How do I get my mind to shut down...

I have been up all night so exhausted but cannot keep my eyes closed. A thousand thoughts and feelings swirling around. I am still feeling trapped somewhere I dont want to be. Even seeing the Dr didnt help yesterday. I am going to call my pcp today and see if he can give me something for anxiety until the Effexor kicks back in a few weeks. My other option would be to check myself in the hospital for a few days and get some much needed rest and some inpatient counseling. I dont like this feeling and it is beginning to scare me.. The Dr's office said this depression is very common and happens to most patients in different degrees. It helps to know I am not alone, but it doesnt take away the anxiety and the horrible feelings I am having. I am going to try and lay down and see if I can get an hour of sleep in before the alarm goes off. Love ya, Laura

Oh Laura,how I wish I could help you. I am on effexor too but I never went off for surgery. I go through terrible depression too,but mine happens ay sundown. I dont get it but I have been on eff for to long.10 years and I need to change . I know how you feel its a trapped feeling but I promise it will all be worth it. love Cindy

Laura, I'm sorry that you feel so bad. I've been there and I know it's difficult to kick. You're on drugs, so that a good thing. They'll kick in soon enough. In the mean time, you have to get your mind on something else. Someone once told me that depression was the result on thinking about one thing all the time. So some suggestion to get your mind off of your surgery: 1. Sunshine and light gardening. Plant some herbs in little pots. Give the plants pet names. 2. Sit in the sun and try to lure the birds or squirrels to get as close to you as possible. I had a squirrel come sit on the arm of my chair yesterday. They'll do anything for peanuts. 3. Have your kids take you to an amusement park or zoo in a wheelchair if need be. Don't feel like an invalid..think about how you're pulling the wool over the eyes of the park attendents plus you get the best seats in the park. 4. I don't think your ready to go shopping, but you could sit in a mall and and people watch. Make up soap opera stories about the people you see. 5. If you can't leave the house, pull open all the shades, turn on some good 60's music (ok..that's my generation). Read a book that you can't put down or one that's so funny that you have to laugh. There's an old one by Erma Bombeck "The Grass Is Always Greener Over the Septic Tank". It's a comic look at life as a housewife in the suburbs. 5. Write letters to all the senators in Washington about anything that appeals to you. Try to stay away from the subject about wls. We're trying to get your mind off of that. Ok, that's a few and I know this means someone has to run some errands for you, but I there is always someone that will help you. Cathy

I would be calling my PCP . You can't go on feeling this way I wish there was something we could do for you. You defintely need to get on some kind of anti-depresssant. I to felt the same way as I was sick for 2 months straight but I made it through. And thankful I had the surgery. How much did you lose when you went to the doctor's yesterday

Laura, See there are alot of people here that care about you. They are reaching out to you. Embrace them and let us help you get through this tough time. I got your number and I will try to call you later today. In the meantime.. you are doing great... 30lbs is wonderful!!!! I am so proud of you, just keep it up.. and remember you have friends that really care. Hugs, Julie

well Julie,you hit it on the head. We really are there for each other.We all go through that terrible depression and wonder if this was the right choice. I said about 199 times to my husband, I shouldnt have done this, I ruined my life. On the contrary now. 100 lbs down and it saved my life unbelievably. I love to shop now, and I hated it before. I wish we could help Laurie. I wish she would call. Thanks,Cindy

I'm so glad that you called the Dr. And here you only thought you lost 5 pds. I think that's great that you lost 30 pds you should be so happy. Hopefully your pills will kick in soon and get you out of this rut.

Do call your PCP Laura...you need something more fast acting than the Effexor...it might not be a bad idea to go in the hospital for some TLC. Just because the depression is common doesn't mean that it is easy to deal with nor that you have to suffer through it. You lost 30 pounds????? OMG that is so fantastic! I thought I was doing well with 17 until I read that Julie had lost 22 and now you've lost 30!!I am happy for you!...and I wonder what I'm doing wrong.... Liz

Did I hear right? YOu have lost 30 pounds? I am so happy for you. It is working for you. I would give your doctor a call and let him know how bad your feeling. Richard

Laura, I hope you are feeling better. You seem to be having deep depression. Do you think the anxiety and waiting around so long to have the surgery has something to do with this. I know i find myself getting very depressed right now. I have not had the surgery yet. I am in August. Maybe you need to get something to help you sleep. and focus on getting yourself healthy with exercise. If you are up to it. It is really nice out. Try and walk alittle. I hope you are feeling better. Take care Barb