I’m back, and it sucks

[CrowBoy]

I’m going through my first episode of anxious depression in 18 years. Severe anxiety about not sleeping, as usual. I’m not dealing with it well, feeling desperate with late-night panic attacks. Anyone out there who’s experiencing anything similar want to trade coping techniques?

[HaikuYou]

Melatonin might be helpful. I'm a cannabis user and it helps me tremendously with sleep and my physical issues. Audio books to help disrupt cyclical thinking is a good strategy.

[CrowBoy in reply to HaikuYou]

Haiku You, thank you. I’m one of those people who gets energized, not calm, with cannabis, and it doesn’t help with anxiety, but makes it worse! Same with melatonin, weirdly. I like the audiobook idea. Thanks for reaching out.

[HaikuYou in reply to CrowBoy]

Just an FYI, I've found that indica strains are useful but sativa strains make my anxiety and depression worse. 🤓

[Rufus07 in reply to HaikuYou]

Indica all the way! Same here with the sativa.

[Rufus07 in reply to HaikuYou]

I have to have my gummy edible to sleep.

[HaikuYou in reply to Rufus07]

Daughter likes the occasional gummy. I'm partial to the bong. 🤓

[punkster]

Practicing yoga nidra has helped me with my sleep. I still don't sleep well most nights, but I attribute it to my age. If I wake up at a god awful hour, I try to do yoga nidra. It helps me calm down.

[CrowBoy in reply to punkster]

Thanks, punkster. Calming down is key; I get upset with the anxiety, which of course makes it worse!