Ginnee

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 23 January 2012 - 15:00

Am feeling very down, have suffered with these bouts of 'lowness' before but feel just awful this time. Can't see the point in anything, am sooo tired, can hardly bring myself to do the school run or have a conversation. Just want to go to bed and stay there. Any ideas on how to pull myself round?? It sounds like you're suffering from depression, which is sometihng unrelated to your circumstances. It is a brain chemistry problem. Go see a good Dr. I've heard that Dr Fischer on Wasl Road is very good. You are not weak. Good on you for speaking up and asking for help. It will pass with the right treatment.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 23 January 2012 - 02:48

Cotton underwear....the one they gave me (disposable one) in the hospital right after delivery gave me a very bad rash on my tummy edited by emanuela on 22/01/2012 if you're having a planned c section, make sure you have 'granny' undies. meaning a high, high waist so they'r not touching the incision - ouch

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 23 January 2012 - 02:32

I like hot milk with sugar and rose water in it

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 22 January 2012 - 14:11

I use the Himalaya range which is very gently on bub's delicate skin I like the Himalaya specifially because it doesnt have those chemicals linked with cancer in them that are in 99% of shampoos, just cant think of the name right now :P

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 22 January 2012 - 13:55

Ginee, you poor thing, sounds like its a bit of a tough time. I've had sleep problems for a few years, sometimes worse than others, and it literally can drive you to distraction. I was on prescription meds for it for a time, but I now use Valerian Root, you can get it in all good chemists and I'm pretty sure even some of the supermarkets - Spinneys etc. One doesn't work for me, but two usually do the trick after about half a hour.... Hope this helps. Thanks Trixie :). I've actually tried valerian at high doses and it's done nothing, hence my desperation. I'm now back to taking the original dose of atarax and it's doing the trick, but I'm looking fwd to addressing the deeper issues when I go see a dr :). In the meantime, I'm truly touched by the kindness of my fellow expat lovelies

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 22 January 2012 - 09:29

The organic cafe has Manuka Honey UMF15+ in stock (bought some 2 days ago at the Dubai Mall branch). They sell it at a fraction of the price than the pharmacies too xxx This is such a fab remedy Quizzme, do you mind telling us how much it was? need some for my girls, they both have colds

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 21 January 2012 - 15:49

Lots of lovely ladies have posted some very good advice for you, but I'd also like to mention Melatonin as a natural sleep aid. Have a read up on it and if its not avalilable in Dubai then let me know and I'll get some to you within the next few days. Of course you'd have to check it was ok to take with anything else you may be on. :) hth Thanks DR, that's so kind. No you cant get it here anymore, but I worry about you bringing it in, im not sure if it's banned or not. I've been wanting to try it for ages. I'm hoping I can get to a Dr soon and get this all sorted out as I think I really need a re-evaluation of my chemical balance. Hoping hubby will get a job soon so I can see a dr. The ladies here have overwhelmed me with their kindness, it's been really heart-warming

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 21 January 2012 - 15:37

sorry to hear your news greenish :(. hugs and thoughts of you and your family.xxx

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 21 January 2012 - 15:13

thanks BD and beebers, much appreciated :)

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 18 January 2012 - 11:29

Great thread, and really interesting to see everyones very varied views. My DH and I are from the North of NZ, and our kids were born here. So I naturally expect them to grow up with a UAE accent rather than any accent from NZ (seeing they only spend maybe a month a year there), and we are quite happy about it. As the NZ accent sometimes be hard for people to understand if it's strong and are talking to people where english may be their 3rd or 4th language. Although after a summer hol's in NZ, DS does come back saying 'Awesome Bro' & 'Choice' - which we nip in the bud quite quickly :-) 'chooooooooiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiice', yes, that's one that grates on my nerves when I hear it!! I was hoping it would have died out by now, but it seems not! :)

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 18 January 2012 - 11:22

Ahhh, thats better, I see what you're saying now. I'll have to do some searching to find what i'm into.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 18 January 2012 - 10:39

