Feeling stuck

[Laniben]

So today after having slept (had to have a mild sleeping pill) I woke up and have had shaky arms which went, then an anxiety attack, that went, then hot flush following by a burning sensation in top part of my arms, and I thought I was going to have a reasonable day. I want to go out further than the local shops but can’t on my own, but I hate staying indoors and it’s is driving me up the wall. What to do?

[Kkimm]

Hi Laniben

Those are all horrible symptoms so I really feel for you. I found that the only way to get them to gradually go is to try to take a tiny step forward every day. Do it whether or not you get them and then tell yourself how well you have done and you are on the road to recovery.

That way they loose their power over you. Claire Weekes on YouTube or in her books tells you about this approach and it does work.

Try perhaps to go just to your gate one day , then a little way down the road the next and so on. You will probably feel worse at first but do not worry. You are making progress and being really brave. Eventually you will be able to do it without feeling quite so bad until one day you will realise you are enjoying life again.

Very good luck on your road to recovery.

You can do it.

Kim

[Laniben in reply to Kkimm]

Thank you Kim, I keep thinking it’s jist me that gets all these horrible sensations, it didn’t help last night either because I didnt sleep at all so I feel dreadful and weak today.

[Kkimm in reply to Laniben]

It is terrible not to be able to sleep.

I take a sleeping tablet called zopiclone if I need to

It is quite strong so do not use it unless I really have to and then only half a tablet.

It is very addictive but I have found it continues to work fine for me because I only use it very rarely and never go above the prescribed dose of 7.5 mg Usually half that is enough.

All the best

Kim

[Laniben in reply to Kkimm]

Thank you.

Yes That’s what the doctor gave me but it’s only 3.75mg because I’m

Over 60 she says, maybe that’s why it didn’t fully so it’s job I don’t know, I don’t know if any others would be better

[Kkimm in reply to Laniben]

I am over 60 as well, 63. My doctor was very cautious about giving them to me but he now realises that I never take too many and only if really needed. I wonder if your doctor would agree to you taking 7.5 mg only if you really need it. I think if you are clear with yourself you will only take this dose 2 or 3 times a week and put up with sleepless nights if need be at least you will get a good night sometimes and it will help you catch up. I have read posts from people who are addicted to this drug and it can be horrendous so I am really cautious.

As my anxiety has more or less completely gone now I never need them unless very jet lagged through long haul travel or high as a result of too many positive experiences. Thus is wonderful but stops me sleeping at all. I am on an SNRI antidepressant not a SSRI which is more usual and because mine blocks the reuptake of Noradrenaline as well as Seratonin it can lead to periods of being high and ephoria which make sleep impossible. My doc is aware of this and therefore lets me have another prescription of zoplicone just about once every six months or so, so he knows I very rarely need to take them.

Yours may agree to the higher dose if she feels you are happy with this yourself and will be very cautious.

It is just good to have it as a safety net to fall back on because sleeplessness seems to make people much worse adding to symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Very best wishes.

Kim

[Laniben in reply to Kkimm]

My Doctor just told me to take the 7.5mg one now as the low one didn’t work for me and I was stressed as I could t sleep so tonight I shall take 2 because of last nights problems

[Kkimm in reply to Laniben]

So pleased for you.

Very best wishes

Kim