How To Handle Feeling Exhausted (Too Tired To Come Up With A Creative Title)
May 4, 2012 10:14 AM Subscribe
How do I (someone with depression) handle feeling exhausted all the time?
I have depression, I guess it's pretty serious since I have been taking Cipralex (20 mg) since the beginning of this year. The psychiatrist that I work with on a weekly basis and myself have been trying out different types of medication to see what can help me even more with my depression. So far, Cipralex works the best. Although my psychiatrist also gave me a prescription for Wellbutrin. The prescription is only for two weeks so I don't know if I should take it just yet. He's currently away from the office for a month and I don't want to try this new medication out until two weeks before our next appointment.
I think he said that this medication should help me have more energy (although I may be wrong). In the mean time though, I find myself struggling with exhaustion all the time. For instance, this morning I woke up at around 9AM, but I had to take a nap from 11AM-12PM because I was exhausted. Although, I had only relaxed, had breakfast, and watched a few television shows. This happens every single day.
I sleep for approximately 10 hours every night. But, I always want to sleep for so many more hours. Unfortunately, I can't do this because I have to work which isn't such a bad thing once I'm there. But, it takes me HOURS to get ready each day mainly because I have a difficult time getting out of bed and find it exhausting to actually get ready. I still manage to do things like get ready, go to work, and go to my appointments but I can't recall a time where I've felt energized before doing any of these things. Even walking to the bus stop which is a four minute walk away from my place seems exhausting...
I spent time with my siblings for 3 days and noticed just how much they accomplish on a daily basis. I want to do this too. There are so many things that I want to do such as going to the gym, but I always feel exhausted by small tasks alone.
So, how do I handle my exhaustion so that I can actually do more things (tasks and activities that are big and small)?
I have depression, I guess it's pretty serious since I have been taking Cipralex (20 mg) since the beginning of this year. The psychiatrist that I work with on a weekly basis and myself have been trying out different types of medication to see what can help me even more with my depression. So far, Cipralex works the best. Although my psychiatrist also gave me a prescription for Wellbutrin. The prescription is only for two weeks so I don't know if I should take it just yet. He's currently away from the office for a month and I don't want to try this new medication out until two weeks before our next appointment.
I think he said that this medication should help me have more energy (although I may be wrong). In the mean time though, I find myself struggling with exhaustion all the time. For instance, this morning I woke up at around 9AM, but I had to take a nap from 11AM-12PM because I was exhausted. Although, I had only relaxed, had breakfast, and watched a few television shows. This happens every single day.
I sleep for approximately 10 hours every night. But, I always want to sleep for so many more hours. Unfortunately, I can't do this because I have to work which isn't such a bad thing once I'm there. But, it takes me HOURS to get ready each day mainly because I have a difficult time getting out of bed and find it exhausting to actually get ready. I still manage to do things like get ready, go to work, and go to my appointments but I can't recall a time where I've felt energized before doing any of these things. Even walking to the bus stop which is a four minute walk away from my place seems exhausting...
I spent time with my siblings for 3 days and noticed just how much they accomplish on a daily basis. I want to do this too. There are so many things that I want to do such as going to the gym, but I always feel exhausted by small tasks alone.
So, how do I handle my exhaustion so that I can actually do more things (tasks and activities that are big and small)?
Husbunny has depression as well, and pretty much dragged ass everywhere he went. He'd sleep for hours and hours and always felt exhausted.
Then he did a sleep study and found that he had horrible sleep apnea. He got a CPAP and his life has turned around tremendously.
He went without depression medication for 4 years. (He's back on due to some anxiety issues).
Run, do not walk to your GP for a referral for a sleep study.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 10:26 AM on May 4, 2012 [2 favorites]
Then he did a sleep study and found that he had horrible sleep apnea. He got a CPAP and his life has turned around tremendously.
He went without depression medication for 4 years. (He's back on due to some anxiety issues).
