Stress Center Peer Support

I was wondering if anybody experiences anxiety after reading posts. I was (and just recently started again)having problems with sleeping, it just takes me forever to fall asleep, I end up checking the time and start to panic that I only have 6, 5, 4, 3 hours left before I have to get up in the morning. I was doing fine until I started reading other posts about insomnia. It seems like the power of persuasion takes over. Any suggestions how I can shut off the feelings that I will develop other's sleep problems.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

LisaLisa

Hi Lisalisa-

I experienced that as well in the beginning of doing this program. In the beginning, information can seem scary and I believe that is part of the healing process. Stick with it; do the program; and over time, that anxiety will lessen as you gain control and understand where your feelings are coming from.

I have the same insomnia that you describe, but mine occurs when I wake up in the middle of the night. For some reason, I fall asleep fine initially. I believe panic is only fear of the fear. If you can learn to positive self talk such that you can talk yourself out of fearing the loss of sleep, you will do much better.

I'm in that process and I find on the nights that I make peace with some loss of sleep, I have a better chance of falling back to sleep. In a post about sleep affirmations, Jim Mitchell provides some links that are excellent in in doing just that.

Good luck, you're not alone.

tweaky1h,

Thanks so much for your response. I feel so much better already knowing you went through this in the beginning and are getting ove rit. Your suggestions are great and I know I am not dealing with this by myself.

LisaLisa

Wow, I needed this post! I woke up at 4:00 am in horrible panic. I also read where someone else had that problem. I have never in 54 years had that. I began to wonder if it was from reading the post also. Was just about ready to stop the program over it. I am finding out what is making me anxious and that is helping a lot.
Kathleenjh

I haven't even explored the program, My knowledge is from Lucinda's book. I'm thinkng it's CD's and such and that is fine. Are they helping anyone out there?

I've never actually been on a forum like this. As far as absorbing somebody elses probs or fears, i haven't focused on the fears but the problems in their life.

I finished the program and went thru it a second time. It has helped me immensely with my anxiety and worry. The workbook that goes along with the program is extremely beneficial in working thru a lot of the problems that come with anxiety. I highly recommend it. If reading others' problems creates more anxiety you may want to limit the time spend on the forum. I have gotten a lot of good information and insights here.

yeh sometimes we have to limit our exposure to so much troubles...sounds selfish ...and i sooo remember all the years sick etc with no one to care to listen all caught up in seemingly healthy smoother lives and it ached me feeling so alone dealing with chronic health and even these emotional low self esteem thingys. anywho, its hard balancing and boundaries and i wish you well. as for insomnia i never had it either--must admit tho with such a busy packed life i had i would monthly purposely take a nite just to listen to MY OWN thoughts and "think" whereas my days did not afford it as wayyy too busy those years. when i hit menopause i did have real insomnia troubles, so your age mary can do that...not all women as i know most my age not dealing with that..but that can be something to look into menopause wise. much good wishes for all. =Oh, thank god i am retired, so its doable the insomnia now---i tell myself 'its ok' all the time...hehe, but i sooo understand. yeh i like DAYTIME sunshine living verses this nightowl thingy...but it is what it is and we can adjust somehow. good wishes to all.

I don't know if this will help anyone else, but Sleepytime Tea, and Sleepytime Extra with Valerian,,, really help me sleep without drugs, they are mild, but potent, I let the bag steep about 10 minutes, add honey and sip until I get drowsy... Hope this helps,
God bless you all with peace,
Fairlight

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for all of your very, very helpful answers. Last night I went to bed and told myself I did what tweaky1h said, come to peace with some loss of sleep. When I went to bed last night I made rest, not sleep my objective. I fell asleep and slept for 8 hours straight. I think accepting, instead of anticipating, that I would not sleep helped. I'm going to try it again tonight.

Thanks again to everyone with all your great suggestions. Fairlight - I'm gonna try the tea tonight.

LisaLisa