Hello

Hi. I’ve never joined a group like this before - or even knew they existed. I have depression. I thought I got rid of it about 4 years ago, but it’s returned!

Keeping unusual hours. Can’t sleep when I want to. Back on the medications again. Overly emotional - and that really isn’t me. Dark days, good days.

Hoping to prove I’m not on my own. Hoping to find some hints and tips to help with sleep and when I feel more able, will try and cut down the amount I smoke.

Feels weird writing this knowing people will read it. I feel like crap today. Tears running down my face. I’m not that type of person. Depression makes me so very different. Hating where I’m at in life.

[Hidden]

Try Relaxation Techniques Mindfulness can help books on Amazon. There are other book titles you could try in a loose set you could try as well

Try and relax about one hour before bed, do something you enjoy keep the diversion easy. Have supper about three hours before bedtime. Always go to bed and get up at the same time Morning/Nightime.

Consider taking medication at a different time. Possibly one hour before bed.

Smoking will keep you awake, again dont smoke before bedtime, and yes I used to smoke in the 70s and stopped, I never smoked again. You will save money if you do not smoke. Try Fishermans Friends, they can help as they fight the taste of the fag. Never go to bed on an arguement

BOB

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Borderriever

[Joeythinking]

Hello,

I understand your situation very well and know the feeling of the contrast between your usual everyday self and the change when the depression sinks in.

I have also struggled with sleep a lot in the past and still do, however I have discovered that it is a case of trying as many things as you can until you find the right approach.

Personally I agree with a lot of borderriever’s suggestions but also find that a change of sleep position (other side of the bed or even head at the base and feet up by the head rest) I know this sounds unusual but it’s about breaking any existing notions of habit with bad sleep.

Also a recommendation made by my grandmother, of having a warm milk before bed. I’m not sure of the exact science behind it but understand there is some logic to it.

Hope that helps.

[Hidden in reply to Joeythinking]

Thanks Joeythinking. I turned the mattress round and put new bedding on the bed last night and got a better nights sleep. Not tried warm milk yet. Thanks

[Roxylox]

Welcome lifeisodd. I am on here one year and find it great. Like you I found it surreal at first. Now I am maybe too comfortable on it.

I have indeed felt like you do now at times. Also it wouldn't be the norm for me being normally positive. Tears would be rare for me too. I read lately though that it's good to cry now and again.

Is there a reason behind your depression- e.g work overwork, stress etc?

[Hidden in reply to Roxylox]

Thanks Roxylox. The reason behind this depression is to do with something that happened to me when I was young. Had buried it for many years, but it’s come to the surface twice now in the last 4 or so years. Mental health nurse thinks it would be good to talk about it or counselling but that makes me very anxious. Never done that before and I’m not one for talking, especially diving in to something with painful memories. Thanks for your reply. It means a lot.

[Lin1944]

Hi, sorry to hear that something from your past still haunts you. Unfortunately Mental Health is the poor relative of our NHS System. If you get in touch with your Surgery they will give you a number to ring to get appointment with a Therapist. I found these first appointments very informing as they will give you advice and suggest therapies, Oh just realised they don’t like doing face to face they prefer telephone consultations which is better than nothing. The best thing for me when going through a bad patch is to still see my friends even though it’s a big effort. Talking to friends and telling them your problems helps a lot.

I am 77 a lot older than you so sleeping is a pain in the bum. I listen to Mindfulness tapes free on Utube and they are good for getting you to sleep.

Hope you feel better soon, have a good moan it does you good take care from Lin