Run, do not walk to your GP for a referral for a sleep study.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 10:26 AM on May 4, 2012 [2 favorites]
Seconding Sleep Study and GP opinions. Might be sleep apnea, thyroid, low b12,?
posted by tilde at 10:32 AM on May 4, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by tilde at 10:32 AM on May 4, 2012 [1 favorite]
Work out for 1-2 hours every single day.
posted by lotusmish at 10:33 AM on May 4, 2012 [4 favorites]
posted by lotusmish at 10:33 AM on May 4, 2012 [4 favorites]
Absolutely check for physical causes (thyroid, nutrition, etc.). Get a second opinion.
If physical causes are ruled out, I know that wellbutrin does give most people a boost in energy. I don't know if you were told to take it in conjunction with the Cipralex, but it's often used in addition to an SSRI.
Cipralex tends to be sedating for most people (which is why it's first-line for general anxiety). This may be contributing to your exhaustion. You may want to look into switching to an SNRI like effexor.
Lastly, I know first hand how hard it is to regulate sleep with depression, but sleeping for 10 hours may be counterproductive. Try cutting down to around 7 (I know, easier said than done). Go to bed at the same time and wake up at the same time everyday.
And exercising will help you so much if you can do it regularly. Get a gym buddy who won't take no for an answer. But figuring out your meds first will probably be necessary before you can manage it.
posted by WhitenoisE at 10:39 AM on May 4, 2012
If physical causes are ruled out, I know that wellbutrin does give most people a boost in energy. I don't know if you were told to take it in conjunction with the Cipralex, but it's often used in addition to an SSRI.
Cipralex tends to be sedating for most people (which is why it's first-line for general anxiety). This may be contributing to your exhaustion. You may want to look into switching to an SNRI like effexor.
Lastly, I know first hand how hard it is to regulate sleep with depression, but sleeping for 10 hours may be counterproductive. Try cutting down to around 7 (I know, easier said than done). Go to bed at the same time and wake up at the same time everyday.
And exercising will help you so much if you can do it regularly. Get a gym buddy who won't take no for an answer. But figuring out your meds first will probably be necessary before you can manage it.
posted by WhitenoisE at 10:39 AM on May 4, 2012
I think you should just keep trying different things. Wellbutrin helps some people with exhaustion. Additional time with a medication, a tweak to the dosage, may help. Exercise helps some people. Additional full-spectrum light may help. Even if nothing seems to particularly help, try to remember that MH stuff can be like the weather, you may wake up some day soon and feel less tired, and the next day even less tired.
Keep in close communication with your primary care doctor, sleep doctor, psychiatric doctor. Don't beat yourself up for being tired. Try try not to compare yourself to others without depression, it's too easy and super toxic. Also -- "quantity of tasks completed" is not some universal measure for you to assess yourself. You don't need to do everything, you just need to do what's important right now.
posted by ClaudiaCenter at 10:44 AM on May 4, 2012 [1 favorite]
Keep in close communication with your primary care doctor, sleep doctor, psychiatric doctor. Don't beat yourself up for being tired. Try try not to compare yourself to others without depression, it's too easy and super toxic. Also -- "quantity of tasks completed" is not some universal measure for you to assess yourself. You don't need to do everything, you just need to do what's important right now.
posted by ClaudiaCenter at 10:44 AM on May 4, 2012 [1 favorite]
I went though something similar. I was depressed and slept too much. My body got used to me sleeping so much and I stopped getting deep, refreshing, useful sleep. Just a lot of long naps.
What I had to do was to put myself on a sleep diet. I woke up at the same time every day and went to bed at the same time. Nothing was allowed in my bed but me. No books, phones, t.v. or computer. No naps except for the occasional 15 minute nap sitting up in a chair.
I found that I have to have at least 30 minutes of serous activity every day (I usually walk) or I won't achieve deep sleep.
It was unbelievable difficult at first. I was miserable and cloudy headed for days. Then it started to work.
Make certain to get out in the sun every day, even just for short periods of time. It helps with sleep and depression.
Good luck!
posted by myselfasme at 10:52 AM on May 4, 2012 [2 favorites]
What I had to do was to put myself on a sleep diet. I woke up at the same time every day and went to bed at the same time. Nothing was allowed in my bed but me. No books, phones, t.v. or computer. No naps except for the occasional 15 minute nap sitting up in a chair.
I found that I have to have at least 30 minutes of serous activity every day (I usually walk) or I won't achieve deep sleep.