Thanks for your reply summerdream, I appreciate it. Will look up EFT. I've been taking meds for depression for 20 years, so am quite experienced with it now, I may to back on the ones I have just till I can see my dr again, as these symptoms are really weighing me down. Thanks for your concern, it's much appreciated. BTW - what meds are you on? Just asking because I have lots of Prozac generic at home and my meds were changed. Thanks SD, the meds i have are called Sandoz (Escitalopram). So not like prozac I dont think, but thanks for the offer :)

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 18 January 2012 - 10:38

Ginee you sound like you are under considerable stress at the moment. I am too and I can feel the old lethargy pull me back again, where things feel hopeless. Firstly, please be wary of taking meds independently of a doctor. It sounds like you know what you are doing but... Secondly, getting out of depression without meds can happen. I managed but only because my attempt at getting help was initially ignored (managed to see the worst dr in the surgery for depression... Was told that afterwards) and a subsequent attempt saw my health visitor signed off for - you guessed it -depression. My case fell through the cracks until almost 18 months later. In the meantime I joined a forum, talked to people like me and used a herbal supplement called "stress assist" it took me a long time to feel myself again though and with hindsight I wish I'd had the wherewithal to chase the medical community to help me. It doesn't help that my husband is useless in a crisis so if major things happen in my family I have to deal with them. That overwhelms and suffocates me, and makes me feel horribly anxious as I know that whatever solutions needed to alleviate our situation will have to come from ME. Talking helps so much. Can you talk to your husband about how you feel? Will he be supportive and proactive in helping you out of the dark? mine wasn't - not because he didn't care, but because he just can't cope in problematic situations. So I talked to other women. I ranted. I cried. I went for long walks and got support from PND forums. I find people are terribly supportive when you need them to be. Do your friends know? I kept it hidden which was such a mistake. My best friend was furious that i was presenting a brave face when i was crumbling. She would have helped me - i see it now. And if you want someone to walk along a beach with you to blow some blues away then my hand is up. Thanks desertedbeach, sorry for the delay in replying. I'm going to go to a dr as soon as we get medical insurance again. I definately need to learn how to deal with stress. Sorry to hear what you went through, I hope things are alot better for you now. my husband is supportive to an extent, but he has no clue of what it's like really, and only those who have gone through it can truly sympathise. Can you get 'stress assist' here? I'd be interested to try it.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 18 January 2012 - 10:27

The chamomile, I will give it a go, see if it helps :)

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 18 January 2012 - 10:25

The thing I must say I hate the most about depression is the scars, one of the major scars being paranoia. Paranoia that 'you haven't really gotten better', that 'it's back,' or 'it will be back soon, there's no way it could be gone'. It's this scar that makes people go into cycles of medication because they convince themselves they need it. Ginnee, I think y ou've done so well off the meds, and I don't want to say 'don't go back onto them' if this would be for your best interests, but I think you've come along way. Paranoia triggers... you guessed it, anxiety. Those questions I've just listed (is it back, it was never gone, it's coming etc.) trigger anxiety/panic attacks. A form of panic attack includes physical pain in your chest where we tend to carry stress (the same area we carry out emotions for love/hate). The metallic taste can be traced to an increased level of saline or natural steroids increase/decrease in your body (which incidentally can through off the saline (salt) balance, resulting in the metallic taste. I explain these things only because I don't want you to doubt that you can survive without meds - you can survive without them, even though you may be feeling these things now (the doubts creeping in). Everyone is different so techniques for calming vary, but some people carry camomile teabags with them (and when they feel the anxiety small the tea bag (it's a variation of drinking it that can be done when stuck in a car on the way somewhere or somewhere where you cannot drink it), others repeat information to themselves (my name is X, my husband is Y, our children are I, A, while they've got the TV on in the background and then that helps calm them because they're talking over the voices of paranoia in their mind). There are many things that can be done, but the key to all of them is to do something that requires you to think about something for long enough until it passes (as time goes on this time will decrease, the first time it may go for an hour, then you'll slowly get it down to being a quick thought in your head). This isn't a cure for life, but it's a strategy that can be employed each time. I know people who have obsessions with things and you know they are going through a bad time because the obsession seems to be livi (ie they love to paint and whenever you see them new furniture in their house is painted). [i'>Do you have anything (you most likely do but it really does take people a long time to connect them) that you do when you are in d-mode which moves you out? If you can try and connect any dots (it could be cooking, studying, changing jobs, mocing countries (yes, some people do this)) each time you are there. [/i'>Sorry to babble on. I hope you are able to keep going without your meds, but if you have to go back then I hope for speedy turn around. Thanks Amyaus, I'm going to have to go without going back on meds as i really think I need it under the guidance of a dr. I also don't want to go back on them without trying to live without them. This feeling in my chest is whats getting to me and the fatigue. I need to learn how to deal with the stress. Also, I've highlighted in your post in italics something I didnt understand, could you clairfy it for me? I appreciate your long post, thanks again.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 18 January 2012 - 10:21

