Trying to find the right medications for my depression/anxiety

Thank you! Were u clinically depressed when you tried this routine? Have u ever tried sleeping meds?

@happythinkingma , when I went to sleep doctor, we talked and then he gave me a routine to follow which has been SO helpful. I get ready for bed about an hour before, make sure bedroom lights are out before I go to bed, have a window open or good fan going, completely dark room. No computers before bed, just read or tv. It has really worked for me! Try the sleep doc, I never regretted going. Good luck. Let me know what happens! Becky

@happythinkingma , o I wasn’t clinically depressed but I was on Zoloft. Sleep medicines quit working after awhile. I know, it happened to me. I do much better following my routine. Once in awhile, I do have to get up and read

Trying a routine to quiet your mind is hard to get right, but worth it. Perhaps writing down things about your day, things that you want to remember the next day, in effect "emptying your mind".
Ginger

Yes, Im doing everything I can. Write a journal entry, empty my mind, meditation, etc. sleeping meds are only working 4-5 hours at most.

@brit Zoloft is one of the older medicines but it works well! Takes at least 2 weeks for any noticeable change. I’ve had to slowly increase the dose over 20+ years when things get rough. In the summer I can decrease the dose because we have so much sun! nd, I’d rather use my lite book—no side effects! Be sure to let us know if the doctor is willing to use Zoloft. You deserve to feel better!

Patti- It is very very draining. I hear you on this one for sure. I think that Americans in particular think that medications alone can solve problems. But our mind/bodies work in conjunction and if we have one thing wrong in one place I think that we need to use the other part to help like next door neighbors helping each other. I have found that exercise helps this immensely.

Have you said anything to your doctor? He/She can help you with medication that help you sleep. I had many night I would just lay there and get myself more and more upset the longer I stayed awake. Another thing I was told to do by my sister in law (she's practices)
asian medicine. Has even gone to live in the mountains in China with the best of the best. She said breathe in real deep through your nose then slowly let it out your mouth saying to yourself "LET IT GO>>>>LET IT GO. I has works for me on many occasions.
I guess like most of us trying it isn't going to harm anything and maybe it will work. God Bless Patti

@brit This breathing also works! Empty your mind of thoughts with each breath. It also helps to relax muscles as you breathe out. Works for me. Sounds like it works for you, too! My therapist said to also imagine a bright, colorful, glowing light entering your head. Any color you like (I like golden). It gives you a warm, comfortable feeling. With each relaxing breath, let the light further in until it hits your toes. Then just let it work. I had to do this in her office this week because I got one of my chest pain/anxiety attacks. They are awful! Using the image of the light helped me settle down. Guess I was worried about my rituxan infusion the next day. 🙁 Please try this and let me know how it works—I hate to see anyone in pain!

@brit and @becsbuddy I found a free app that is helpful for deep breathing. My mind tends to go in so many different directions it helps me focus. This is a simple technique that can help. It helps me. There are times I don’t want to even try doing it. We need to try and use our skills rather than getting into these uncomfortable places. These words are mostly for the one sharing. Deep breathers unite!!