It was unbelievable difficult at first. I was miserable and cloudy headed for days. Then it started to work.
Make certain to get out in the sun every day, even just for short periods of time. It helps with sleep and depression.
Good luck!
posted by myselfasme at 10:52 AM on May 4, 2012 [2 favorites]
Response by poster: Thanks for the advice so far. I don't mean to threadsit, I just didn't think about mentioning certain things until you folks brought it up.
-I was checked out by a GP/regular doctor late last year I can't remember when exactly but she said that everything seemed to be fine. I am thinking of getting a second opinion though.
-The psychiatrist that I work with also mentioned going to a sleep clinic. There's actually one that's in the same building as my workplace which might be worth checking out. Although, when the psychiatrist brought it up recently, I told him that I thought it was the depression that made me feel so exhausted and he agreed.
posted by livinglearning at 10:53 AM on May 4, 2012
-I was checked out by a GP/regular doctor late last year I can't remember when exactly but she said that everything seemed to be fine. I am thinking of getting a second opinion though.
-The psychiatrist that I work with also mentioned going to a sleep clinic. There's actually one that's in the same building as my workplace which might be worth checking out. Although, when the psychiatrist brought it up recently, I told him that I thought it was the depression that made me feel so exhausted and he agreed.
posted by livinglearning at 10:53 AM on May 4, 2012
I do think exercise could help -- I know it's counter-intuitive.
But I give you permission to NOT exercise regularly. And I suspect having an insistent gym buddy would only breed resentment and feelings of failure.
Do not plan to exercise. Instead--steal unexpected opportunities to exercise. Park a bit further in the parking lot (you know-- it's easier to pull out of a far away spot than rock star parking where there are more pedestrians and cars looking for rock star parking).
Do a couple of somersaults at home, out of the blue. Walk around the block -- but give yourself permission to hate every minute of it and to flop back at home when you're done. Jump in place during a commercial -- see how far into the commercial you can get before giving up.
Do a handstand against a wall. Blood to your brain.
Surprise yourself. Absurdity short circuits depression. Even if it's an occasional exception-- it proves that depression isn't all the time always - and that is part of depression mystique. It insists that it's All the time always. (but some of us know better than that.)
posted by vitabellosi at 10:53 AM on May 4, 2012 [7 favorites]
But I give you permission to NOT exercise regularly. And I suspect having an insistent gym buddy would only breed resentment and feelings of failure.
Do not plan to exercise. Instead--steal unexpected opportunities to exercise. Park a bit further in the parking lot (you know-- it's easier to pull out of a far away spot than rock star parking where there are more pedestrians and cars looking for rock star parking).
Do a couple of somersaults at home, out of the blue. Walk around the block -- but give yourself permission to hate every minute of it and to flop back at home when you're done. Jump in place during a commercial -- see how far into the commercial you can get before giving up.
Do a handstand against a wall. Blood to your brain.
Surprise yourself. Absurdity short circuits depression. Even if it's an occasional exception-- it proves that depression isn't all the time always - and that is part of depression mystique. It insists that it's All the time always. (but some of us know better than that.)
posted by vitabellosi at 10:53 AM on May 4, 2012 [7 favorites]
Oh man I so could have written this! I, like you, can just sleep and sleep and sleep and sleep (16 hours last saturday night, ugh). I have fantasies about going home and just being in bed. If I take a nap I will just not get up, ever. Regardless of what I eat, how much coffee I drink, or how much I work out, or how early/late I've gone to bed the previous day, I just want to sleep and sleep and sleep.
I've been working on this for the past year and a half or so- I asked a couple questions about it previously. I ended up going in for a sleep study (the overnight test and the next-day MSLT). No sleep apnea or narcolepsy - pretty much diagnosed with "excessive sleep need" (i.e. I'm tired and can sleep a lot and they don't know why!). Under the care of my sleep doctor I tried provigil (for night shift workers and sleep cycle issues - didn't do much for me, may help you?) and now get prescriptions for ritalin and extended release ritalin which are AMAZING in terms of keeping me alive and functional throughout the day.
