My second try...

[panicky13]

Hi all. This is my second shot at this program. I started the first time several years ago. Was on meds, but went off of them and did really well for quite some time. Unfortunately, it has struck again...and I am finding myself once again asking the same old questions, why? how can I live through this? how long will this last? how can I feel so bad?
I have GAD and I guess a little depression. Today has been a much better day for me, just starting to listen to the tapes brings me comfort. Although I know I am not alone, I feel so alone in this battle, and I have such a great group of understanding and sympathetic people around me. I have to admit, the first time around I didn't finish the entire program. This time, I will. I hate the feelings of anxiety and panic and worry. My dr put me back on meds and I have adivant for emergencies, like right now. I am trying to just lay down and go to sleep, I didn't sleep that well last night, woke at 4 am till about 6 then slept till around 730. I want a good nights sleep, but I just get the rushing feelings coming over me and it makes me nervous and I can't go to sleep, so I panic. Took a pill, hope that will relax me enough to get me through the night.
I also feel really sick right now as I haven't had an appetite or ate much the past few days. Really, probebly longer, I somehow lost 10 lbs in 2 weeks (not good for 5'7" and only 125 to start). I feel weak and tired, yet sleep does not come easily.
I am just so fed up with these feelings, and I am committed to making it through this program so I can lead a life. Any life free of this would be fine.
Any suggestions on getting over this not sleeping at night? (without pills)

[Paisleegreen]

Hi Panicky! Glad to see you here! I meant that in a good way! This place has helped me a lot! Now for not taking medication, this program will help you. I was able to wean off of Anti-depressants before I heard of Lucinda by using David Burns, 10 Steps to Self Esteem workbook. I was already motivated before I even heard of his workbook, but I had heard of him and had a Psychologist. I do take Temazepam to help me sleep at night. I would prefer not to take that, but it helps me to sleep through my husband's snoring and other noises.

I suffer from GAD and a little depression as well. I would be on anti-depressants if it weren't for the side effects. I was on them for quite some, but also had been okay with life without them as well. So I figured I could manage without them. It is a struggle, but as I work on what I put into my stomach and my "problems" and get exercise. I'm able to function fairly well. I no longer get panic attacks, but still get anxiety when I worry too much about the future.

So I hope we can help you along your way. Paislee

[badey]

Panicky,

I have found that listening to some relaxing music, or a good audio book helps me fall asleep without meds. It sounds trite, but that is what has worked for me. It didn't work right away, but over a couple of weeks, it helped me to relax without Klonopin (which is what I have been given for panic/anxiety). Despite feeling anxious, I am able to sleep well due to the relaxation techniques that I have learned.