Aniexty

[TimO]

Hi, 8 yrs ago I had anxiety like I have now, I have some stress in my life with family issues and house moving plus work pressures but my main problem is when I go to bed I’m scared I won’t sleep because I’m so anxious of not sleep and toss

and turn all nite, today I went to GP and start some meds tonite and will be starting a mental health plan this Wednesday, was just wanting to hear from others for support and any advice you can share, thks

[Mark Z.]

Hi TimO,

Thanks for sharing your story. It sounds like you're going through a challenging time with all the stressors in your life. I can tell it much be very hard for you. But it's great that you've taken proactive steps by visiting your GP and starting on a mental health plan. You are doing absolutely right things.

Apart from professional support, it is also very important to seek support from family members you can rely on and your close friends. They can be great listeners and might be able to provide support.

In addition, my own experience is when I have regular day-time physical exercise, it helps with my sleep. But when it's close to your bed time, a calming routine is important, including activities like reading, gentle stretching, or listening to soothing music, etc.

Hope it helps a bit.

Warmly,

Mark

[Robby60]

I find exercise helpful for anxiety. I aim to do cardio twice a week and weights twice a week. (Not on the same days) Also a good diet and nutrition, possibly supplements, I find helpful. Obviously discuss with your GP and go with their recommendations.

[TimO]

thanks Mark, appreciate you taking the time to respond, it means a lot

to me that other read and care about other people’s well being, thk you

[TimO]

Thanks Robbo, appreciate your words and support, like hearing other people’s ways forward 

[Mark Z.]

No worries at all TimO. Please feel free to update us on how your medication and mental health plan are working in a couple of weeks. Hope things continue to improve for you. Take care, Mark.

[Robby60]

I had a couple more thoughts on insomnia which I also suffer from. I'm very sensitive to caffeine. If I drink caffeine after lunch I won't sleep. Caffeine is in a lot of soft drinks etc. I'm not sure if caffeine may cause insomnia for you. Also blue light is best avoided in the hours before sleep. You can get blue light filter apps etc for this reason.

[Whatsinaname]

Something a therapist told me years ago has really helped with my sleep, not sure how true it is but it has helped ease my mind which in turn helps me fall asleep.

Although your mind is awake if you rest in bed your body will rest. It isn't everything you need but it can be enough to make it through the next day.

Guided sleep meditations do a world of good on those real bad nights where the mind won't slow down.