Thanks Beebers. I appreciate your empathy and what you went through. for me, I'm not actually crying or anything, the maid problem is this feeling in my chest. I was associating it with not getting enough sleep, but after observing myself I now know it's stress related. My girls stress me alot, and this morning I had the feeling in my chest, but after I put them on the bus for Kindy, it slowly subsided and is now very slight. I just need to learn how to relax myself I think, but have no idea where to start!

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 17 January 2012 - 15:21

Thanks sweetlily, I'll have a good read through your post and have a look at the links. im finding in my current state that it's hard to feel motivated to do anything. i just feel glued to the sofa and am finding it hard to get off. I hope I can get myself to feeling normal again.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 17 January 2012 - 13:58

Thanks ladies, I will have to go see a dr. if anyone here can recommend a good specialist, I'd appreciate it. I currently cant afford to go see anyone as my husband was recently made redundant and our insurance has been cancelled. I still have my old meds in the fridge and am wondering if in the meantime I should start taking them again. im dragging my body around, it feels so heavy :( Get back on the meds ASAP, and see a doctor yesterday. You cannot stop depression medication cold turkey, you have to see doctor about it. I really recommend you see a specialist instead of a GP, even if it is only for a session or 2. Really hope you feel better soon. Hugs x Thanks Irooni, I did do it very very slowly and my Dr knows about it and has no problem with it, but it's been a while since I've seen her now. I think I'll go back on them and see a specialist as soon as I can afford to.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 17 January 2012 - 13:08

Just some further advice, make sure everything is sealed well. Make sure the seal around the pipe where it goes into the bottle is tight, the seal between the head and the pipe, and the seal between the hose and the pipe. Any problems with not enough smoke but a burnt taste are usually a result of a bad seal :)

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 17 January 2012 - 13:05

Wow Ginee, thanks for this. Excellent - I have cut and pasted onto my notepad so I'll never forget! My mate knows the antiques place really well so I'll wangle a visit with her... Hurrah! If you have any probs you can always come around to mine and I'll show you!

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 17 January 2012 - 13:04

Thanks emmess and Ginnee. I know these things take time, and will get easier with each passing week. I'm just wondering how many more days I can stay relatively sane where my only conversations are based around Peppa *** :) If anyone is ever out and about in the Green Communuity and you spot a women walking about with a pushchair grinning madly at anyone who even looks vaguely in my direction, then you'll know it's me Wish I could drive, as I would come visit you, I live in JLT, so its not far, but a fair distance when you dont drive. Im sure you'll find some lovely ladies in your community soon :)

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 17 January 2012 - 12:50

Thanks for your reply summerdream, I appreciate it. Will look up EFT. I've been taking meds for depression for 20 years, so am quite experienced with it now, I may to back on the ones I have just till I can see my dr again, as these symptoms are really weighing me down. Thanks for your concern, it's much appreciated.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 17 January 2012 - 12:09

