Breaking the Cycle

[Dragon3695]

I been stuck in a very taxing cycle for a few weeks now. I've been so emotional unstable that I have so little drive or energy for anything. That then turns around and affects my dreams which makes my sleep very fitful so I have trouble sleeping even with the help of a sleeping pill. I'm beginning to feel like my mind and my emotions are just trying to make me have a nervous breakdown. Please feel free to comment or add your thoughts and/or experiences in the comments.

[Livelydively]

It is so hard to break out of these cycles but I know you can do it! Would you be able to incorporate some small things daily to help break up the day. Going on a short walk, coloring, listening to a guided meditation? I hope you find something that brings you comfort.

[Celtic27]

Hi dragon you hit the nail on the head the lack of quality can have a affect on you making you depressed when you awake! I usually get 2/3 hours total during the night so I tend to cat nap during the day whilst it's not ideal it the usual for me! Have you tried consulting yout doctor for advice he's best placed to help you! I wish you all the luck david

[JohnPB]

I have some days that I am still fatigued even after sleeping more and today is one of those. I remind myself that I feel discouraged and overwhelmed because of how I feel physically. We can really be dragged down emotionally when we are not doing well physically. It is the double whammy when we are not feeling well emotionally and physically. I suggest that you do the most important things and continue to share with others how you are doing.

[Catsamaze ADAA Volunteer in reply to JohnPB]

I could have written your post, JohnPB. I have these days when the fatigue is overwhelming and it drags me down emotionally. You can’t separate the physical from the emotional. At least I haven’t figured out how to do it……

[JohnPB in reply to Catsamaze]

Thanks for sharing Catsamaze. I had another one of those days yesterday and it started at 6 p.m. I had being doing some studying for about 20 minutes and felt very fatigued. I decided to take a short nap and just kept going. I finally got up 7 hours later and got ready to go to bed. Then I started feeling cold even though it was 72 degrees. I had plenty of energy earlier in the day; worked 5 hours and bicycled a total of 25 miles for 3 bike rides.

[Catsamaze ADAA Volunteer in reply to JohnPB]

Hi John. Anyone would be fatigued after biking 25 miles! I call what I get Fatigue "attacks" and it sounds like you're experiencing something similar. After feeling good for while they can be very discouraging. Keep doing what you're doing. And know that when these attacks happen that you will get through them. Thankfully, they lift.

[JohnPB in reply to Catsamaze]

Hi Catsamaze, Thanks for sharing and your words of encouragement. I am 63 and in the best physical condition of my life. In addition to bicycling over 500 miles last months, I can do 3 sets of 25 pushups. When I was a young whippersnapper, I held up better on less sleep. Last month, I bicycled 50 miles one day and worked 7 hours and was not as fatigued as I am now. Part of my challenge is having a work schedule that varies, and it has messed up my sleep patterns. For example, finishing work at 6:30 p.m. one day and starting at 5:30 a.m. the next day is difficult. My work shifts start as early as 5:30 a.m. and end as late as 11 p.m. in the same week.

I think my fatigue is also because that I feel discouraged, lonely and overwhelmed at times.

Is your fatigue emotional or physical or both?

[Catsamaze ADAA Volunteer in reply to JohnPB]

Very impressive! I’m just starting to get back into the great shape I was in a couple of years ago. I’m 62. I think my fatigue is both physical and emotional. I’ve had the physical side of things checked out repeatedly. I’m working a lot of things out emotionally and I think that will help. The insomnia isn’t helping either of course! Would like to be able to direct message you. If that’s ok please let me know how to do it Best, Ken

[JohnPB in reply to Catsamaze]

Hi Ken, I was thinking the same thing. To direct message, left click on Chat on top of screen and then left click on Compose on right side of web page that appears. Type in JohnPB in the To: sectionOur situations sound very similar, and it is helpful to share with someone who is in the same boat. I often have problems with morning insomnia, my thoughts override my tiredness that has had the edge taken off from some sleep. John

[Catsamaze ADAA Volunteer in reply to JohnPB]

Hi John. Thanks for the instructions. I’m away in Maine for a few days…bad signal…will connect when I get home…

[JohnPB in reply to Catsamaze]

Hi Ken, Thanks for reply - will wait for your reply in a few days. John

[Operalady]

Hello dear Dragon3695. Have you seen your doctor about this? Sounds like you are really struggling. I understand I struggle a lot too. Do you exercise at all? I have been walking and taking the dog out! It helps! Do you have hobbies? Good to emerge yourself into something creative something that you enjoy and will make you phphysically tired like gardening, running , weight training. Just a suggestion those things have helped me. Raise self esteem and get strong with muscles and meet people. Maybe get into cooking or learn a new language. Anything you like doing and reaps benefits!!

[Dragon3695]

Thanks to all of you that commented. I am struggling but things are looking up thanks to my therapist. He is a partner in a program 30 minutes or so from here that gives people a second chance to make a better life for themselves. They give you a job that pays 18 dollars an hour, room and board, 2 hot meals a day, and I can keep my dog with me. All I have to pay is for my nightly meals and weekend expenses.

[Operalady]

Sounds great! Good luck with that!!!!

[Kat_21]

I feel the same. I'm in a cycle of paranoia, self-hate, anxiety and depression. I can't sleep at night because I'm too worried about everything. I'm working on losing weight to get me to love myself more. I've learned to cope with my anxiety and finally feel comfortable going out in public. Depression and paranoia, however, is my downfall. Paranoia about silly things. Things I'd never think of otherwise. And I've had pretty bad depression lately as well. I hope you can break the cycle because it can get better.