Heath: Lexapro taper plan introduction

[Carmie]

Hey there Heath, 

 

Thank you for popping over to my thread. I hope you’re doing okay today. Glad to hear that your feet are 

healing……. When I just wrote the word “doing”, autocorrect changed it to “cooking”🥘😂 I hope you’re cooking 

okay today😁 Sorry about your morning anxiety, unfortunately that’s one of the most common symptoms.

Mornings can sometimes be scary for a lot of us. 
 

Yeah, I have the same reaction whenever a doctor tells anyone I know to go on psych meds. It’s scary stuff! 
Those doctors mucking around with your dad’s meds would no doubt affect him. It’s funny though, there are

some people that have gone on and off with no problems, I know some. Then there are ones like us who

really suffer. 
 

Wishing you a happy day☀️

[StayHopeful]

@Heath

 

Hey! How are things going? I hope you're doing well and that your Dad is too.

Looking forward to reading about your walks!

 

Have a great day!😊

[Heath]

Hello everyone!

 

Thank you @Carmie @StayHopeful !

 

Ive been struggling with anxiety. 

So recap decongestant july 2022 wave  felt much better after 5 months hold, , Nyquil /decongestant during covid jan/feb  2023 started wave. then  had the plantar fasciitis in feet and low back muscle spasm in March. So about 2 weeks ago I had a nice window it felt like. cravings and I drank a few diet sodas with caffeine. Big mistake. Started being quiet, not talking then anxiety for about 4 or 5 days gradually better . started challenge no caffeine had another window and had a few zero calorie 7 ups no caffeine. Big mistake . I learned about the phenylalanine. in artificial sugar.    anxiety , waking at 2 am and 4 am etc. sweating in bed, dreams. ruminating worry. See a picture or a date and get sad cry. cant think of words to say when speaking, hard time focusing on present. new challenge no sodas period. 

 

 

Bad morning thoughts could be anything - something I hadnt thought of in months or years. Dark thoughts.  This thoughts start in morning if I do not get out of bed when I wake. 

 

I cant watch tv that has any suspense. 

 

I went to chiropractor last week because of last months back pain, haven't been in a year. I think it was too stimulating for my nervous system. He didnt do much . But he did check my neck and now its inflamed and hurting. Old injury 25 years ago. So Im regretting going and I dont know whether to go back to see him or not right now. Ive seen him for about 17 years. 

 

So over this week I been sleeping more and more full night. The pattern is anxiety until around 3 pm for the past 3 days. I feel Im getting better but today was a little rough. 3 days ago was a great day. Doing things with people really helps. 

 

This morning I woke at 6AM been sleeping good practiced breathing exercise feel back asleep some bad thoughts entered my mind. Anxiety started early. So  I didnt get up and go walk on Elliptical today. I did walk on elliptical about 4:30 pm.  Anxiety most of today. Cried. 

All day I have been moving and doing things but my focus was not in present - ruminating worry/fear.

 

Im so hyper sensitive and any pain or change or stress sends the  negative worry thoughts in to over drive. 

 

 

Ive been reading the dare book and trying to apply. I did see a therapist , not so sure yet. Talking about CBT for anxiety. 

 

I got good news from Dr lab results, I just have to continue with diet and exercise. 

 

more good news is my sinuses are running now . All the years of antidepressants (22) - side effect dry burning sinuses in allergy seasons. Im the only person around here that is happy that my nose is running and dripping lol. the first year in a long time. 

 

Feet are ok could be better. A week ago I didnt ice them or tape them for a whole week so inflammation is back. I just have to stay on top of it daily even if there is no pain. I guess same goes for tapering and withdrawals. 

 

I changed to magnesium glycinate  today, I have been using magnesium citrate powder, Calm. I read the glycinate could be better for relaxing anxiety. Any thoughts from anybody ?

 

Does anyone else have cravings during windows and waves?

 

I hope and pray  this is antidepressant withdrawal and will go away soon.  