My psychiatrist told me to get a second opinion from a different sleep doctor, so I did and they said the original diagnosis and treatment suggestions were fine. I'm working with my psych to adjust my keep-me-awake medication. (I tried Wellbutrin once - it was a bad experience for me, but many people have great success with it so you should try it!)
I originally thought this tiredness was caused by the medication I was first on (celexa), but I went off it and went off every med for the sleep study and the tiredness remained. Even on a new antidepressant that's working really really well I'm still tired, so I'm not 100% sure if it's physical or mental.
So: I suggest a sleep doctor or ask your psych if she can get you provigil or a small amount of ritalin. I have a friend on antidepressants whose psych gives him ritalin as well to counteract medication sleepiness, so you may be able to ask about it as a short term fix until you can get a sleep study done or see a sleep doctor. You have to go off all medications before you go in for a sleep study (I tapered ~2weeks and then was off everything for ~2 weeks) so if you are still adjusting meds you may want to wait on it.
Other suggestions I've had from doctors but haven't implemented well/consistently yet: a blue light to use in the morning and middle of the day (I'm a snooze-button-er who gets up and runs out the door after I'm really late; it sounds like you could try that during your slow-get-ready-time in the morning), a walk outside in the sunshine at some point midday, consistent sleep and wake up times.
posted by sarahj at 10:56 AM on May 4, 2012 [2 favorites]
I've been working on this for the past year and a half or so- I asked a couple questions about it previously. I ended up going in for a sleep study (the overnight test and the next-day MSLT). No sleep apnea or narcolepsy - pretty much diagnosed with "excessive sleep need" (i.e. I'm tired and can sleep a lot and they don't know why!). Under the care of my sleep doctor I tried provigil (for night shift workers and sleep cycle issues - didn't do much for me, may help you?) and now get prescriptions for ritalin and extended release ritalin which are AMAZING in terms of keeping me alive and functional throughout the day.
My psychiatrist told me to get a second opinion from a different sleep doctor, so I did and they said the original diagnosis and treatment suggestions were fine. I'm working with my psych to adjust my keep-me-awake medication. (I tried Wellbutrin once - it was a bad experience for me, but many people have great success with it so you should try it!)
I originally thought this tiredness was caused by the medication I was first on (celexa), but I went off it and went off every med for the sleep study and the tiredness remained. Even on a new antidepressant that's working really really well I'm still tired, so I'm not 100% sure if it's physical or mental.
So: I suggest a sleep doctor or ask your psych if she can get you provigil or a small amount of ritalin. I have a friend on antidepressants whose psych gives him ritalin as well to counteract medication sleepiness, so you may be able to ask about it as a short term fix until you can get a sleep study done or see a sleep doctor. You have to go off all medications before you go in for a sleep study (I tapered ~2weeks and then was off everything for ~2 weeks) so if you are still adjusting meds you may want to wait on it.
Other suggestions I've had from doctors but haven't implemented well/consistently yet: a blue light to use in the morning and middle of the day (I'm a snooze-button-er who gets up and runs out the door after I'm really late; it sounds like you could try that during your slow-get-ready-time in the morning), a walk outside in the sunshine at some point midday, consistent sleep and wake up times.
posted by sarahj at 10:56 AM on May 4, 2012 [2 favorites]
Did a GP just look at you, or did he order bloodwork - particularly thyroid panel. This is really, really important because all the antidepressants in the world won't do a damn thing for a thyroid, anemia, or vitamin D issue.
posted by Lyn Never at 11:01 AM on May 4, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by Lyn Never at 11:01 AM on May 4, 2012 [2 favorites]
In addition to getting a sleep study and thyroid check - have you considered that you might have some sort of auto-immune issue? I know this isn't what you (or anyone) wants to hear, but auto-immune diseases not only leave one exhausted, they also can cause "exercise intolerance." That is, exercise makes you feel WORSE, not better. It sounds like this might be the case for you?
Usually when you are plain old depressed, exercise makes you feel a lot better. With auto-immune conditions (like lupus and Chronic Fatigue syndrome) exercise can actually drain your energy and you feel better when you get lots and lots of rest (not always, but often).
Specialists like endocrinologists and rheumatologists are the ones who can diagnose conditions like these if they don't necessarily show the classic signs. I would get a referral to a specialist and a complete blood panel if at all possible.