Thanks suznz I would definately like to meet up once you're back. what is your email address? there's no one that I would feel comfortable lumbering with my twins!! Thanks so much for your offer, but you are clearly busy with your 7 mth old. even one is never to be underestimated. Thanks so much for your kind offer though!! It would be nice to meet up though, so please keep in touch. my email is ginneeginne 36 at hotmail dot com

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 17 January 2012 - 11:58

Thanks ladies, I will have to go see a dr. if anyone here can recommend a good specialist, I'd appreciate it. I currently cant afford to go see anyone as my husband was recently made redundant and our insurance has been cancelled. I still have my old meds in the fridge and am wondering if in the meantime I should start taking them again. im dragging my body around, it feels so heavy :(

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 17 January 2012 - 11:25

Do you think that could be why my chest is feeling like this? To follow on from this thread :http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=170139 I do not feel anxious as such. I am a little blue though and as per the other thread, came off my anti-deps about 4 months ago, after suffering from depression all my life and being diagnosed as a chronic sufferer. I went off them as I didn't like the side effects and didn't 'crash' like I had the other time I'd tried. But now, I'm having problems sleeping, I have a horrible feeling in my chest, and a metallic 'taste' in my lungs and I have absolutely NO energy. Im struggling to keep up with the housework, actually Im not even keeping up. I feel I have to peel myself off the sofa and my body feels so heavy. I don't know what to do.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 17 January 2012 - 10:44

I'm from the UK Ginnee. You? NZ born, moved to australia when I was 17 and lived there for 20 years. welcome!!

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 17 January 2012 - 10:31

Thanks CAbear!! I would love to meet up. I will email you later - i have housework to do now, which im struggling to start, as I have this horrible feeling in my chest, despite the good sleep I had last nite.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 17 January 2012 - 10:29

Good Morning Ladies, I have quite rightly been pulled up on my lack of introduction. Apologies for that. I read this fantastic forum on a daily basis which makes me already feel part of this wonderful community. It has been a mine of information since moving here. A bit about me ... I've been in Dubai a short while, I hated it at first, but now can see the positives and what a great place it is (and can be). My job is dire (hence my original post) and it's really starting to eat away at not only my sanity, but confidence and ambition. I need to get out and find a new challenge - this is my NY resolution! Along with Pilates. Just started at Real Pilates and love it. I love crisps, as you can probably tell from my user name. 26 bags in one day is my record to date. Hula Hoops. Mmmm. I hope I can contribute to this forum as well as some of the other wise users. I know I already get an awful lot out of it, so I'm hoping I can also be part of this and give something back. Does that sound too cheesy?!!! Right, off to find some crisps. Toodle pip! Crispaholic :) Where are you from crispaholic?

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 17 January 2012 - 09:17

Not a clue :\: It's for my brother! I'm going to have to learn, aren't I? It's so easy, I'll tell you how. You fill the bottle with water, start with half way - the level is essential. Put the metal pipe into the bottle and the bottom of the pipe should be submerged by the water by about 1 cm. To test if it's at the right level, put your mouth over the part of the pipe where the hose goes in and suck. You'll hear the water bubbling in the bottle, but it msut not come up the metal pipe. If it is, it means there's too much water in it. Empty some out till you get the right level. Take the little ceramic pot ("head"), where the tobacco goes in and fill it with the tobacco (best to get the small packets, as this way it's fresh - apple and grape are the most popular favours, for good reason). You want to seperate the tobacco (not unfurl it though) as much as you can as you're putting it in the little pot, so it's nice and loose. Then cover it with a square of foil and fold the foil down over the head and make sure it's nice and tight, so not limited air can get in. Perforate the foil with a needle, or i find a corn-cob holder to be useful as it has two sharp prongs. dont let the holes be too big though. Now for the coal - the good ones are the ones in a squarish box, dont get the fast-lighting ones which are round, these are for burning Oudh or Bakhoor incense, and have fuel in them which doesnt taste very nice. Put two pieces on the gas stove and leave them till they're red hot. I usually do this before i do anything else, so that by the time i'm finished the coal is ready. Place the coal on top of the head and you're ready to go!! It's best to place the coal as far apart as you can get it, if you feel it's tasting too strong or there's too mcuh smoke, take one piece of coal off, or move it further to the edge of the head so it's burning less. Hope this helps!!