 

Edited May 1, 2023 by Heath

[Heath]

10 hours ago, Heath said:

I changed to magnesium glycinate  today, I have been using magnesium citrate powder, Calm. I read the glycinate could be better for relaxing anxiety. Any thoughts from anybody ?

 

I didn’t slept much at all last night- ruminating worry anxiety. Drifting asleep then wide awake gasping fear. 
 

@Gridley 
 

@brassmonkey   

 

could this day and night of anxiety, fear ruminating thoughts be from the magnesium change? Or is this from the chemical in the sodas? Or from stress? Sons graduation, etc. yesterday I talked about things and brainstorm solutions for physical problems? 
Sign of healing or getting worse?

10 days of water only. Had a great day 3 days ago. I’m praying will pass soon. 
 

thanks

Edited May 1, 2023 by Heath

[Heath]

When we have a plan it lowers much anxiety. Just needing some encouragement and reassurance friends. Thank you 

[StayHopeful]

@Heath

 

Oh NO! I'm so sorry this is happening to you 😭

Your system has been so sensitive due to the stresses you've been under for a while now, but you've been slowly doing better. So, if the only thing you changed was having the caffeine and aspartame, then I'd bet that was it. Caffeine is such a strong stimulant, crosses the blood/brain barrier quick, rises blood sugar levels, and lasts for quite a long time. Phenylalanine, causes a lot of problems for some people who are sensitive to it (I know several, who aren't allergic, just sensitive) - migraines, balance issues, vision problems, etc.

 

I doubt the magnesium could be the problem. Magnesium glycinate and taurate seem to be the ones that are touted to promote a calming effect, though I've heard of it not working for some people. If you're concerned about the glycinate, try reverse tapering it in with your citrate powder, and see if that does anything for you - once your past this wave. I've been using 350mg Magnesium citrate a day, since you recommended it to me (I worry about taking a lot more than the recommended dose). I don't know if it's made me calmer or helped my anxiety, but it does support all over health of the body. 

 

You will get through this, it's just a temporary set back. You're still being active and occupying your mind, which is great! You've stayed strong through everything you've been going through and this will be no different 💪. Sending you positive wishes, thoughts and support!!🙏

[StayHopeful]

By the way, Congratulations on your son's graduation!! Good for him 👏😊

[Heath]

Thank you so much SH ! I just need to talk to my friends here who understands . I feel stuck in this wave. Anxiety is tough this morning thus far. Can’t focus on work. Never been this sensitive to artificial sugar until now. Yes you are right all the stresses with the artificial sweetener has sensitized everything. Will continue no caffeine or artificial sweetener, very very very  limited sugar if none. 
91 days no nicotine. I did start back with the calm powder mag citrate today. The other mag glycinate is more big horse pills.
Now I get to work and distract!
 

Brassmonkey the but and leg muscles are tensing and releasing like we talked about last summer. It seems to go along with a wave specifically anxiety. Like nervousness. 

[StayHopeful]

@Heath

 

Awesome on the 91-days of no nicotine!! Woo Hoo!! Nicotine is soo hard to kick. I have no doubt that has helped you a lot!

I was so happy when I quit smoking - no more yucky taste, smelly breath-body, and cravings. After my sense of taste and smell came back, foods were more enjoyable and smelling smoke on people was sickening (still is). You used smokeless, I'm sure you smelled better😊.

 

As for magnesium, I've been thinking about switching to half glycinate and half citrate. I've been looking up glycinate powders to go with my citrate powder, for a while now; and I think I might invest in some. I'll slowly taper up to some mix to get the benefits they both provide and see how it goes. I don't know if it'll help, but if I can cut down anxiety, that'll be good. I'm glad it's something recommended here and provides members some help. I don't like supplementing herbs or things that aren't in natural foods and a part of a healthy diet, I'm way too sensitive to a lot of things to begin with.

[brassmonkey]

The switch in magnesium may have triggered the situational stress and set off a bit of a wave. Switching back should help.

 

Sorry to hear about the muscles twitching again, as you say it seems to be related to the anxiety. Stretching and relaxation exercises should help.

 

Tell you son, well done on graduating.

