not arthritis related but was wondering if anyone had any advice. i started my CBT therapy yesterday for my anxiety and intrusive thoughts. i’ve been on my antidepressants for a week aswell. obviously they will take some time to kick in.
however, i’m really struggling with my anxiety and doubts in the morning, around 5/6am i’m waking up every day. nothing can seem to take my mind off of it and it’s adding onto the fatigue as you can probably imagine. i just cant seem to get back to sleep no matter how hard i try.
i was wondering if anyone had any suggestions of anything else i could try? or supplements or herbal remedies? i’ve been switching to chamomile tea and have been using bach’s flower rescue remedy tongue drops. i practice mindfulness everyday despite how hard it is to concentrate.
i’m hoping my CBT therapy will work however inbetween the weekly/fortnight sessions it’s hard to manage. and waiting for my antidepressants to work is proving difficult. i just feel a little lost and fed up on how to help myself. it’s really ruining my life!!
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Sometimes if you can increase your physical exercise, so you are physically tired, that can really improve your sleep and your mental well being. Do you get outdoors every day?
I can really recommend forest bathing. You don’t actually have to be in a forest, any quiet green-space will do. Lots of tapes and video available if you google. Here’s a quick description.
yes i manage to go for a walk everyday. i find my anxiousness a little more bearable at night after tiring myself out worrying all day. i manage to sleep okay but the morning is another story. thankyou i’ll check those out
Morning luv. Writing everything down is a good way of releasing things... no one else has to see, but it’s a really good way of getting things out of your system... I also ‘silent scream’ which works a treat... scream without the yell... it gets rid of lots of stress that’s been building up.. Give yourself time with the CBT but it’s not a cure, it just gives you some tools to deal with things differently.. Don’t beat yourself up, there’s no miracle cure.... Some counselling may also help... do your CBT course and then ask to be referred... Take care, keep warm, eat chocolate xxx depending on your mobility walking also helps xx parks are good... also earphones and music if the word’s a bit too much..
Have you rang nras.org.uk ?They are great to talk to on their helpline.
Yes it's quite classic when depressed or anxious to wake up very early . Your drugs will take a couple of weeks to kick in but then you feel like the weight has lifted in a way.
Persever, try be kind to yourself. You've had a rough time adjusting with RA , uni , relationships and lockdown. But you're strong you know. You are realistic too as you have reached out for support and that is a fantastic sign you will feel and get better.
Keep going hour by hour, distract yourself , if you can get outdoors for a short time safely it's always good for mental health. TV, films whatever you like , even just for short periods will help your mind. And even though I forced myself into it video exercise tapes, just 10 mins gave me happy hormones.
I promise it will pass, talk to NRAS or a mental health charity , it will help you get these annoying feelings out. And we are here for you lovely.
Tell yourself in the mirror this morning , you are amazing xxxxx
i haven’t rang them no, but i will look into it. and thankyou, i don’t feel like i’m getting anywhere at the moment and it’s exhausting. i just wish the feelings would go away and i could be happy again!! speaking with other people does help a lot, thankyou for your kindness xxxx
do you know how i would go about getting in touch with a psychologist? my cbt is with the NHS on the ieso website
Contact Disability/Student Support services at your university... they should give you a short course of counselling (ten sessions) and also ask them for a Mental Health Study Mentor who you can see every week for an hour for the whole of your time at university. You may have to apply for Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) to get this but ask them (or the Students’ Union) to help with the application. Take care xx
thankyou i’m already on the DSA. i have a mentor but she’s only uni work related. uni have counselling but it’s a couple weeks of waiting. would it be worth booking a session despite the wait?xx
Have you tried a weighted blanket? These reduce anxiety and help promote better sleep. Many people I know on the fibromyalgia forum swear by them (we are all awake at stupid times of the night)! Xx
Totally understand. These ones get excellent reviews and are on sale at the moment: kudd.ly - you can also read there about how they help release endorphins xx
Definitely... book, there’s always waiting lists... Also it’s you taking control which will make you feel empowered
BTW... If your MH is affecting your Uni work then they SHOULD be supporting you with that.... referring you to other Uni services etc if they lack the skill set.. x
i have support systems in place for my deadlines and exams, however i’m struggling to actually get the work done right now because of how bad i’m feeling. i reached out to my tutors with an email last night so hoping i get a response soon. i’ll book an appointment now x
Oh good, well done you... you can get deferments of hand ins etc.. try and chill... take as long as you need
Have a look at my thread about an exercise which might help you - I used it a lot a few years ago to great effect and have taught it to several of my students who have found it useful. It's ideal for that horrible waking anxiety but does take a bit of practice 😉
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