Depression Recovery

Question:

Did you try trazadone, and  all of the anti-depressant  meds that help sleep? Get a book about side-affects of phyciatric meds, then get a better Dr. I’m in the same boat.

Response:

go to sleep      

Response:

Hi, I’m hoping you guys will be able to point me in the right direction.  Been struggling with depression and insomnia most of my 30 yrs on the planet – went for a formal diagnosis & meds around a yr back.  Taking an anti-depressant, seeing a shrink & taking the occasional sleeping pill.  But I’m scared of the sleepers…the doc put me on a benzo at 1st & I begged to be given something less addictive (I work in a rehab & I see too many benzo cases & I am a recovering crack etc etc polysubstance…addict myself). Problem is, I immediately get to the state where I can’t sleep without a pill.  Been trying various naturopathic remedies & all the recommendations for ’sleep hygiene’ but this is one demon that’s beating me.  And of course, the less I sleep, the less control I have over the moods. Any suggestions?  Thank ye kindly in advance. love Winc —

Response:

Hi Winc, > I’m hoping you guys will be able to point me in the right direction.  Been > struggling with depression and insomnia most of my 30 yrs on the planet –

Me too along with mania. > went for a formal diagnosis & meds around a yr back.  Taking an > anti-depressant, seeing a shrink & taking the occasional sleeping pill.

Do you have BP illness? if so, the you need a MS first befor adding an AD as the latter may trigger a manic episode. But > I’m scared of the sleepers…the doc put me on a benzo at 1st & I begged > to be given something less addictive (I work in a rehab & I see too many > benzo cases & I am a recovering crack etc etc polysubstance…addict > myself).

There are oher options available: please discuss the following with your doctor: Restoril, Melatonin, 5-hydroxytrytpophan, Valerian root  and Calcium supplements. Avoid all caffeine after 6:00 pm at night, including colas, chocolate. > Problem is, I immediately get to the state where I can’t sleep without a > pill.  Been trying various naturopathic remedies & all the recommendations > for ’sleep hygiene’ but this is one demon that’s beating me.  And of > course, the less I sleep, the less control I have over the moods. Any > suggestions?  Thank ye kindly in advance.

Also some relaxation exercises before sleep may help. I always read before I go to sleep and find myself faaliing asleep…that is my cue to set aside the book and go to sleep. Peace, Reach beyond your grasp!

Response:

>Hi Winc, >> Winc repliez:

Thanks Lynda, I’ll definitely ask the doc about those….reading is actually a problem, I get kinda glued to the book & canNOT put it down.  My therapist reckons I have a strong aversion to welcoming sleep & letting go (and I agree wholeheartedly).  I’m trying valerian at the moment, as well as some South African flower remedies…it plays with my mind though, this insomnia. Recovery is a looong road, huh? Thanks again, moi

Response:

Hi Winc, > I’ll definitely ask the doc about those….reading is actually a problem, > I get kinda glued to the book & canNOT put it down. Me too!!! > My therapist reckons I have a strong aversion to welcoming sleep & letting > go (and I agree wholeheartedly).  I’m trying valerian at the moment, as > well as some South African flower remedies…it plays with my mind though, > this insomnia. Recovery is a looong road, huh?

Very l  o  n  g>. But hang in there my friend. > Thanks again,

You are most welcome. Please email me anytime. Yours, — Reach beyond your grasp!

Response:

Hi Robert, > I was taking 500mg depakote for mania? and my doc switched me too > risperdol,for anger, immediately I started having the demon again (had it > for a long time too) my psych told me too take 250 or 500 mg depakote at > bedtime. He was saying that they are non addictive and it does help. That is correct. > Here is a whopper for you at bedtime I take 500mg depakote 1/2 mg > risperdol 5mg buspar 30 mg remeron .25 mg xannax Whew……

Well if it works that’s fine. YBMV as James is fond of saying Yours, Reach beyond your grasp!

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