It is a little like that saying "never go to bed mad". Journaling definitely works. One should always go to bed thinking positive thoughts which means to me that one must do something with the negative ones fist. I used to type on my computer for a night time journal and in the morning read what I typed. Often it seemed silly that I was thinking those thoughts. Soon they went away.
Davit - The last few times I've been up in the middle of the night I've journaled all my negative thoughts until I've been able to fall back asleep. This seems to be helping, as I go back to sleep sooner and am able to stay asleep after one episode unlike some other nights. Maybe I should try journaling before bed?
Negative thoughts are all survival techniques so negative thought will keep you awake till you either get rid of them or get too tired to stay awake. So how can you get rid of them. Beating a pillow might help but if it doesn't try heated milk. Heating milk releases Triptophan that helps you sleep.
Hi Teebs - One good night's sleep is a success! You'll be able to string a few good night sleeps together. I know it's frustrating, but practice and patience will win in the end :)
How quickly my confidence from a few days ago can fade! Here I am experiencing another middle of the night episode, and recovery again feels far away. Why can't I have more than one good night's sleep?
MaryLouise - welcome back. This is indeed a very friendly and helpful place. I'm back participating in discussions after a break myself, and am so appreciative to have an understanding ear to turn to. Feel free to chime in any time! Being gentle and kind to yourself must be a huge part of your healing - I'm still learning how important this for me in my own recovery! The critical, self-judgmental voices can be so loud.
I'm MaryLouise and it has been awhile since I was in a discussion. But I am here now and have been viewing some threads. I like that you are all so friendly and know something about each other. I'll start off by saying my psychologist suggested this website and that it along with other sources has helped my anxiety and depression. I find myself resorting to tools when I'm overwhelmed. I returned to work after being off 2 years and I work for a welfare program in my city. It can be stressful and there is lots to remember. I am looking for another position which won't be so demanding and requiring me to be judgemental and punitive. I have found writing and using my network of friend most helpful. When I am frightened or worried I ask myself "how bad is this, what would be the worse thing that could happen? This helps to anchor me and realize my fears are not warranted. I am very gentle and kind to myself. Anyhow I am enjoying the spring, we had tremendous wind and ice storm here in Ontario and today we had sun which was welcome sight.
take care everyone, I will be diligent in checking into panic center more often.
Yes, he definitely hangs out with the dragons. Trying to remind myself he doesn't have any teeth!
Discharged a lot of negative energy yesterday by beating up on a punching bag for a little bit. The result: first time sleeping through the night in almost two weeks. The relief and calmness that followed stay with me for about 24 hours and it felt great. Starting to feel more anxiety creep back in tonight, but at I least I feel like I can see the light at the end of the tunnel from this set back after several very difficult weeks.
I knitted a tiny toothless lion for you. I mentioned him about 5 posts ago on this thread. He doesn't look too scary, he just likes to think he is. He likes to hang out with the dragons. Thinking of you.