Rant
Hi, I'm 17 and I've suffered from insomnia for a majority of my life, whether it be night terrors and bed wetting as a child or paranoia and overactive brain this past few years.
I figured I'd grow out of it for a long while but finally decided that it was time I sought out help and advice when I was 14, they told me to change my bed routine, have a cleaner environment, exercise, eat healthier and so on. I did as they asked as at such a young age they were reluctant to prescribe medication. This did not work.
I was also diagnosed with depression and anxiety amongst other observations last year after multiple suicide attempts, this continued up until a few months ago. I want to help myself and I am currently awaiting acceptance into DBT as well as changing my habits and trying to put my energy into being productive and although I'm not doing as well as I should be, I am trying nonetheless and that is a step forward.
Anyway, I have recently spoke to my doctor about being prescribed anti-depressants again (I stopped taking them last year), he refused due to my tendency to OD. I also negotiated sleeping pills but again my request was declined. This has infuriated me because of two reasons:
1. I am in the process of trying to help myself meaning I have atleast an ounce of hope for myself, I am not being self-destructive.
2. I have not been notified further about DBT and my previous therapist has retired, leaving me with no support but my own and on top of this, I am being refused sleeping pills and antidepressants which are my only other source of support.
Rant over, reply your thoughts and feel free to rant back.
@IronicSarcasm I am sorry you are facing challenges and cannot get the medicines you want to help you.
I find that some lifestyle changes can help me cope better. For instance, a daily yoga class helps me maintain energy and a calm that helps me face the challenges I face. It helps give me enough energy to get out of bed and be active. I also do online support for myself and helping others and this helps me cope as well. Avoiding high carb meals also helps, and having some form of protein with every meal helps me be more stable. Check with doctor if you are okay for this type of diet. Not drinking water or fluids after 5 limits getting up in middle of night. A friend uses Depends for added protection and ease of cleaning up after unscheduled peeing.
As far as sleep aids go there is chamomile tea, melatonin and other natural things that can help us relax enough to sleep. I also do a simple breathing and counting the breath exercise that helps me get quiet and prepare to sleep. Here are the instructions
While breathing naturally, silently count one on the inhale. One on the exhale, two on the inhale, two on the exhale...continuing up to 10. Then start at one again. Allow the breath to be naturally but belly breathing can be more relaxing if that is natural. This can be done when ready to fall asleep or anytime in the day when our thoughts are racing or encroaching on us.
@soulsings thanks for the advice x
@IronicSarcasm I am glad to provide options but you are the expert on you, so I leave it up to you to decide what is best for you. Thank you for your appreciation. :)
@IronicSarcasm I don't know what to say but I wanted to say I wet the bed as well and sometimes during the day as well. It is so embarrassing that I wear diapers but most people don't know I wear them. Just don't feel bad if you wet the bad you are just scared and that is ok every one gets scared.