[Heath]

 

4 hours ago, StayHopeful said:

You used smokeless, I'm sure you smelled better😊.

 
I don’t know if I smell better or not I hope I do 😂. My wife would have told me if I stunk fo sho 😂.  Nah but I do taste things better. 
I always had junk food cravings too with the tobacco. That seems to be getting better. But that could be diet change too. I think craving also go up and down with windows and waves. I’m in a window and craving some junk food now
 

so the magnesium. First off I used the calm brand citrate today. I am 75% better than yesterday at 4:30 pm . I don’t know if it is the mag, busy at work, yalls encouragement or breathing meditation 🤷‍♂️.  I think it was a combination.  
 

Brass if y’all have seen this happen it very well could have been the mag switch. today is a total switch from yesterday. I never would have thought citrate to glycinate would have done that.  I never would’ve thought magnesium would have helped anxiety that much. 

I downloaded the calm app and did a 10 minute breathing meditation in a meeting this morning with eyes closed and glasses on. 
then at lunch I did another and actually feel asleep. But when I woke it was a startled panic for a few seconds. Went to work . 
 

Y’all may think I’m crazy seeing my words today and words last night and this morning. But I am telling y’all it is true dark place wave to nice window this afternoon 24 hours later. 
 

@brassmonkey I’ve read the glycinate is better than the citrate. I’ve read through most of the topic here. What are your thoughts? Is it a toss up to everyone is different? Is there one mag type and brand that a person would have a better chance at relief? 
 

Thank you both for the congratulations! 
That is one less stress or will be in another week and a half. 
 

Thanks for y’all’s fast response and encouragement! 

Edited May 1, 2023 by Heath

[StayHopeful]

@Heath

 

That's great news! I'm so glad you're back in a window and I hope it continues!! 🎉 🙏

I'm curious to see what brassmonkey has to say about the magnesium.... great question.

 

Have an awesome day!! 😊

[Heath]

First half of day is high cortisol,worry, anxiety.
The windows are in afternoons since the  artificial sugar that’s the way it usually has been. 

Edited May 2, 2023 by Heath

[brassmonkey]

As with all supplements and many medications it comes down to "the one that works for you".

 

Anything that you read online is a generalization, and especially with supplements, there is very little data to back it up. One form of a supplement may absorb more quickly, that makes it "better" while one may absorb more slowly, which makes it "better". Two thousand people report feeling better with "x" so it is better than "y" which only had two thousand people reporting that it helped them.

 

When it comes to supplement use, we all have to be our own gunnie pig. Which is why we suggest starting small and increasing slowly. Do a lot of research, trust your gut and listen to your body. Magnesium is one supplement that has helped many of our members, but not everyone who takes it. So, we recommend it with the proviso that one starts small to see how it affects them and then continue or not as their body dictates. Same thing with fish oil. Any other supplements we recommend that people stay away from because they are too unpredictable or as in the case of ones that "make you feel good" are detrimental and contrary to AD recovery.

 

So, it comes down to the one that works for you is the right one.

[Heath]

@brassmonkey Thank you !

 

Ive been meaning to tell you about the bird houses I built last summer at the beginning of a wave. 
 

They are filled up no vacancies. One nest above front porch swing. My wife bought another feeder to attach to window. I don’t know how that will work out.
I don’t know or study them as much as you but there are blue ones with white tails and grayish color smaller ones. They are all moving about now. Haven’t seen the humming birds yet. The black birds are giving the other ones a hard time at the feeder out back. 

[brassmonkey]

Sounds great. Our feeder is right outside the family room window so we can watch it all day. The birds get used to us moving around. Our aloe plants are flowering like crazy and the hummers are loving it.

[Heath]

I had a good day today. Stretched and strengthened feet and calves at 5:40 am. Walked on elliptical at 6 am. Meditated from 6:40 am till 7 am. After lunch feeling better. Afternoon got a phone call for a specialist about leg veins. Heart dr appointment tomorrow. This started some anxiety. But it was stop and go like anxiety thoughts then I was into what I was doing then anxiety etc.

