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Post by monklady123 on Feb 16, 2025 12:35:05 GMT
Ugh. I'm sure I've been awake since 3:00 or so, with maybe only some light dozing since then. My brain wouldn't stop worrying about... well, about everything. -- dd who lost her USAID-contract job -- ds and spouse who are okay for now, although ds's stepdaughter has mental health issues -- all the USAID projects no longer operating overseas and all the people who will suffer because of it from malaria, hunger, lack of education, HIV, measles and all the other vaccine-preventable illnesses...etc. -- possible terrorism here because of everything -- the Kennedy Center musicians, two of whom live in my neighborhood -- all the USAID and other government workers who have lost their jobs, and the impact to our economy (especially here locally where SO many people work for the government) -- our sump pump which is dead, and so is the backup battery... The plumber is coming on Tuesday to replace it. Meanwhile it's been raining, but thankfully not hard. So we've been taking turns siphoning out the water that's dripping into the pump well. -- the fact that I need new glasses and couldn't get my tricky prescription filled at Costco -- they tried but it just wasn't right -- so I'll have to go to a much more expensive place to get them made. -- everyone who needs WIC and SNAP and whose benefits might be cut -- same with Medicaid. -- all the kids with 504s and IEPs and how these programs (here anyway) are already stretched thin and so many kids aren't getting what they really should be getting -- and that worry morphed into worrying about all our immigrant kids (we have many many families here from Central America) and ICE -- dh's colleague who has been working from home in Ohio while she takes care of her elderly parents and her autistic son, and whose supervisor (my dh in fact) has been 100% satisfied with her work, and who now has to return to the office. She is scheduled to retire next year, and if she retires now she'll lose benefits. -- how absolutely evil trump and all his henchmen are. I don't usually use the word "evil" very much, because I think it's overused. But it applies to trump, and Musk, and Vance, et al, absolutely.  That's just off the top of my head. One thing led to another, and next thing I knew the sun was coming up.  |
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TankTop
Pearl Clutcher
Refupea #1,871
Posts: 4,876
Location: On the couch...
Jun 28, 2014 1:52:46 GMT
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Post by TankTop on Feb 16, 2025 13:01:43 GMT
Me!!!
I started taking an afhd medicine and now it has been a miracle for me. I did a non-controlled substance so it is mild. It just allows me to relax and calm the constant noise.
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Post by lisae on Feb 16, 2025 13:17:04 GMT
A flareup of TMJ is the physical evidence that I can't get everything out of my head and it is interfering with my sleep. Last week, I could not sleep, eat or talk without pain. Last night I had a good conversation with a friend without hurting, so I'm making progress. I've greatly reduced how much news I am consuming and I'm sleeping better.
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Post by Embri on Feb 16, 2025 13:35:26 GMT
When I fall asleep attempting to not think about all the current crap going on, invariably I end up waking up thinking about it anyways. It's really hard to turn off one's brain when it gets stuck in a rut. I'm sorry you're going through all that, solidarity in worrying about all the chaos Team fElon has caused in two short weeks. A lot of it I feel is because there's not a lot of precedent or recourse. I can't change USA's politics or policies. I'm not even part of it but collateral damage alone is going to upend a lot of industries here in Canada.
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momto4kiddos
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,156
Jun 26, 2014 11:45:15 GMT
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Post by momto4kiddos on Feb 16, 2025 13:51:24 GMT
Had a lot of stress a few months ago and was having trouble sleeping. In the past i've taken a benadryl on occasion to sleep. This time around I put an old sitcom on and left it on in the background and have quickly fallen asleep and slept well. I figured it was worth a shot since I often start falling asleep in front of the tv.
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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on Feb 16, 2025 14:06:53 GMT
Me!
I fall asleep from physical exhaustion, but the very second I wake up (between 3am & 4am for the day), my mind is absolutely non-stop thoughts.
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Post by Merge on Feb 16, 2025 14:26:52 GMT
I use audiobooks to turn my brain from other things. I got a pair of sleep earbuds from Soundcore and they’re great. Historical fiction with a narrator with a good voice and I forget all my troubles and drift off.
I do frequently wake between 3 and 4, and I just turn the audio book back on (I use a 30 min sleep timer) and go back to sleep.
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Post by Karene on Feb 16, 2025 14:31:10 GMT
Me. I keep thinking of all kinds of stuff and then I need to get up and go downstairs to read for a while. Maybe have a hot chocolate. Sometimes I can't get to sleep right when I go to bed. Other times I wake around 2 or 3am and can't get back to sleep because of all the thought. It isn't always stressful thoughts, I just can't stop thinking.
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ellen
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,129 
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Post by ellen on Feb 16, 2025 14:40:02 GMT
I’m pretty much round the clock crabby and this is not good. I have zero patience for anything.
