Gradual recovery

[JayTough]

Hello. Im a new member here. Im from the Philippines. I also want to share my exp with sleep problem. Its really hard, im sleeping but it feels like am not because my mind is wide awake. Then my heart is pounding so fast and it really worries me. I consulted a neuro psych and she prescribed me anti anxiety drugs. But after 9 days of taking them, i stoped. I realized i dont want to be dependent on taking drugs. I seek help from a Clinical Psychologist instead.

[BonnieSue Dream Team]

Hi Jay,

Welcome to this site! People are mostly friendly here and willing to share and be helpful. I hope you find that to be true.

Do you have an anxiety disorder? Usually that is treated with both drug(s) and CBT counseling. I see you've chosen just the counseling and that may be fine for you, I don't know. I do understand you're not wanting to depend on drugs. My disorder, GAD, was so bad I did depend on drugs for several decades in order to function and be able to work and raise a family. When I sensed I didn't need my benzo anymore, I titered it downward until I completely stopped. No addiction. But my memory is sometimes faulty. I don't regret doing what had to be done, though. I hope you get on just fine without any drugs, as long as that's your wish. Take care...

Hugs, Love, and Blessings...

[drinkfreealmost]

Me too! Recent events have made it almost impossible to sleep and i'm feeling very anxious as a result. I know things will get better but it's so hard

[4fishylady]

I have had insomnia for over 40 years, sleeping very little each night. My sleep study (about 8 years ago) showed that I had multiple awakenings each hour when sleeping on my back, but it was not sleep apnea. My Dr. suggested that I try to sleep on either side, which the study showed no awakenings when sleeping on my side. But the other problem came from anxiety over not being able to sleep for such a long time. He gave me sleeping pills such as ambien or temazepam, which I took for many years. I finally was able to wean myself off of those, but find that sometimes some anxiety remains. My current Neurologist prescribed xanax, which I sometimes take 1/2 a pill to ease off any anxiety so that I can fall asleep and sleep all night long. Please don't be afraid to take a medication when your body needs it. You can take something for a while, until you are better from the current issues. Anxiety feeds on anxiety and sometimes you just cannot fix it by thinking different thoughts. I have taken cymbalta (which I do not recommend to anyone, as it is extremely difficult to come off of), and lexapro which I have taken and easily come off of 3 times now. Currently I am taking only gabapentin 300 mg at night, and if needed I take 1/2 of a xanax tablet. I'm sleeping better than I have in many years. The miracles of modern medicine are amazing. Please don't be afraid of using them when you so desperately need them. Lack of sleep itself can bring on many other illnesses and even accidents which can change our lives significantly. At 76, I have many years of experience with these issues.