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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 11 of 11. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by libby2222 on February 28, 2003, at 20:01:22
Hi everyone:
I'm not sure how this works but I am going to give it a college try. A good friend of mine has found support,comfort and answers here. I have suffered for many years from depression. I only came to realize the extent of my illness after a devastating event in my life two years ago. I sought medical help,therapy and started on a round of Prozac which lifted some of the depression and anxiety. It has been 6+ months since I last took meds due to lack of insurance. I am insured now and have an appointment with a pdoc 3/11/03. Look forward to having some relief from the symtomology of the disease that meds provide. I have read many post and I am amazed at the knowledge, love and support that is here. I lack knowledge of meds, side effects, etc and have many q's. I also suffer from drug & alcohol abuse (I have 15 + years of recovery) so the plate is pretty full if you know what I mean. ie : obsessive/compulsive behavior.
If anyone has any helpful suggestions about things to do to fall asleep I would greatly appreciate any input. I have had a terrible time as of late falling asleep-once I fall asleep I'm down for the count.
Just wanted to drop in, say hi and introduce myself. Look forward to your shares and input.
Libby
Posted by Dinah on February 28, 2003, at 20:42:15
In reply to New kid in the room, posted by libby2222 on February 28, 2003, at 20:01:22
Pleased to meet you Libby.
I wish I had some good advice for you, but I've got sleep problems myself. Mostly waking up tho, usually not falling asleep.
My best technique for falling asleep is meditation. Looking deep inside and centering.
Maybe others will have more guidance for you.
Posted by justyourlaugh on February 28, 2003, at 22:19:19
In reply to New kid in the room, posted by libby2222 on February 28, 2003, at 20:01:22
libby,
welcome,
come sit on a stump by the open fire...
it took me awhile to believe "invisable-hee hee"friends could be of help.
my friends here do not judge,
are kind
loving supportive...
most of all..have never let me down when i asked for help....
welcome 2222
jyl
Posted by shar on February 28, 2003, at 23:50:32
In reply to New kid in the room, posted by libby2222 on February 28, 2003, at 20:01:22
Hi, L,
Welcome. I'm so pleased to hear that you have insurance! It could make a great big positive difference in your life. I'm currently without it myself, so I know what you've been going through.
About falling asleep, I'll tell you what I do (but it may be a bit OCD, I'm not sure). I have to stop my racing thoughts, and I do that by concentrating on something rather useless, and that I don't have a big investment in succeeding at.
For example, I choose a topic (such as plants) and then use the alphabet to identify something about plants. Like, A is for aphids, B is for beautiful, C is for crabgrass, D is for dirt, E is for Easter Lily.
See, it can be ANYTHING that is the least bit related to plants. So, success is pretty much assured (I don't beat myself up for not being able to think of something). If I just draw a blank, I skip the letter. X and Z and Q often get skipped, and it's ok.
Other examples are things in the kitchen, things in the animal world, things related to ecology, things about cars....
Oh well. It tends to work for me because I can bring myself back to the exercise when my racing thoughts intrude.
Good luck!
Shar
Posted by IsoM on March 1, 2003, at 1:18:09
In reply to New kid in the room, posted by libby2222 on February 28, 2003, at 20:01:22
Hi, Libby. What a nice thing to say that your friend has found the bunch of us helpful & that we're so knowledgable. We're practically glowing!
As for sleep, I have ADHD & find it hard to fall asleep at night. Equally hard to get up in the morning too. Like shar, I have trouble stopping thoughts from bouncing off the insides of my skull. I've tried what shar's done but I get com;ulsive about it & will go on endlessly.
For me, I need to take 2 Gravol (med in Canada) each night an hour or so before bed. It's a travel sickness/anti-nausea med that makes one sleepier. And putting on music fairly low that's more relaxing, helps me fall asleep. I listen to the music & stop thinking. It may not be possible where you are to listen to music if others are about though.
Posted by bluedog on March 1, 2003, at 2:16:08
In reply to New kid in the room, posted by libby2222 on February 28, 2003, at 20:01:22
Welcome Libby
I have found this site to be of enormous help in my recovery process from a major depression and I hope it can provide similar benefits to you.
The only word of advice I would like to give you is to realise that a lot of us here are also suffering from all manner of mental illness so at times there are disagreements between posters. This is actually beneficial as it can lead to some very good and lively debates giving differing points of views and perspectives on sometimes controversial and emotional issues.
However forewarned is forearmed. The best thing to do is to stay away from any disagreements. DO NOT take any of these disagreements personally (and believe me when I tell you many of us here including myself have made that mistake to our detriment at the time) as these disagreements always manage to sort themselves out. You will then REALLY enjoy being here and gain enormous benefit and wisdom from all of the very sophisticated and knowledgeable posters at Psyochbabble.
Enjoy your time here through both your good and bad times
warm regards
bluedog
Posted by laurarn on March 1, 2003, at 10:36:20
In reply to New kid in the room, posted by libby2222 on February 28, 2003, at 20:01:22
Welcome! I am a fairly new poster myself. My advice is to just jump in whenever you want to share. I think Bluedog's advice is important too.
This site has been a tremendous help to me as well. Be sure to visit all the various boards as you will find different topics on each. I swing around Admin once in awhile too, for my daily dose of humor.
Welcome again. Glad you are here.
Posted by noa on March 1, 2003, at 23:02:32
In reply to New kid in the room, posted by libby2222 on February 28, 2003, at 20:01:22
Welcome!
Posted by syringachalet on March 2, 2003, at 13:33:36
In reply to New kid in the room, posted by libby2222 on February 28, 2003, at 20:01:22
Welcome, Libby, to PSB
I was going to ask if have ever considered what is called guided-imagery as a way to relax.
Take a time that you have 15 mins uninterrupted and sit quietly and think of some place that you have been or would like to be that would feel warm and calm and safe. Take whatever time you need to get there. Now think of ONE phrase that you could use to describe this place to someone else. Repeat that phrase to yourself several times so it feels as natural as taking your next breath.
Now the next time you find yourself starting to stress-out, stop and physically turn away( if it is safe to do so) and take three slow deep breaths and run that phrase throiguh your mind..saying it out loud if you need to esp if your alone. and repeat it until you can find a calm point. At first it might take as many as saying it 10 times before you feel you are calming to begin. But try it.
I have used i myself many times even when sitting in a meeting thast I hate because it only takes a minute or to afyter you get good at it.
Also for the sleep thing, have you ever tried OTC Bendryal 25mg and two regular Tylneol. I wouldnt use everyday for ever but for PRN or for a short time til your appt on the 3/10, it might take the edge off....
Just trying to help..Good luck and keep us posted how you are doing.
syringachalet
Posted by libby2222 on March 2, 2003, at 21:15:15
In reply to Re: New kid in the room, posted by syringachalet on March 2, 2003, at 13:33:36
Hello Everyone!
Just want to take a moment to thank you for the warm & fuzzy welcome and support. Thank you Blue Dog for the important reminder to put principles above personalities:)!! All of the suggestions regarding the sleeping difficulties I have been experiencing are noted on a 5X7 note card for future reference. I look forward to posting with all of you soon-been lurking about the last couple of days. Be well all of my new found friends. Remember "there is no such thing as a stranger among us just friends we haven't meet yet".
Libby
Posted by lostsailor on March 6, 2003, at 11:46:55
In reply to Re: New kid in the room, posted by libby2222 on March 2, 2003, at 21:15:15
Libby I guess I missed your post. Welcome to our humble abode. ~tony
This is the end of the thread.
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