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 17 January 2012 - 09:02

. edited by Ginnee on 17/01/2012 I said something completely erroneous, so i edited my message to say nothing!! I agree with the others, sounds like thrush

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 17 January 2012 - 08:59

. <em>edited by Ginnee on 17/01/2012</em>

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 17 January 2012 - 08:56

Welcome robertj77, bumping this for you!

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 17 January 2012 - 08:51

One step at a time, we have to work with what we have right? Is this how your chest feels? FROM THE WEB. "Anxiety chest pain usually turns out to be nothing more than muscle pain, indigestion and sometimes nerve pain, ALL caused by the underlying anxiety disorder. Anxiety chest pain can be sharp, dull, in the center, to the side or all round the chest. It can extend into the neck and shoulders, round the back of the head and down into the stomach area. Anxiety chest pain can come and go, come and stay or twinge occasionally. I have heard possibly every description and variation of anxiety related chest pain there is. I experienced anxiety chest pain too; first dull and deep... this turned out to be anxious indigestion and then later it became sharper and the pain extended into my throat and down my left arm. Then my arm would go numb or tingly! I was rushed to hospital and guess what... They found NOTHING except anxiety chest pain! Anxiety chest pains are evident in probably 80% of anxiety sufferers at some time during their disorder. Obsessing about your anxiety chest pains creates anxiety, anxiety creates the chest pain and the cycle continues." Do you have any of the above mentioned symptoms hmmm, it's hard to say. it's hard to describe. it's much like hunger pains. when you're starrrrrrrrrving, you have this discomfort, this empty feeling. I have that in my chest, it extends from the top of my stomach, up to my throat. I dont know if you've ever cleaned the bathroom with bleach and afterwards you can still 'taste' it in your lungs, even if you go outside you feel it's there. it's kind of like that. it's not really pain as much as it is discomfort. an emtpy feeling but also it feels like a heaviness, like someone is sitting on your chest

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 17 January 2012 - 08:44

AzaniaKhayaLam, sorry to hear about your loss. You sound like a strong woman. May God bless you and help you continue in life to be happy and whole.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 17 January 2012 - 08:36

Hi,feeling sorry for ya.But there is one thing which does not cost you.that is Barley water. Barley water is the best remedy to take the stress out from your head and heart. you can get Whole barley and wash it .then throw it in a cooking pan add 10 times water to it and let it cook on medium flame.in 25 minutes it will be ready. just remove from the heat let it come to the tempraure youwant to consume. drink it (best with honey added)1 cup in the morning and 1 in the eve. it also take the infections out of the body. you will feel much better from the very first day. its anti stress and anti depression. try it you will feel the diffrence. Best of luck for job hunting. hope he will find something good soon. dont worry too much its life and people see the ups and downs. the hardships comes and goes. try to keep ypur self engage in some healthy activity. lovely ladies on the forum will help you to find something wich can help you to stay busy and not to think too much about the problems. hope you will find the suggestions useful. Thanks BG, I will give it a go!!!

