How do you get your head to stop thinking about grief, depressive thoughts, bad memories, and trauma?
I am so tired yet I am lucky if I can get 2 hours sleep. Sleeping tablets don't work as the mind is more powerful.
Just wondered if anyone has any tips or suggestions.
Thanks :-)))
2007-05-14 12:31:42 · 28 answers · asked by Teejay 6 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Hi, I've been having similar problems recently due to suffering from clinical depression.
In the past few days I've found that small things added together make a big difference......
Do something relaxing (not staying on yahoo answers for hours......... lol - especially as I'm here now to answer you!).....
Take more exercise.........
Have a milky drink just before heading off to bed.........
And taking sleeping tablets........
Eating proper meals..........
these things combined have worked for me.
Please use these links to the Mind website for useful information:
Coping with sleeping problems
http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Booklets/How+to/How+to+cope+with+sleep+problems.htm
Troubleshooter - Sleep Problems
http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Booklets/Other/mindtroubleshooterssleep.htm
They are easy to read and understand.
I have used the services of my local Mind association, and now count myself as priveleged to work for them. I would strongly recommend seeing if there is one close to you:
http://www.mind.org.uk/Mind+in+your+area/
They can offer informal and easy to access help, support and information on a wide range of mental health topics and illnesses.
Seeking help to deal with depression, grief and bad memories will also help - but in the long run - to enable you to sleep a more peaceful and restfully during the night.
Understanding depression
http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Booklets/Understanding/Understanding+depression.htm
Grief
http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Booklets/Understanding/Understanding+bereavement.htm
Again, links to the Mind website.
These are only a small list of links to available information, and I'm sure that if you looked around the website you will find lots of information that will be useful.
It is possible to cope and live with all the troubles you have and the illness of depression, they symptoms and loss of sleep, as well as finding some comfort and way to more forward from past events that still worry you today.
It isn't easy and there aren't any miracle cures or magic potions - but believe me, that with the right help and support it is possible. Just remember that you don't have to do it alone.
I really hope that you find at least some of the things I've said, or offered, helpful - because I do know and understand how difficult it is to cope and function on a daily basis with so little sleep.
And now I'm off to follow my own advice........
turn off my computer
make a drink of ovaltine
and watch absolutely anything on TV
all as a way of signalling to my mind and body that "this is time to unwind, relax and get ready for bed"
Take care.
2007-05-14 12:52:43 · answer #1 · answered by Jules 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Nearly everyone suffers this problem at one varied point or another in their life, some even more than others such as possibly your case. Many do not want to use addictive drugs and that is completely understandable, but I know how to treat insomnia, naturally. For a very economical price you can get a natural melatonin supplement from your local Wal-Mart in the vitamin section which helps your body to produce more natural Serotonin at bed time to enhance sleep. There are zero side effects, other than a good nights sleep, and it is non-habit forming. It is just a great vitamin supplement.
Search the key word "Melatonin" on your Yahoo search engine to confirm what I'm telling you. It naturally provides me a great nights sleep every night after trying for years to sleep at night before I found this dietary supplement. I wake refreshed and full of energy as I am only promoting my body's own ability to sleep. The best brand comes in a purple bottle from the company "Natrol" and is labeled Melatonin 5mg (1 tablet at night). Again, it is non-narcotic as it is a natural supplement and is found in the vitamin and health section at your local Wal-Mart. It's the best kept secret for sleep I've ever experienced for a great nights sleep every night. By helping the body to produce more Serotonin, which is your body's "chill out" hormone, the Melatonin lowers stress, eases your mind, and thus promotes restful sleep.
2007-05-14 21:43:57 · answer #2 · answered by Sir Knowsalot 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try a bath with lavender oil just before bed, you can also put some on the pillow. It has been shown in controlled studies to be nearly as effective as sleeping pills, which is why I can recommend it.
Avoid reading, exercise and TV/radio for 30 minutes before trying to sleep as they stimulate the brain.
You are very wise in not wanting pills, even some of the over the counter tablets can produce habituation as rapidly as 3 days with consecutive use!
2007-05-14 20:59:09 · answer #3 · answered by Dr Frank 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
just tell your mind STOP...the mind is powerful but so are you..
maybe try counting down from 1000 or if that doesn;t work make it more difficult...if ur mind goes back, that's ok, just start again & really give it all ur concentration..
I take a warm shower b4 bed & it helps me alot..it washes away the tiredness & strains of the day..
also repeat this affirmation as often as u can: I am positive, i only think of positive thoughts....
affirmations are very powerful (please see book below) & really change your thoughts & beliefs & therefore change your life...I used to also think of exactly the things you've mentioned but slowly i've pushed away, if the thoughts come up, tell ur mind STOP lovingly & use this afformation:
the past is over,I am a happy & loving person now...
I hope & I know you'll get rid of this negativty; just make the intention & the promise to allow NO negativity..we live in a negative world & that's life but we have to fight against it & we can win over it & we will!!
xxChoo
2007-05-14 20:34:14 · answer #4 · answered by glgl 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Focus on your body and not your mind. Tense every part of your body so that you are aware of all the component parts. Tense for as long as you can stand it and then let go and you will find your body has automatically relaxed. In my teens, I would also press my thumbs hard over my eyelids until I saw flashing lights, like fireworks. That was quite fascinating and a good way to divert myself. I also go running at night sometimes if I can't sleep.
2007-05-14 20:04:42 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have the same problem. I listen to some music, and record what song I remember hearing last the next morning, and the next time i go to the doctor of therapist, I show it to them to see if I have an irregular sleep pattern. I i do, I get a prescription for it. Plus, the music helps me get to sleep faster. Like, when I began, I cold remember hearing the whole CD twice over, but now i can only remember up to like, the sixth song.
2007-05-14 19:42:52 · answer #6 · answered by Chibi Chan 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You need to try a number of things.Firstly you need to self seek the reasons why you worry about anything.You cannot as a rule solve problems on your own. You might need to seek advice from a Counsellor.Remember make your mountains into pebbles. You can also try self-hypnosis Try your local library. Or go to a Hypnotherapist. A clinical one that is. They will help you.The other thing which is valueable is to remember-your creating the problem.Pills make you dependant on them.Visualisation is often helpful.Playing meditation music also helps. Good Luck.
2007-05-14 19:45:10 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Heroins great but after about a month things get worse and friends and family will notice the difference.
So safer to walk/swim/gardening/cycle/excercise yourself to the ground if possible.
Sounds like your minds racing take a step back and stop overthinking, easier said than done but good luck.
2007-05-14 20:41:04 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Talk out the pain it will surely help you to stay clear minded. Find a friend in a support group that has pains from grief and do some sharing. Reach out and find one new friend who is willing to be a true friend.
2007-05-14 20:34:22 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I tell myself a story. I put tons of details into the setting, characters, everything. Half the time I'm asleep before finishing the set "dressings". I find that this activity focuses my thoughts into a manageable order and occupies my mind as well as meditation.
2007-05-14 21:43:32 · answer #10 · answered by metzlaureate 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