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.

@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!

Have you ever had a sleep study?

If you have sleep apnea like I do, you will not feel better until you get restorative sleep. I tried to use CPAP but couldn’t tolerate the mask on my face. Just got a mouthpiece and can tolerate it. I have to use it for 7 days to see if it’s working. Sleep is one of the #1 issues with depression.

Ive never had a sleep study but Im a really quiet sleeper, normal weight etc. But maybe I need a sleep study. I know insomnia goes along with depression but what do doctors do about it besides Ambien?

@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

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

@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

This is great news that you can recover from insomnia and using sleeping meds. Im currently clinically depressed. Every day is a struggle. It's affecting my sleep and I have to take Ambien CR to sleep (4-5 hours). Mainly anxiety keeps me up. I wake up at 3 or 4 am every night on the sleeping meds. I wish I could do what you are doing. My sleep hygiene is great. Very little light, white noise, colder temp, etc. Would love to get off of the sleep meds. Were u ever on Ambien? Was it hard to get off? Did u get off while depressed or after? What sleeping meds have you tried? Lmk. Im really stresed out about it.

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.

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

Thank you so much. I have another appointment with him and maybe will ok it. Thanks again…..God Bless Patti