I have Hashimoto's thyroiditis - basically my thyroid is allergic to itself and doesn't produce enough hormones - and Synthroid basically has given me my energy back. It also helped my horribly itchy skin and weight gain (more symptoms of a low thyroid). I think it's terribly important that you get your thyroid checked, as depression and constant fatigue are two MAJOR symptoms of hypothyroidism, and thyroid disease is very common in women (and auto-immune conditions, in general, are much more common in women than men).
posted by Rosie M. Banks at 11:26 AM on May 4, 2012 [2 favorites]
Usually when you are plain old depressed, exercise makes you feel a lot better. With auto-immune conditions (like lupus and Chronic Fatigue syndrome) exercise can actually drain your energy and you feel better when you get lots and lots of rest (not always, but often).
Specialists like endocrinologists and rheumatologists are the ones who can diagnose conditions like these if they don't necessarily show the classic signs. I would get a referral to a specialist and a complete blood panel if at all possible.
I have Hashimoto's thyroiditis - basically my thyroid is allergic to itself and doesn't produce enough hormones - and Synthroid basically has given me my energy back. It also helped my horribly itchy skin and weight gain (more symptoms of a low thyroid). I think it's terribly important that you get your thyroid checked, as depression and constant fatigue are two MAJOR symptoms of hypothyroidism, and thyroid disease is very common in women (and auto-immune conditions, in general, are much more common in women than men).
posted by Rosie M. Banks at 11:26 AM on May 4, 2012 [2 favorites]
IANAD, but I've been in a very similar situation, including the level of exhaustion you are describing, so I'll share what I know. My apologies in advance for the length. Even though you had a complete physical, I strongly suggest getting a new set of blood work with a complete thyroid panel. You want an accurate picture of what is going on with your body today. Sometimes, thyroid levels are on the low end of normal but trying a low dose of Synthroid can make a tremendous difference. This is how my low functioning thyroid was diagnosed (in fact the Synthroid was originally prescribed by my psych, not my primary care), but if you do a trial period of Synthroid, the key is regular blood tests to make sure you are still within the normal range. An overactive thyroid can be just as much of a problem as an underactive one, and you don't want to slip into that range. Other things to consider are nutrition and any potential vitamin deficiencies. Things like low blood sugar and low iron levels (anemia) can really suck the life out of you. I think the sleep study is an excellent idea, and you might find some interesting clues there. You also might want to ask your doctor about taking melatonin, which is an over the counter solution for some people with sleep quality issues.
If you are up to any form of physical activity, even if it's housework or a brief walk, that can actually help a lot. It is true that exercise will eventually boost your energy, but when I've had the type of exhaustion you're describing, that has not been a realistic option for me. I need to conserve & devote my energy to essential tasks such as work, basic self care/hygiene, certain chores (laundry), and responsibilities I absolutely cannot and do not want to ignore. I prioritize, and if there is leftover energy then I tackle the next set of things and so on. A lot of people don't understand how much energy and effort it can take to do even the simplest things when you are struggling with depression, and, on an intellectual level, it can seem ridiculous and frustrating, but it is common and not your fault. The good news is that it won't last forever if you get the right care.
While it is not for everyone, Wellbutrin has been a very successful antidepressant for me. If your psych prescribed it, I would give it a try. For me, it usually takes a month for Wellbutrin to kick in, but others notice it working sooner. It does give you an energy boost. I also like it because it is weight neutral and does not crush your libido like some anti-depressants do. To be honest, the only time I fully kicked my depression related energy issues is when I've taken it in concert with Adderall, but that is not a common course of treatment. I don't know much about Cipralex, but if it has potentially sedating effects, you should consider taking it at night. In my case, anti-anxiety drugs make me incredibly drowsy, so I take mine at night. Finding the right meds is largely a process of trial & error, so it may take a while to find the best regimen for you.
I can't tell from your question whether you are also participating in any form of counseling, but, in addition to the chemical, there is a mental and behavioral component to depression. If you aren't seeing a therapist, I urge you to find one. Not only will it help you identify and address root causes for your depression, but it will also help you acquire coping skills to manage your life while you're trying to sort all this out.