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Post by pantsonfire on Feb 16, 2025 14:40:30 GMT
Have you tried brain dumps? When there is a lot going on in my life with the kids, I do brain dumps to get all my thoughts and worries onto paper. Then I crumble it and toss it.
Dd was taught that in PCIT and Play Therapy and it was suggested I try it too along with her.
Then we are to ground ourselves by stating what is going well. Reverse our thinking.
Then do an activity to control our mind thoughts. She would color, draw, read, listen to music.
I would watch a YT video, cooking show, etc.
Right now it is ASMR videos or reading.
Once calm, I snuggle in and turn off the lights.
I have had to stop listening to the news and have 1 source for local I check in the morning. I can't let all the noise of things I have zero control over get into my head. Staying informed of it all will make me ill. I also have to limit my time here for the same reason.
Being triggered isn't worth it.
I hope you are all able to find some peace and joy and sleep. ❤️
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Post by Delta Dawn on Feb 16, 2025 14:44:08 GMT
Ugh. I'm sure I've been awake since 3:00 or so, with maybe only some light dozing since then. My brain wouldn't stop worrying about... well, about everything. -- dd who lost her USAID-contract job -- ds and spouse who are okay for now, although ds's stepdaughter has mental health issues -- all the USAID projects no longer operating overseas and all the people who will suffer because of it from malaria, hunger, lack of education, HIV, measles and all the other vaccine-preventable illnesses...etc. -- possible terrorism here because of everything -- the Kennedy Center musicians, two of whom live in my neighborhood -- all the USAID and other government workers who have lost their jobs, and the impact to our economy (especially here locally where SO many people work for the government) -- our sump pump which is dead, and so is the backup battery... The plumber is coming on Tuesday to replace it. Meanwhile it's been raining, but thankfully not hard. So we've been taking turns siphoning out the water that's dripping into the pump well. -- the fact that I need new glasses and couldn't get my tricky prescription filled at Costco -- they tried but it just wasn't right -- so I'll have to go to a much more expensive place to get them made. -- everyone who needs WIC and SNAP and whose benefits might be cut -- same with Medicaid. -- all the kids with 504s and IEPs and how these programs (here anyway) are already stretched thin and so many kids aren't getting what they really should be getting -- and that worry morphed into worrying about all our immigrant kids (we have many many families here from Central America) and ICE -- dh's colleague who has been working from home in Ohio while she takes care of her elderly parents and her autistic son, and whose supervisor (my dh in fact) has been 100% satisfied with her work, and who now has to return to the office. She is scheduled to retire next year, and if she retires now she'll lose benefits. -- how absolutely evil trump and all his henchmen are. I don't usually use the word "evil" very much, because I think it's overused. But it applies to trump, and Musk, and Vance, et al, absolutely. That's just off the top of my head. One thing led to another, and next thing I knew the sun was coming up. To be fair that is a craptonne of stress for on human to have to endure. I have no good advice as I am constantly worried your country will invade us. I hear your stress. I am offering the gift of virtual hug and support to get through this. |
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pilcas
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,748
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Post by pilcas on Feb 16, 2025 16:28:43 GMT
My stress level since around last Sept/Oct when The Felon started to dominate the daily newscasts has been off the wall.. It either takes me forever to fall asleep or I wake up at 4am like today.
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Post by crazy4scraps on Feb 16, 2025 16:47:46 GMT
Same here. I just can’t shut off my brain no matter how tired I am. I try not to worry or think about the things I can’t control but damn it’s hard. White noise from a fan used to help a lot but now not so much.
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Post by mystydog on Feb 16, 2025 18:11:23 GMT
That feels like me every night. My brain will just not switch off.
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Post by hopemax on Feb 16, 2025 18:34:38 GMT
I try to actively include things to help me disconnect for just a little while. So go outside during the day for a half an hour. Have small projects to accomplish everyday. This now includes emails to my representatives once a week. Play a phone game right before bed, instead of doom scrolling. DH reads a book.
He’s not going away, so we’re going to have to find successful strategies, because we can’t be zombies for the next few years. But yes, my brain at night doesn’t shut off. It’s been a problem since I’ve been a child. Focusing on at least getting my stuff done, the things I can control, helps.
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Post by nine on Feb 16, 2025 21:31:44 GMT
I have to sleep with either tv or an audible book. The tv show can’t have a laugh track. Jane Austen makes for fine sleeping books. If I don’t have something playing in the background that I can concentrate on, then sleep is elusive.
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leeny
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,009
Location: Northern California
Site Supporter
Jun 27, 2014 1:55:53 GMT
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Post by leeny on Feb 16, 2025 21:53:52 GMT
monklady123 I am sorry for what you are going through. I too have trouble falling asleep. I cycle through my brain everything that is going on and what I should have accomplished that day, week, month that I didn't. I am retired and thought that would stop, but it hasn't. When I was working I would either send myself an email or call my work voicemail for to-do's. I started this week making a to-do list just before going to sleep, so I am hoping that will help.