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 17 January 2012 - 08:17

I'm sorry you are feeling this way. It is horrible when you can't sleep. It affects everything you do and how you feel (especially if it's continuous). I can sympathise with you as I have have times of insommia and a tendency towards depression (but of course can never fully understand just how you are feeling). I was even referred to the sleeping clinc at American Hospital once where it came back that I 'worry' before I sleep and was handed anti-depressants. I agreed that I am a worrier (especially when I have to operate a 14 hour flight when I hadn't slept in 5 days, yes I do worry! I was a cabincrew and I'm sure I wasn't very nice or positive to my now DH at that time) The dr even prescribed sleeping tablets for me but hey only worked the first night, then never again after that! I think that your feeling in your chest is due to anxiety (like others have said) It sounds like you have a lot going on at the moment. Take some time out to do something relaxing for yourself. I found hot baths and camomile tea (and others that help sleep) helped and also going for a walk. I think from what you have said about your husband's work situation, that you also have to allow yourself to have low moments (without going too low if that makes sense, you have every right!) Talking to someone that is a good listener is essential. I've had to teach myself that I can't do it all on my own (as I tried to in the beginning). But just getting how I'm feeling out into the open about a situation is good for me. Are you taking anti-histamines to try help you sleep? Several drs have told me to avoid taking them near bed time as they can actually keep you awake (even though some do make you feel drowsy). I also recommend that when you are able to (when you have medical insurance), get a full bloodwork done to see if there are any areas which you are lacking in incase they are also causing the insommia and fatigue (from my experience this does make a big difference). I hope this helps and that you manage to get some sleep soon Thanks suznz. I've had bloodwork in the past and nothing has ever come up. I'd be interested in the sleep study though to see how they can help me - once DH has insurance again. Anti-histamines are good for sleep, but some of them have pseudoephidrine mixed in with them, which is essentially speed (!). They're good for the short term, but I really need to address the deeper issues. The problem is I have twin 3 year olds and they really stress me. It's tough when you're feeling stressed and they are adding to it, and there's no means of escape. This is the disadvantage of not living in our home countries, we cant just dump them at Grandma's for the weekend!! It would be so nice just to have a break!

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 17 January 2012 - 08:10

I am so sorry to see you are going through so much, some meds can lower your *** drive but there are various combos you can try and a good Dr should be able to sort that out for you. Chronic depression, is like diabetes or hypertension you can never be totally med free, as it will have a domino effect. I know you don't have insurance to see a dr right now, if you like I can ask around my local pharmacy maybe she can recommend some over the counter meds that will help ease your anxiety and allow you to sleep in turn manage your days better, the fact that you are asking shows you are a caring, loving mom. Hope this helps. Thanks Frances, I would appreciate that as I'm stuck at home. I have asked before for meds that dont affect the *** drive and nothing has availed. The thing that is bothering me the most is this horrible feeling in my chest. I did get a good sleep last night and it's still here :/. so must be something to do with anxiety. I find it's worse when I'm not getting co-operation with the girls. Having two 3 year olds isn't helping the situation, it's challenging to say the least.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 17 January 2012 - 08:07

I'm not a great sleeper but when it gets really bad I take the Panadol night - someone on here recommended them and they are great for a couple of night to kick start a better sleep pattern - available in all the pharmacies. Hope you feel better soon xxxx Thanks Claire, yes I was taking it but then I started to worry about consuming paracetamol every day, so switched to Atarax (anti-histamine). But I am finding the Atarax leaves me a bit hung over the next day

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Latest post on 16 January 2012 - 18:16

Officechick, take care of yourself, you've been through so much. Hope you can get some good R and R. Men just don't get it sometimes!!!

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Latest post on 16 January 2012 - 17:01

The shishas at C4 etc are perfectly fine. the best shishas you can get are the ones with the brass or stainless steel piping as they last longer. rinse it after each use and you'll be fine. have you prepared a shisha before?

