Stress Center Peer Support

Its been 3 years since I have been able to sleep more than 3 hours at a time, since a traumatic event. I usually get about 3-4 hours of sleep, leaving me exhausted and anxious most of the time, unable to enjoy anything! I work full time, just always barely hanging in there. I have had to leave 2 jobs in the last year related to this. I long to feel as I once did, able to just lie down and let my body naturally relax and fall asleep. I wake in a panic most nights. I have tried counseling, meds , tapes and books. I have a family of five to take care of and feel I am a walking, irritable zombie. The external stressors are many, as I have lost everything I have ever owned, including an entire savings account. The Cds help me understand I am not alone, but are really not helping much. I understand the theory of choosing to react, but my brain reacts automatically to the fear of homelessness and mine and childrens future. I try to stay hopeful, but it is just such an autoresponse I cannot control. I long for the days I would get a good nights sleep, and be able to lay in bed feeling refreshed. I feel as if I need a horse tranquilizer, as what I have tried will not keep me out. Just thought I would vent. I don't feel as if everyone can recover, maybe most, and I hope most, but somedays ECT doesn't sound like such a bad idea. Best wishes to others with panic and anxiety.Oh, as for exercise..whos is able to exercise when your are a walking bowl of jelly with a pounding rapid heart beat?

Hi Real Stressed--How are you doing today? Exercise will help...by burning up the adrenaline that is building up from anxious thoughts. Just try easy walking or something enjoyable, maybe swimming, table tennis, bouncing a ball with a child or someone.
Puttering around the yard...don't do too much or you will get sore muscles if you are out of shape. I've already been doing that. It feels so good to me to accomplishing a garden goal that I over do it trying to catch up on what didn't get done last season. paislee

Thanks for your input, and I agree with doing some distraction, light physical activity. I did try walking for a few days, as i work night shift..but it didn't put my brain to rest when the time came to nap before work. I think a big problem is working the night shift, with no routine work schedule. This is my only option now to take care of bills. Oh well, I will keep on keeping on. Thanks again.

real stressed, I understand completely about the night work, my husband's business has been that way for the past 20 years. It really does take its toll on your sleep and personal life. He is more a night owl anyway, but it is hard to work like that and raise a family. It also cuts into the benefits of sunshine that helps with neurotransmitters, that helps one to sleep better. But sometimes you have to do what you gotta do to support yourself. I hope things get better for you. Paislee