FishProfiles.com Message Forums

sunlight is a big help.

---

I used to be Snow White, but I drifted.
~ Mae West

eatting, just some good stuff, doesn't have to be bad for ya. just eat something. on a full tummy u should feel better. also go to some clubs, relax, and get a massage.

Getting plenty of - but not too much - sleep. I can't tell you how different my outlook is with enough sleep.

-Molly
Visit shelldwellers.com!

What are some natural cures for stress, insomnia, and mild depression? I know exercise helps, but was wondering if there was anything else that would help in combination of excercise?

try meditation, calms you down give you some time to think, and pardon me if anyone finds this vulgar, but sex is also and excellent stress releiver, no joke, its healty too. and last of all you can try some chocolate, which is belive to release endorphines in your body which make you feel happy!

nick

Nick
"Impossumable- unable to play dead"

I have printed out your answer trystianity, that is really helpful information.

I go back to work tomorrow, have spent the last two day fielding a migraine. my neck and shoulders hurt like mad already.

I am going to try all your suggestions

Thanks again

GFG

_______________________________________
Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one's definition of your life; define yourself.
Harvey S. Firestone

I suffer from dysthymic disorder with major depressive episodes, GAD and PTSD and have sleep disorders related to fibromyalgia. I take meds (now low dose Effexor XR and Elavil, Ativan only when all else fails) daily because I have to but I use non-med stuff too. I had to read books on sleep disorders and stress by order of my doctor so I'll share some stuff from them.

If you're depressed and anxious and can't sleep and it lasts for any length of time (more than a few weeks, especially when the cause of it isn't clear) the best thing to do is see a doctor. A sleep specialist is very good for insomnia, they will tell you specifically ways you can change your routines and lifestyle to sleep better and be less stressed out. They will also find things you haven't thought of that could be affecting your sleep by talking with you and tell you what kinds of changes you need to make to get better sleep. If you're not getting enough good sleep it causes a LOT of problems.

GET THIS BOOK! "No More Sleepless Nights" by Peter Hauri, PhD., Shirley Linde, PhD. ISBN 0-471-14904-7 [link=Amazon]http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0471149047/002-3414885-0656009?v=glance" style="COLOR: #36af30[/link]
My doctor recommended that book and it's very helpful for insomnia, it's a program for insomnia that is good for stress etc. too. There's a sleep hygeine analysis that you do to find out what's affecting your sleep then you tailor the program to your own needs.

For relaxing I like Sleepytime tea.



There is an extra strength version that has some Valerian in it that will knock you on your butt. I like Sleepytime tea a lot because it tastes good hot or cold and you can get it at any grocery store for a few dollars. I always have a cup of this before bedtime with my meds.

No alcohol. You might feel like you're getting more sleep when you drink but it disrupts your sleep so it's not as refreshing. If you do drink, don't drink late at night and never more than a couple of drinks. Try to go off of caffeine completely, if that isn't an option don't have any caffeine after about 2 pm and no more than 1-2 cups of coffee (or equivalent) per day.

Eat good food. Lots of healthy protein, veggies and grains. Cut anything out that might cause indigestion at night because that can affect sleep as well, fast food is terrible. Try to eat a light dinner about 4 hrs before bed. Always try to eat a snack a few hours before bed (usually 2) but make it something natural and good for you. Dairy products and other foods have chemicals in them that will help you sleep (look for foods that have tryptophan in them), anything high in protein and complex carbs is usually good. I usually have something like yogurt, some whole wheat toast with peanut butter, whole wheat crackers and cheese, fruit, etc. Make sure you're getting good nutrition. Lacking some vitamins can make you depressed and cause insomnia, try taking a good vitamin supplement (spend the extra $$, it does make a difference - I take Centrum Performance which costs about $20 a bottle).

Change your sleep environment. You have to get on some kind of schedule, so make sure you're in bed and out of bed at the same time every day. Turn your alarm clock away from where you sleep so you can't see it, looking at the clock will only stress you out when you're trying to sleep. Make sure you have good pillows and your bed is really comfortable, room is dark and free of noise, make sure the room isn't too hot or cold, and don't do anything in bed other than sleeping and only go to bed when you're tired. If you can't sleep, get up out of bed and go do something quiet to wind down like reading. When you wake up in the morning, set the alarm so you get up at the same time every day no matter how much sleep you got then get up right away and spend a few minutes outside in the sun or in front of a sunny window, that sets your circadian rhythm. Don't nap during the day even if you're really tired.

Don't stress about not sleeping. Even if you don't sleep at all you can still be mostly productive the next day. If you stress about not sleeping it's an endless fustrating cycle.