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Elsabelle
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,845
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Post by Elsabelle on Feb 16, 2025 22:22:34 GMT
I struggle with this, too. One thing that helps me is to listen to a relaxing podcast like The Sleepy Bookshelf or Nothing Much Happens. I try to focus on the story and not let my thoughts creep in and distract me. And I use the sleep timer on my app so it doesn’t automatically launch a true crime podcast and wake me up. Some nights are easier than others. Magnesium Glycinate has also helped me get better sleep.
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Post by littlemama on Feb 16, 2025 23:35:38 GMT
THC gummies will turn your brain off. There are few things that quiet the noise for me- thc edibles work and usually a massage will work, although sometimes it takes a few minutes to get in the right headspace. (And Ativan, but I prefer not to use that)
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Post by revirdsuba99 on Feb 16, 2025 23:48:37 GMT
monklady123That can be addressed. Costly, but worth it long term. Hirer someone for the home and parents. Find day care for son or some kind of placement. Get that year in for benefits... I had saved time, set my date in my head.. I was off most of my last two months!!
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Post by greendragonlady on Feb 17, 2025 0:01:10 GMT
I've always been like that but now it's scary stuff instead of feeling sick over something I said or did 20 years ago.
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Post by monklady123 on Feb 17, 2025 0:02:33 GMT
monklady123 That can be addressed. Costly, but worth it long term. Hirer someone for the home and parents. Find day care for son or some kind of placement. Get that year in for benefits... I had saved time, set my date in my head.. I was off most of my last two months!! Yes, this is what she's thinking now. She'll do that during the week, then drive or fly back to Ohio for the weekends. I told dh she could stay with us as much as she needed to so she wouldn't have to pay for a hotel. She has other friends who have offered also. Such an awful situation all around. |
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jayfab
Drama Llama
procastinating
Posts: 5,748
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Post by jayfab on Feb 17, 2025 0:59:43 GMT
monklady123 It's so hard reading that, no wonder you can't sleep. We are having trouble sleeping in our house too. I think all of this is crap that is going on is going to affect us for quite a while. (((hugs))) to you and all of us suffering.
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Post by questioning on Feb 17, 2025 1:19:09 GMT
Me.
I have a referral for a sleep study. I know it's a long term probelm. curent events are aggravating it.
My heart is so heavy and my mind doesnt stop.
(I havent read the entire thread, have patience if the it took a turn and im not in sync.)
ETA and ignore typos, keyboardin the dark isnt pretty
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Post by questioning on Feb 17, 2025 1:23:54 GMT
monklady123 That can be addressed. Costly, but worth it long term. Hirer someone for the home and parents. Find day care for son or some kind of placement. Get that year in for benefits... I had saved time, set my date in my head.. I was off most of my last two months!! Yes, this is what she's thinking now. She'll do that during the week, then drive or fly back to Ohio for the weekends. I told dh she could stay with us as much as she needed to so she wouldn't have to pay for a hotel. She has other friends who have offered also. Such an awful situation all around. Another thing for my list. I am so sorry. I am the sole child of my very senior parent. "alternative" care would heartbreak both of us |
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Post by Scrapper100 on Feb 17, 2025 1:31:34 GMT
THC gummies will turn your brain off. There are few things that quiet the noise for me- thc edibles work and usually a massage will work, although sometimes it takes a few minutes to get in the right headspace. (And Ativan, but I prefer not to use that) There is a shortage of Ativan. I ordered some on the 3rd and it still hasn’t been filled  |
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Post by Delta Dawn on Feb 17, 2025 1:45:36 GMT
I am so sorry for all the ruminators. It’s not a good feeling (therapy made mine go away). I truly feels awful.
I hope things get better soon. It’s an awful state of being. It will get better.
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kate
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,667
Location: The city that doesn't sleep
Site Supporter
Jun 26, 2014 3:30:05 GMT
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Post by kate on Feb 17, 2025 1:53:34 GMT
ME! It's mostly personal/work stuff that seems not-horrible in the cold light of day, but at 3:00am, it seems like a 4-alarm fire. The political situation is a roar of background noise that makes everything harder.
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Post by Bridget in MD on Feb 17, 2025 2:25:25 GMT
I feel you monklady123 - we support the DoD but you'd be a fool to think it's not going to face cuts once they realize the cuts they are making just won't be enough. DH has told me that I have been, at times, unbearable since the election. He said he doesn't know how to help me, he just has to have faith this will course correct or people elected/in place will figure out a way - he is trying to see with an optimistic eye, and I am just way too far gone for that, I'm afraid. So, while I wish I could offer help/advice, all I can say is that I'm right there with you in the darkness. |
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Post by cmpeter on Feb 17, 2025 3:54:17 GMT
I take trazadone to avoid that…otherwise I was the same…constantly trying to problem solve all night long.
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