When you're in the midst of all this, everything can seem overwhelming, exhausting, and insurmountable. If you are patient, persistent, and pro-active about your care, however, you will eventually find yourself on the other side of this. If you want to ask me any questions, please feel free to email me, my address is in my profile. Best of luck!
posted by katemcd at 11:39 AM on May 4, 2012 [4 favorites]
If you are up to any form of physical activity, even if it's housework or a brief walk, that can actually help a lot. It is true that exercise will eventually boost your energy, but when I've had the type of exhaustion you're describing, that has not been a realistic option for me. I need to conserve & devote my energy to essential tasks such as work, basic self care/hygiene, certain chores (laundry), and responsibilities I absolutely cannot and do not want to ignore. I prioritize, and if there is leftover energy then I tackle the next set of things and so on. A lot of people don't understand how much energy and effort it can take to do even the simplest things when you are struggling with depression, and, on an intellectual level, it can seem ridiculous and frustrating, but it is common and not your fault. The good news is that it won't last forever if you get the right care.
While it is not for everyone, Wellbutrin has been a very successful antidepressant for me. If your psych prescribed it, I would give it a try. For me, it usually takes a month for Wellbutrin to kick in, but others notice it working sooner. It does give you an energy boost. I also like it because it is weight neutral and does not crush your libido like some anti-depressants do. To be honest, the only time I fully kicked my depression related energy issues is when I've taken it in concert with Adderall, but that is not a common course of treatment. I don't know much about Cipralex, but if it has potentially sedating effects, you should consider taking it at night. In my case, anti-anxiety drugs make me incredibly drowsy, so I take mine at night. Finding the right meds is largely a process of trial & error, so it may take a while to find the best regimen for you.
I can't tell from your question whether you are also participating in any form of counseling, but, in addition to the chemical, there is a mental and behavioral component to depression. If you aren't seeing a therapist, I urge you to find one. Not only will it help you identify and address root causes for your depression, but it will also help you acquire coping skills to manage your life while you're trying to sort all this out.
When you're in the midst of all this, everything can seem overwhelming, exhausting, and insurmountable. If you are patient, persistent, and pro-active about your care, however, you will eventually find yourself on the other side of this. If you want to ask me any questions, please feel free to email me, my address is in my profile. Best of luck!
posted by katemcd at 11:39 AM on May 4, 2012 [4 favorites]
I took the earlier version of that (the non enantiomer-specific one) and it put me to sleep up to 20 hours a day until I quit it (when my sleep went back to normal). Depression sucks. Sleeping 20 hours a day sucks, too. There are other options. Try the Wellbutrin. Tell your doctor that the Cipralex is not working for you because the side effects are too extreme.
posted by jeather at 12:29 PM on May 4, 2012
posted by jeather at 12:29 PM on May 4, 2012
I take citalopram for depression and also had the same fatigue/tired all the time feeling. I talked to my endocrinologist about it and with all of my bloodwork he ran a Vitamin D panel. Turns out the bottom end of the normal range was 30, and I was at 15. So he told me to take some Vitamin D supplements and I cannot tell you how much better I feel! I started out taking 3 of the regular supplements (I got them at either Walgreens or WalMart) a day until I could get the level boosted up, and now I take one or two a day. I can tell that I haven't taken them in a few days because I begin to feel tired and run down again (and after 6 months my Vitamin D level is only at 33, so apparently I'm still on the low end).
So, ask for a thyroid panel, B12 (if they measure that) and Vitamin D bloodwork. You might be surprised at what you find.
Also, I finally got myself to an allergist (I've had asthma since birth, but no daily meds for it) and she measured my lung function, where I scored a whopping 70% on the spirometer thing. So, not only was I low on Vitamin D, apparently I was low on oxygen too. Getting some good asthma and allergy meds helped me feel better. You may not have asthma, but if you have sleep apnea issues it could be contributing to your fatigue.
posted by MultiFaceted at 1:16 PM on May 4, 2012
So, ask for a thyroid panel, B12 (if they measure that) and Vitamin D bloodwork. You might be surprised at what you find.