Practice some relaxation techniques before bed. Do some mild stretching, massage your own head and neck (even better if someone else does it), anything to relax your muscles and get some blood flowing in them. I use a heating pad a lot for muscle pain but it's also good for relaxation, there are bean bag things you can make or buy that you heat in the microwave that are really good for relaxing at night on your neck and shoulders. You can put some lavender sprigs or flowers in the bag when you heat it up and the smell is very relaxing. I have some specific exercises that my doctor gave me but they're mostly just standard stretches, they work well. Learn to meditate, it sounds silly when you're starting out but it really does work. Meditation will keep your mind from dwelling on stuff that's stressing you out. Also learn abdominal breathing, practice until you're good at it then do it when you go to bed. Warm baths or showers before bed can really help you sleep, if you have access to a hot tub or a jacuzzi tub that's even better. Try some lavender oil in a bath or relax before bed with a lavender or chamomile aromatherapy candle or oil. You can get lavender pillows that you put under or in your sleeping pillow that help you relax.

Sorry for the long post, I have done a lot of work and seen a lot of doctors over the past year for similar issues. :%) [/font]

In terms of insomnia, the time in which you exercise can be a factor. I believe exercising around 5 will help you fall asleep.

I think that pets in which you can touch and really interact with (i.e. mammals) will help with depression.

<--bipolar 2 with rapid cycling, OCD, and APD

I agree with finding the cause of the stress. It could be one major thing or a bunch of small things. Whatever it is, write it down, break it down. If it's a bunch of things, prioritize them. One major thing, make a list of steps to tackle it.

Outlook-one thing my counselor recommended was an activity called 'positive focus & outlook', writing down at least 1 positive thought or event from the day.

Support-a friend who doesn't try to analyze or solve but someone who will just listen and support.

Things like valerian, melatonin, St John's Wort are often recommended; I tried St John's with no luck while others swear by it. I'd recommend doing your research and checking with a doctor before trying any of them.

Sleep-a regular routine, going to bed & waking at the same time every day, a dark room, not watching tv in bed.

Figure out what relaxes you and make the time to do it.

Good diet-really makes a big difference.

Alcohol is a depressant

Just some random thoughts, hopefully you can find something to help. I had to finally go on medication earlier this year for my problems.

~~~~~~~~~~~~
There is water at the bottom of the ocean

I remember reading looking at fishtanks reduces stress

A large volume of valerian/passionflower is a good alternative if you are getting desperate.

The most efficient, however, is to completely eliminate the cause of the stress and anxiety from your life, otherwise you are just masking a problem, and if its that bad that you cannot sleep, it will manage to manifest itself in other ways.

Last edited by Callatya at 04-Sep-2005 04:13

For animals, the entire universe has been neatly divided into things to (a) mate with, (b) eat, (c) run away from, and (d) rocks. - Terry Pratchett

I know it is easier for me to keep the energy levels up during the day by starting the day right off of the bat by eating. I was never a breakfast person but that really does help. And since you are getting up earlier to eat, well by the end of the day I am so beat insommnia doesn't have a fighting chance. And of course the higher energy levels help keep you just a tad bit more chipper and the better sleep make it easier to handle everything going on in life.

Empty chairs at empty tables, the room silent, forlorn.

7-9 portions of fruit and veg a day!



-------------------------------------------------
I like to think that whoever designed marine life was thinking of it as basically an entertainment medium. That would explain some of the things down there, some of the unearthly biological contraptions

It's all in the mind Dro, you've got to be able to relax.
Let go of the tension and know that things will get better eventually!
I find driving in the country works for me, it clears my mind no end.
Take a blanket outside at night and just lay under the stars, that's very calming as well
*picture diggler sitting there with you if you must*

I hope you find something that works

Stress, insomnia and depression go hand in hand. Tackling the problem that is causing the stress will help rid you of it. I'm not sure what it is that is stressing you out and maybe its not as easy as solving the problem. Talking to someone about it will probably help too.

I agree with Keith that Yoga is a great way to help your body and mind cope with things going on in life. I can probalby find you some info on the postures that were recommended to me if you are interested.

Last edited by Lindy at 03-Sep-2005 05:35

---

Before you criticize someone walk a mile in their shoes. That way you're a mile away and you have their shoes.

Sports are probably the best way to reduce stress and insomnia. I play volleyball on a varsity team and nothing knocks me out better than a 2-4 hour practice. Sports generally keep your mind off issues going on to, thus, relieving stress.

DarkRealm Overlord

A good healthy life style is a must.

There are many forms of Yoga which contain strong exercises and medidation.

insomnia No major Carbs at all for the evening meal.

Keith

Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do.
I VOTE DO YOU if not WHY NOT?
VOTE NOW VOTE NOW