Trouble relaxing and sleeping

[Cardinals1]

I have stomach issues, headaches, and chest pains, at various times of the day, mainly at bedtime and morning. I have been to the doctor and ruled out heart problems. I have also had a colonoscopy, endoscopy, and a Brain MRI. All were ok. So, I assume it is my anxiety. They did find three small hernias that they say are not causing any issues and two aneurysms in my spleen that they have been monitoring and say that they are not causing any issues either. I have trouble relaxing and falling asleep, which makes my anxiety worse. I became so fed up and finally handed it over to God and asked him to deliver me from my illnesses, both mental and physical, and am doing better, but I was wondering if anyone has tried any supplements that help with stress and anxiety.

[Barbloki]

I'm sorry you had to go through all those tests to find out that you have anxiety. I had to do all that last spring to rule out physical causes and now we know it's psychological. I tried over the counter CalmAid, I've tried Ashwaghanda, and a few other herbal type things but nothing takes my anxiety away except time. I wake up with it every single day and it wears off by 5pm. I do have prescription xanax I can take when it gets really bad but that makes me sleepy so I can't drive. I wish I could just convince myself that everything is ok and not to be anxious. It really makes me angry that I am so out of control of myself that I have to deal with anxiety. I keep reading on this group to see what others are saying and trying but so far I haven't seen a solution. I bought and read Claire Weekes book on anxiety and I can't get past the "float through it" part. I don't know how to float. My brain is not easily tricked by me. My therapist said yesterday that I need to just talk to myself and say out loud that this is just anxiety and it won't hurt me and basically tell it to buzz off because I'm going to live my life. Easier said than done. Hang in there, we are in this together.

[LoveforAll41 in reply to Barbloki]

I am sorry to hear that things aren't progressing for you Barbloki. Have you checked out "Feeling Great" by David Burns? I kind of feel bad typing the recommendation for the 1000th time, but it has been life changing for me. The acceptance part has been great because I can see the good intentions the roots of my anxiety have for me. I am following your journey and praying for you.

Cardinals, there are so many things to try. Have you done elimination diets? Probiotics? Nutrition is a big part but I think the mind is bigger. I went through a vial of CBD il and interestingly my anxious sweating went down, though my mind still felt pretty anxious 🤔. I don't know what you have to do to get real THC stuff, but I am not against trying anything once. I had a good experience with ketamine therapy. I also had a good experience with some THC brownies once my roommates procured when I was going to move home to may parent's basement and give up on life. There are so many avenues to try, never give up.☮️

[Barbloki in reply to LoveforAll41]

I have not heard of that book but I just reserved it from the library, Feeling Great by David Burns. I will read anything and try another once. I need to start waking up feeling NOT anxious and shaking and sweating every day.

[Cardinals1 in reply to Barbloki]

thank you. It makes me feel better when others understand what I am going through. Someone who has never dealt with anxiety dies not understand how difficult it is to get past it.

[moxoni237]

sorry to hear Anxiety is one of the biggest stressors trying to relax and being aware of how to affects different people working with the spiritual body self being

Mediation even meditation can quiet over active mind or finding interesting

Perspective which their are many resources on you tube that can offer tips if you type in the search l myself tried St. John wort from the health which helped my feel less stressful but always seek advice as well did help lift up

My mood hope you find karma days

[Beekept]

If you're looking for a non-medical route, sleepytime extra herbal tea with valerian (or anything with valerian) has helped me a lot. I find taking melatonin messes with me too much over time but that has never given me issues.

Your struggle is so relatable! I have been having sleep and GI issues since childhood and thought they were just part of my life. Some of it was a need for changes in my diet, but most of it was anxiety and depression. I take two meds now that help a lot, and one of them is cymbalta. Not only is it treating my anxiety, it has also greatly decreased my chronic pain (one of its intended uses).

My provider also prescribed trazodone in a very small dose to take just before bed and it has helped my sleep tremendously!! If you're open to a medical intervention but trying to avoid sleeping pills it helps a ton and is traditionally used in larger doses to treat anxiety and depression (it isn't a sleeping pill like ambien, it just helps you settle down to get to sleep and gives your brain a little boost, to my understanding).

[lauralidia]

I’m sorry you’re having all these nagging symptoms.But thankfully they are not major illnesses.Have you tried breathing exercises or meditation?Or maybe asmr/tapping when the thoughts are really racing?Hope you find some relief!