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 16 January 2012 - 16:53

Ginee - sounds like a case of depression/anxiety (especially the feeling in your chest - this sounds like a milkd anxity attack). Often insomnia is a symptom of depression and/or anxiety. Then the resulting tiredness worsens it. I would really recommend looking into seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist. It may be something circumstantial that you can talk through (often we don't realize how much something affects us until we talk it through). Some people also just have chemical imbalances naturally, and which can be successfully treated with the right prescription (if your family has a history, then this would be very likely). It is important to treat the cause of the insomnia, and not just the insomnia itself. If you are depressed and anxious - sleeping aids will not cure it. Do not feel alone - this is much more common than people usually realize. Its not something we small-talk about - so we assume that everyone else must be doing ok. But it is really, really common. The hardest part is motivating yourself to take the step. But it is such an important step to take. Anxity and depression is cyclical - even if you overcome this cycle, there will be another later. It is important to have a psych - they will help you arrange a plan as to how to deal with this - meds, support networks etc. Anything you need just ask xx Thanks SK for this. I don't have any medical support here psychologically and wouldn't know where to start. I was actually diagnosed with chronic depression about 15 years ago and had it under control for a long time. I even managed to come off the anti-depressants (which I had been on for 20 years) about 3 months ago. so far it's been ok I've been coping. but maybe as you say the feeling in the chest is from anxiety. I only ever notice it if I havn't had enough sleep. You think that could be anxiety? does anyone have recommendations for a good psyche here? It takes several weeks to months for antidepressant medication to leave your system. You might find that this is the cause or a contributing factor to your recent mood and sleep. Often people will be doing well and assume this means its a good time to cease their medication. oFten what it actually means is the medication was doing it's job in stabilizing you - and when you go off it you spiral downwards again. as the drugs are still in your system for some time afterwards - you may not link the cessation with when your mood or sleep changes occur. I used to volunteer on a mental health hotline at home, and we would get calls so often from people who stopped meds when they thought they had overcome the problem, only to slide backm into it again. Many people find they will always need to be on at least a low dose - particulary for those that have chemical imbalances naturally. I would really recommend going back on the antidepressants that you were on previously.. As it would have left your system now, depending on the type, you may need to start back on low doses and work your way back up. I'm not sure if you remember you doses when you first started - if not, that would need to be done in consultation with a psychiatrist. I cannot help with a referral to a good psych, as I haven't been here long. Hopefully there is someone here who can recommend. Thanks SK, I appreciate your knowledge and input. This is food for thought, although I'm really not keen to go back on them as it was affecting my life in other ways - (maritally, if you know what I mean). I'm sure this low I'm in is due to lack of sleep, and I agree with you that this insomnia could be linked to the depression. Will ride it for now, but definately will seek professional help when things are back on track for us financially. If I do get very low, don't worry, I'm not the suicide type and will do something about it pronto. Thanks again

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 16 January 2012 - 16:33

well it's a cd so as long as you have a cd player/laptop you can listen to it on that...i could probably make you a copy of it? some of the exercises are here: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1112245/Are-plagued-insomnia-Crave-rejuvenating-nights-rest-Paul-McKenna-shares-unique-secret-formula-perfect-nights-sleep.html Thanks Kelly, I'd really appreciate that. my email address is [email protected]

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Posts

EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 16 January 2012 - 16:32

Ginnee - do not let anyone underestimate the effects of insommnia, it can cause all sorts of things from physical illness to depression, anxiety and stress. Google it on a reputable medical site and show your husband. I strongly recommend that you seek medical help - taking the kind of antihistamines that make you drowsy can leave you feeling hungover and less able to cope the next day. I know a lot of posters here say that you cannot be prescribed sleeping tablets here, but that is not my experience, I have had them (for a bout of insommnia) and I know of several others who have too. You may find that just taking them for two or three nights is enough to break the cycle and allow you to get back into the rythm of sleeping at night. My expereince is to avoid something like xanax - too heavy left me feeling like I was drugged the next day. I was then given xopiclone - which was excellent - I fell alseep in 30 mins, slept for 8 hours and woke up totally fresh the next day. In fact I only needed it for 2 nights to break the cycle. What you need most is a sympathetic doctor who will listen to you and help you. There were one or two I would have suggested but they have sadly left, Hopefully someone will be able to suggest someone. Edited after reading your post re no insurance. I recently purchased in Life Pharmacy some very good herbal tablets for sleep - made by solgar. I think they were called sweetest dreams of something - it is worth looking at them, they have an interesting ingredient edited by Genie on 16/01/2012 Thanks Genie, will look into the tablets you found. I will definately go see a dr once we get hubbys work and insurance sorted out again.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 16 January 2012 - 16:30