Also, I finally got myself to an allergist (I've had asthma since birth, but no daily meds for it) and she measured my lung function, where I scored a whopping 70% on the spirometer thing. So, not only was I low on Vitamin D, apparently I was low on oxygen too. Getting some good asthma and allergy meds helped me feel better. You may not have asthma, but if you have sleep apnea issues it could be contributing to your fatigue.
posted by MultiFaceted at 1:16 PM on May 4, 2012
Welbutrin is very energizing. I suspect once you go on it your problem will take care of itself.
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 1:25 PM on May 4, 2012
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 1:25 PM on May 4, 2012
Response by poster: I think I might just be plain old depressed because I went to the gym a month ago and after that, I just remember feeling so great. As if I could do so many things and as if it was a new day, a good day.
But, I'm definitely going to get a full examination done by one of the doctors on campus. This is more inexpensive then going to a sleeping clinic. However, if they are unable to figure out what's wrong then I'll try going to the local sleeping clinic.
I'll also start taking the Wellbutrin earlier than planned. One of the other psychiatrists on campus might be able to help me out with writing a prescription while the other one is away..
I'm not currently seeing a therapist or psychologist. However, I am seeing a psychiatrist and mental health/psychiatric nurse. I typically see them on a weekly basis, but I won't be seeing one until May 14th and the other one until June 4th. It's basically going to be a month long without contact between myself and either one of these professionals, but I think should be okay until then.
posted by livinglearning at 2:21 PM on May 4, 2012
But, I'm definitely going to get a full examination done by one of the doctors on campus. This is more inexpensive then going to a sleeping clinic. However, if they are unable to figure out what's wrong then I'll try going to the local sleeping clinic.
I'll also start taking the Wellbutrin earlier than planned. One of the other psychiatrists on campus might be able to help me out with writing a prescription while the other one is away..
I'm not currently seeing a therapist or psychologist. However, I am seeing a psychiatrist and mental health/psychiatric nurse. I typically see them on a weekly basis, but I won't be seeing one until May 14th and the other one until June 4th. It's basically going to be a month long without contact between myself and either one of these professionals, but I think should be okay until then.
posted by livinglearning at 2:21 PM on May 4, 2012
I'm depressed, I'm constantly tired.
One thing that I noticed, which may or may not apply for you, is that I'm not physically exhausted, I'm mentally exhausted. It makes me feel like I want to nap all the time, and I used to beat myself up about it because I was like "I haven't even done anything!" But my brain does generally run about a thousand miles per hour running laps around the same issues over and over and over. So things that might work for you are vitamins, a good diet, and things that will relax your brain and mental state (meditation or even just lowkey things you really enjoy doing, if you can think of some).
Also, if you suspect sleep may be a contributing issue, get a better bed or at least a foam mattress topper. I go to bed plenty early but I wake up frequently at night with sore back, shoulders, neck, etc, and I know that's not helping.
posted by agress at 3:23 PM on May 4, 2012
One thing that I noticed, which may or may not apply for you, is that I'm not physically exhausted, I'm mentally exhausted. It makes me feel like I want to nap all the time, and I used to beat myself up about it because I was like "I haven't even done anything!" But my brain does generally run about a thousand miles per hour running laps around the same issues over and over and over. So things that might work for you are vitamins, a good diet, and things that will relax your brain and mental state (meditation or even just lowkey things you really enjoy doing, if you can think of some).
Also, if you suspect sleep may be a contributing issue, get a better bed or at least a foam mattress topper. I go to bed plenty early but I wake up frequently at night with sore back, shoulders, neck, etc, and I know that's not helping.
posted by agress at 3:23 PM on May 4, 2012
Consider nutrition. I've found, over many years and many run-out-and-wait-too-long-to-restock-only-to-find-that-yeah-it-makes-a-difference cycles, that supplementing with iron (I like Floradix liquid extract) and fish oil (I started with enough to equal 1 gram EPA+DHA per day, then increased gradually until I felt it was making a difference at 4 grams) are almost as important as my Wellbutrin.
posted by Lexica at 3:30 PM on May 5, 2012
posted by Lexica at 3:30 PM on May 5, 2012
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by punchtothehead at 10:25 AM on May 4, 2012