[MorningTea]

I’m here because my insomnia went from occasional nuisance to precipitating anxiety and panic attacks – both of which are entirely new experiences for me. I missed many full nights of sleep within a month (~10), and when I did sleep it was 3/4 hours of light sleep. I could hear everything all of the time. In desperation I went to a walk-in clinic and was prescribed an antipsychotic in the fastest medical consultation in history. The medication caused me to experience complete dissociation and intrusive suicidal thoughts. I’ve always had excellent mental health and have been consistently resilient, optimistic and perky even through a traumatic childhood. The fact that I could suddenly lose that – a huge component of my identity – was terrifying. I immediately shelled out the money to go to a private clinic and saw a doctor who prescribed me a low dose of a hypnotic (Zopiclone). Things are getting better (back to optimism!), but I still have intense anxiety around sleep and bed.

Whoever is reading this, I hope you’re well.

[wsh]

Hi Morning Tea,

My experience with any of these meds which mess with brain chemistry was also truly terrifying. Also what they do not tell you is that eventually withdrawing from them is even worse! This is just my view, but I would avoid any of these meds unless it absolutely a last resort. How can any drug that gives you suicide ideation possibly be a good idea ? Anyway, again this is just me, but I think that Martin’s approach to sleep restriction and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (while very difficult, and taking a long time) is the only way to recover from insomnia. Also the ACT therapy is very gentle and effective.

All the best,
wsh

[Martin Reed]

Hello MorningTea and thanks for sharing your story. I’m glad to hear things are looking better for you.

Have you discussed a longer-term strategy (such as CBT for insomnia) for improving your sleep that doesn’t rely on medication?

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[Author]

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