New to the group

[Cat26538]

Hi my name is Catherine Mueller. I’m 28 years old. I’ve been suffering off and on from depression and anxiety since I was 4. Right now I’m going through a very bad spell of depression and anxiety. I also have major issues with sleeping.

[jkl5500]

Hi, Catherine! I hope you are under medical treatment for your depression and anxiety. This is not something to deal with by yourself - it's too serious. I should know - I've been treated for D & A for 40 years.

Insomnia is a classic side effect of depression, and I know it well.

You have come to a good place for support and understanding. If you spend some time reading the posts here, you'll see many people in the same boat. Feel free to tell us what's on your mind, when you get the chance.

Take care,

jkl5500

[Cat26538 in reply to jkl5500]

I’m taking Zoloft and Buspar for my D&A. I was doing ok until 3 weeks ago when I started having trouble sleeping. I lost my grandpa last week. And I had a bad court date last week as well that just put me over the edge. For a week now I’ve had thoughts of suicide but by talking to my friends I’ve been able to subdue those thoughts. I’d love to reach out to my parents but they think I’m faking it for attention. It hurts me that I can’t confide in them.

[jkl5500 in reply to Cat26538]

It's important to have a support group at times like this. You went through a rough stretch recently, and I'm sorry for your loss. Be sure to stay in contact with your friends. I'm sure they know how tough you've had it lately. You're always welcome to contact me or anyone else on this blog. You definitely are not alone.

It would be a good idea to see your doc if things are getting hard to deal with. If you can't get an appointment soon, at least give them a call and have them call you back later. You could use some reassurance from your doc at this time. They could also call in a prescription for your insomnia.

I'm sorry about your parents' lack of understanding. I would think that they would take this seriously when they know you are under treatment and taking meds for your condition. Maybe a heart-to-heart talk with them would help?

[Cat26538 in reply to jkl5500]

Thank you so much for the kind words. As for the insomnia I can’t take any meds for that. I had some 3 years ago and overdosed on an entire bottle of sleeping pills. I was put into a mental hospital for 3 days. I do t ever wanna go back there again

[jkl5500 in reply to Cat26538]

I don't blame you! Maybe you could try finding some relaxation videos on YouTube. They also have relaxing music videos on there. I've used them in the past.

[Cat26538]

How long can a person with D&A go without sleep?

[jkl5500]

I assume you didn't sleep too well last night. Please don't let it "get to you". Insomnia is unfortunately one of the many side effects of D & A. I really think it would help if you contacted a doctor and explained the situation. A little reassurance from them would go a long way.

Try a warm shower, a short walk outside to get some air, some warm milk, anything you like to eat or drink that makes you feel good or relaxes you. I'm not a doctor, but an otherwise healthy person can have periods of little or no sleep with no harm to their health.

It's all about trying to get relaxed. Right now it's not easy, but you'll get better with practice.

I'll keep you in my prayers.

[Cat26538 in reply to jkl5500]

Thank you. I’ve been having trouble sleeping for a month now. It’s affecting how I function.

[Agora1 in reply to Cat26538]

62264, You won't need medication if you follow a routine in listening to Relaxing, Calming video on YouTube by Michael Seeley (gentle soothing voice) type in "Sleep Hypnosis & Anxiety" His voice, suggestions will help put you into a relaxed state allowing you to fall into a deep sleep. Make sure your room is cool and dark. Tune out everything except for the voice of Michael Seeley. He will take you to a place both your body and mind need to go. Good Luck and hope you sleep well zzzz

[Cat26538]

My anxiety has been debilitating the last couple of days. I feel all alone and don’t know what to do. I wanna cut so bad. What makes it really hard is that I work in a kitchen. I’m at a loss for words. I just wanna feel better