Hi SW and welcome to the forums.

I gave up on trying to get a good nights sleep. Like you, I was on sleeping tablets but went off them cos I didn't want to become dependent on them. I did much better in the sleep department when I gave up trying to get a good nights sleep. I now go through a bit of a routine. No coffee or caffeine after about 3 pm. Have tea at about 7 and then find something relaxing to do. I like reading and jigsaws. Then I head to bed at about 10:30 and read till I am sleepy. Lights off. If I sleep - great! If not, after about an hour I get up and have a lie down on the couch and watch TV. Some nights I can watch a lot of shows, other nights I fall asleep on the couch. Basically, I try not to worry about sleep. The more you worry, the worse it gets. I work on the idea that if I don't sleep well one night, that the next night will be better. I also go for a run in the morning at 5:30 to tire myself out - so maybe sport is part of the answer too.

kezza

[BenD]

Hi sw,

Good move going off the sleeping pills, they can become a troublesome sideshow otherwise. I'm with KezzaA, cut down caffeine, do some daily exercise, and try some other relaxation methods like progressive muscle relaxation or mindfulness to slow your brain down.

Take care,

ben

[sw]

Thanks for your replied Kezza & Ben. I dont have caffeine in my diet at all...& I am to a point where I am hoping that exercise is the answer! I am seriously considering joining a transformation program at my local gym next Monday. Unfortunately I think depression maybe creeping in to keep my anxiety company since the incident at work last week so my motivation has been zero and I am hoping the accountability of a program (& being part of a group) will be the kick up the butt I need to get me started and Im hoping as they say..Healthy body healthy mind 🙂 Just need to not think about it to much and join up I think...