Ginee - sounds like a case of depression/anxiety (especially the feeling in your chest - this sounds like a milkd anxity attack). Often insomnia is a symptom of depression and/or anxiety. Then the resulting tiredness worsens it. I would really recommend looking into seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist. It may be something circumstantial that you can talk through (often we don't realize how much something affects us until we talk it through). Some people also just have chemical imbalances naturally, and which can be successfully treated with the right prescription (if your family has a history, then this would be very likely). It is important to treat the cause of the insomnia, and not just the insomnia itself. If you are depressed and anxious - sleeping aids will not cure it. Do not feel alone - this is much more common than people usually realize. Its not something we small-talk about - so we assume that everyone else must be doing ok. But it is really, really common. The hardest part is motivating yourself to take the step. But it is such an important step to take. Anxity and depression is cyclical - even if you overcome this cycle, there will be another later. It is important to have a psych - they will help you arrange a plan as to how to deal with this - meds, support networks etc. Anything you need just ask xx Thanks SK for this. I don't have any medical support here psychologically and wouldn't know where to start. I was actually diagnosed with chronic depression about 15 years ago and had it under control for a long time. I even managed to come off the anti-depressants (which I had been on for 20 years) about 3 months ago. so far it's been ok I've been coping. but maybe as you say the feeling in the chest is from anxiety. I only ever notice it if I havn't had enough sleep. You think that could be anxiety? does anyone have recommendations for a good psyche here?

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 16 January 2012 - 16:27

Ginnee, i'm so sorry you're feeling like this. i've had rampant insomnia since i was 15 and have tried all sorts of things. i really do sympathise - last week i was still wide awake at 4 am, had to get up at 7 and come to work - hideous. You may have tried this already, but there's a book called 'I can make you sleep' by Paul McKenna which gives you hints and tips (obvious ones like make sure the room is dark, right temperature etc) and also comes with a downloadable podcast which i listen to on my ipod - it really helps. He basically re-programmes your mind so you know longer think ' i have insomnia'. I've seen it in a few shops here. it sounds like you're under a lot of stress which is making it hard for you to quieten your mind when you go to sleep. Paul Mckenna helps you to do that. Hope this helps x Thanks, when hubby gets a new job I'll go and get this book. Dont have an ipod though. are they expensive? I did do self hypnosis at one stage years ago. What screwed me up recently was the girls started waking at all times during the night and I lost my sleep 'momentum'. so ended up on the anti-histamines. I think I'll wait till all this stress passes, then I'll address the issue more seriously. Just really needed to get things off my chest and get some understanding on here. Thanks :)

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Posts

EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 16 January 2012 - 16:21

You poor thing! Please go and see a doctor who can help you through this, one twist and turn at a time, either themselves or by referring you onto someone else. Thanks Sanddy_Dogg. I wish I could go to the Dr but we cant afford it now, the company cancelled his insurance. We cant really spend much money till he gets a new job.

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Posts

EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 13 January 2012 - 07:06

Just made and served the fetteh to DH and he was sooo impressed! I did it the healthy way, so I oven-roasted the eggplant (sliced lengthways) and the Arabic bread squares, doubled the garlic, used a little less butter, sent DH on a last minute run to Choithrams as we'd just run out of tahini paste! I've only recently started making Arabic food for my DH (trying to recreate all his childhood favorites) since his mom can no longer cook, so a BIG Thanks Ginnee! Wow, I'm impressed Apricot!! Fetteh is so, so yummy and even the simpler version without the eggplant is divine!!

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 13 January 2012 - 07:00

Thanks quizzme and claire :)

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 13 January 2012 - 06:57

What is muscle memory?

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Posts

EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 12 January 2012 - 17:36

thanks lovelies, lots of ideas here. I got her some prospan and will try a couple of your remedies. I also have olbas oil so will use that on her tonight :)

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