Comforting words needed

I’ve had chronic insomnia since age 13. Was raised in an abusive family - mostly by my father - which caused anxiety, depression and PTSD. I didn’t seek medical help until I got out of the situation, as being awake at night helped keep me safe ( somewhat). Yes, sexual abuse was part of the situation. Once out on my own and working, the insomnia continued, and I eventually sought help. You name the med, sleep school and psychiatric therapy I’ve tried it all. Mirtazapine and Trazodone are part of my daily meds, they knock me out, but don’t keep me asleep. Was still waking every night between 1 to 2:30 AM, unable to get back to sleep. I was searching online for a natural sleep remedy and found a recommendation to try NUMO sleep gummies. At this point I figured why not try it. After 2 nights of taking it I was able to start several nights in a row of sleeping through the night. I will still wake up approximately 1 or 2 nights per week, but it is so much better. My husband is very relieved, because low sleep makes me very irritable. I know it won’t work for everyone, but what do you have to lose. I order mine on Amazon ( for the free shipping), but you can get it right from the company website. I hope it helps. I take it along with my prescribed meds, and cleared it with my doctor first. I will be on prescription medication for the rest of my life, to deal with my psychological issues. Thanks Dad.

@ancl123
Per my Mayo medication psychiatrist specialist when you go on Lexapro it is for life. It brings you back to a normal state. It can be raised up if needed but I was told would be on if for life.

You mentioned sleeping problems. Have your doctors mentioned sleep aids like Trazadone. It worked for me. It kind of stops your brain from jumping from one thought to another. There also many other medication out there that can help.

Are you working with your doctors before coming off medications or going back on them?

You mentioned stress and anxiety. How is your lifestyle? Do you enjoy any type of exercise? After checking with your doctors exercise you (the ones you smile while doing) can help remove stress and anxiety and release endorphins that trigger feelings of well being (comes from my medical doctors).

Don't like any type of exercise (I do 5 days a week of water aerobics) how about a hobby? Hobbies also help you relax and enjoy an activity with same release of endorphins.

Talk to your doctors. Stress, anxiety, cause a release of adrenaline. That is the fight or flight hormone. If you don't do something like exercise or hobby to release build up it can cause a anxiety/panic attack as body had to release the adrenline.

Hope this helps. But you need to work with your doctors when stopping or starting medications.

@ancl123
I have been off and on anxiety/depression medication since my 20s and now in my 50s. Hormone changes, especially with pregnancy/postpartum/peri-menopause and menopause increased my symptoms and made my panic attacks worse.

You have some stress and loss added to your anxiety/depression which is affecting sleep. Are you working with a psychiatrist to help you manage your medications?

Don’t worry about how long you are on medications. Make sure you are getting the treatment needed to help you sleep and manage your day to day life as best as possible.

Here are my thoughts. Please go to your family doctor and get some blood work done to see if there is an organic cause of your panic attacks. I say that because it is a new symptom for you. Also, you need to see a female doctor who can deal with your peri- menopausal symptoms. Lastly, at 47 your melatonin levels have dropped. It regulates your sleep cycle and also helps in preventing dementia, and, it is thought, some cancers. I started out with 1mg. one hour before bedtime and now take 3 mg. Cleveland clinic has helpful information on melatonin and sleep disorders. I have gone through very stressful times that affected my sleep. But I have also dealt with illnesses that also affected my sleep until I was properly diagnosed. Two conditions, at the same time, or one illness, coupled with a stressful situation are all possibilities. I think you need to get some medical testing, certainly take a small amount of melatonin from now on, ( and raise the level by a few milligrams to see if that helps ). And please talk to a good therapist. I think that this is a multi- faceted problem. I have gone through something similar.

@colely I have a very simple answer. Stop reading newspapers, stop watching the news, drop your Facebook account and pray. What is going on now is enough to give anyone panic attacks. I am 74 and I never ever thought this was something we would ever have to deal with.
Where is the greatest generation when we need them?

@colely I have a very simple answer. Stop reading newspapers, stop watching the news, drop your Facebook account and pray. What is going on now is enough to give anyone panic attacks. I am 74 and I never ever thought this was something we would ever have to deal with.
Where is the greatest generation when we need them?