[Becc]

Hi all, I’ve jumped back on this forum after completing the course a couple of months ago as I’m feeling like my insomnia is creeping back and needed some extra support to get through this. I found the course so helpful and had many great nights and days and started to see some light. Up until a few weeks ago I was sleeping so well and thought wow, I’m cured, I’m back to normal then what do you know, something must’ve triggered my anxiety and the insomnia is back with a vengeance. I’m okay with a few hours sleep but it’s the anxiety and unhelpful thoughts that really upset me. Even when I try mindfulness or the AWAKE method I am getting distracted by those unhelpful thoughts. I feel scared and afraid but going to work harder and use my will power to prove my brain wrong. I just wanted to know what are some techniques or exercises others have used for this? Any words of encouragement or hope would really be helpful right now.

[hiker]

Hi Becc, if the course materials are still available, you might want to review a couple of points. If not, here is a sketch at least. Some of this stuff is pretty much burned into my memory for good.

After all your hard work to complete the course, it would seem fairer that you should not have to go through setbacks. So much for life being fair. Setbacks happen, no getting around it.

But knowing they just happen can lessen the feeling that it is a disaster. And if the feeling of doom is really strong, remembering the course chapters about stepping back and observing. Recall the difference between:

1. I am having the thought, and noticing the feeling, that I am plagued with insomnia for life; and
2. I am plagued with insomnia for life.

Finally, you speak about using your will power and working harder to “prove your brain wrong.” But you might recall Martin’s lessons on how effort doesn’t work here as well as in other areas of life, and how we cannot undelete stuff in our brains. Nor can we cast thoughts away, never to return. For what it’s worth, I have fared better when I’ve not taken thoughts so seriously, especially when I’m tired.

Going on a bit here, but when (not if) you have a setback, I hope you can note that feeling something strongly does not make it true.

Take care, you are not alone in this.

[Becc]

hiker, thanks so much for your response. It truly means a lot. I’m a a natural worrier so taking a step back to observe and accept will take time and practice and I’ll continue to do this. I’m slowly getting there after a few days. I like when I can become interested in my thoughts and the way they make me feel rather than afraid. Thanks again 🙂

[Author]

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