From good to bad

Hi

I only take 50 mg but have had restless legs for ages, particularly at bedtime.

I have learnt a breathing technique that solves my problems and I now fall asleep before I can say, " Jack Sprat" !!!

I use a 7 in, 4 out, 7 in and an 11 out sequence...it works because you really have to focus on the 11 out. At first, it was hard but now it's a doddle !

Why don't you try it.

Others recommend different sequences. Some people breathe in for 4, hold their breath for 4, breathe out for 4 then hold their breath for 2. Both are good for me so I ring the changes occasionally. With the first technique, you can begin to feel the experience of btreathing being aware of your epiglotis as if you do not, counting to 11 is a struggle.

t's really weird, a bit haunting too, as you start to imagine that you are dead but really, you kno you are in full control of your breathing.

I have often wondered if it would be like this when you are meditating ??

Love to try that. No classes near me sadly.

Anyway, good luck with the breathing. Hope it works for you too. 

Let us know

Jinny

I don't know the answer to your issue at the moment but what I can say....is that if I spend too much time thinknig and thinking about it, I start to question the work of the Sertraline. You have taken the first, important step, hopefully you worked up to 200mg over time. It could be still be that your body is still working against it; it could be foods you are eating. Once you start to settle to a good sleep routine, I am certain that other things will gradually fall into place. 

I do not work now after 35 years full on... so it's been a real challenge coaxinng my mind and body into retirement and there are so many factors that effect change in us from day to day.

i just go with the flow because I can and set myself achievable challenges every day, including the nice things that we know makes us feel good. That I find hard because my life is pretty empty on the whole. My 2 children are busy making lives for themselves at University, my husband works full time so I am looking for something that will take me into the next phase of my life; I am not giving in to my illness, that's certain. i will not become a potato head.

Today, I'm rting on the sofa, at this moment, with a brew after hoeing in the garden for 30 mins. and soon I shall get up and go back into the garden !! It's a simple life but succeeding through illness is sometimes about giving yourself time and space to reflect, permission to get angry occasionally and strength of character to go forward.

Life is short

Hang in there, it will get better.

Maybe look for less, set your expectations slightly lower. 

I don't get upset when I do that. It's a very umbling feeling too.

Soz....humbling!!!

By the way, I've been on Sert. for 4 months and I am just about starting to feel normal; that is, the treacle head has gone...which was the purpose of me taking it. I didn't need an antidepressant....hence 50mg. It's trial and error.

Jinny