Hi, I'm Adam

[Ratzinger]

Hi everyone!

I'm really glad to have found this forum. I've been suffering from very mild anxiety for a few years now, which has led to some irregular sleep patterns. Only in the last few months has it turned a little nastier, and I started to get palpitations and pounding heart (which scared the hell out of me at first until I saw a doctor), and a lot more insomnia and nervousness.

I'm dealing with it bit by bit. My lifestyle was not helping - as a political writer working from home, I was keeping ridiculously late hours, going to bed at 6/7/8am and then getting up in the middle of the afternoon, drinking 6 cups of coffee a day, and spending a lot of time getting passionate about politics.

I've changed a lot of this now, but my anxiety is still here and comes back from time to time. I've never suffered from anything like this before, so its all been a bit scary (I didn't really register that the irregular sleeping from a few years ago was anxiety) - as a consequence I am delighted to find this board and to discover that there are lots of people dealing with similar issues.

[candystarrstarr]

Hi there Ratzinger!

First off don't worry! It sounds pretty obvious that your lifestyle was a huge contributer to your anxiety hopefully now that's changed you have a better chance of getting your anxiety under control!

Do u still drink coffee? If so I would swich to decaff if possible, I find caffiene makes me feel awfull!

I haven't been on this forum for a couple of years now as u was ok unfortunatly for some reason I am feeling very stressed again hence I am here tonight! I did find last time that talking on here helped alot!! Hopefully it will help you also! :-)

Have u tried any herbal relaxants? Sometimes I find they help for mild to moderate anxiety.

Candy x

[Ratzinger]

Hi Candy

Thanks for your response. I do still drink coffee, but I limit it to approximately 2 cups a day, and try to drink no caffeine after 5. I've found that it has made a big difference. Since I've started keeping more reasonable hours, and lowering the caffeine intake, my anxiety has been less frequent, and not as strong.

Funnily enough I have just bought my first ever herbal relaxant today! It is some relaxant tea that is supposed to help one sleep from my local herbal store. Do you have any recommendations for things that work?

Thanks

[candystarrstarr]

Hi Adam,

I tried valerian capsules the other night from holland and barrett and i only took one and it knocked me out compleatly, i couldnt belive a herbal tablet could be so strong lol! the only thing i didnt like was they gave me a very muggy head the next day! also i wouldn't take them on a work night as i struggled to get out of bed the next day!! luckly it was the weekend :-)

Candy

[Ratzinger]

Thanks,

I might give those a go! I've generally thought the same as you - that herbal stuff is weak, but I'll pick some up and use them in emergencies when I really can't fall asleep.

Thanks

[candystarrstarr]

Hi,

No worries, let me know how u get on :-)

candy