 

Went with wife to town. I leaned the wrong way and pulled something in my low back again. Doing yoga last night . Today I moved and felt it. It’s just too much for my back . I have to keep stretching and moving but I guess I over did it. I started yoga a month ago. Twice a week. 
This is not a good time. I’ve been struggling rumminating . In this little wave . It’s so hard the negative thoughts and voices. Get worse and worse. 
Thoughts to go up in lexapro dosage . 
 

Does anyone else have bad thoughts then feel ok and back and forth? 
 

Does anyone else go through this kind of different pains and stress during a wave. 

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change and the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. 
I have the serenity to accept the things I cannot change and I have the courage to change the things I can, and I have the wisdom to know the difference. 

Edited May 4, 2023 by Heath

[Heath]

Just need some support

 

[Heath]

Would increasing lexapro dosage be an option?

[Heath]

I drank about 85 mg of calm magnesium in the midst of hell about 1.5 hours ago. Now I am much calmer. I felt it when ruminating thoughts stopped. It was hit and miss then gone. Started focusing on other things. I hope this is a good sign. Brain healing trying to work right. This back and forth is rough but I think a good sign . 

[Heath]

spend day with daughter.  I made through the dr visit! Sending me to another specialist.
 

Does anyone notice that you don’t notice the magnesium effects early in the day ? It seems I notice it working better in the evening but I think we need it more in early day. 
 

maybe we don’t notice it early day is because cortisol is so high. 

[Heath]

Struggling with anxiety laying in bed shaking some trying to heal back pain. Ruminating fear thoughts. I’m doing breathing . Playing suduko. Watching birds outside . Trying to get out of head. 
 

I want to ask the moderators is it possible to raise the dose of lexapro and how much? Brass monkey spoke of raising the dose in July 2022. If I did raise the dosage what would I start with? Asking is this an option?

 

 I have more health issues that are keeping me anxious not being able to move much. 
 

I feel a lot of cortisol . Is this cortisol me or the results of tapering and sensitive nerves? 

 

Is raising magnesium dose possible?  
What is max mag dose are some members taking? 

 

Im sorry needing some reassurance encouragement kind words. Ruminating thoughts telling me I can’t do this With all the other health stresses. 

Edited May 5, 2023 by Heath

[Heath]

Friends sorry about the complaining negative talk. Maybe this will remind me or someone later what to do. 

So I did take a shower and  last few seconds cold this morning. laid back down in bed to prop legs up for back on ice pack. Cold water stopped the anxiety.   reading , dosing off and then waking in little panic a couple times. Maybe an Hour later anxiety ruminating started again. Tried breathing and listening to the calm app could not lay there. Felt like I was going to jump out of my skin.
 Fixed a cold bath and got in it for 30 seconds or so. Laid down reading and mindfulness. was Calm. watched funny bloopers. 

As day goes by ruminating thoughts and anxiousness slowly comes back. Back is getting better. Around 4 pm had to do something so took a walk outside to the pond and back. Some pain but Anxiety disappeared. 

 

It’s weird I can be calm then feel it in my stomach or neck then go away.
 

Seems to be temporary solutions or not. I pray I will get better and this will pass
 

It’s been tough. Laying in bed heals up back but causes more ruminating anxiety.

 

Can anyone relate. 

Edited May 6, 2023 by Heath

[Fifree]

Hey @Heath  sorry to read you’re having such a tough time. I can’t quite understand your signature. Looks like you’re on 5.2 mg of Lex? I’m trying to get off that beast too and am currently at 7.25 mg. With every cut I get a new set of symptoms - sometimes anxiety in my body, sometimes irritability, sometimes dizziness or low mood. I’m sure you’re familiar.  
 

Currently im feeling a bit anxious and that causes me to ruminate and search around for something to worry about, when in reality everything is fine. Me and mine are all fine, I have secure housing and enough money. I’m in good physical heath. 
 

So my current strategies are gentle walks and gratitude.  Re walking it’s great to get outside with family, good friends or dawgs and appreciate the natural beauty. It takes my mind off my imagined troubles and makes me more appreciative of where I live. Plus the physical activity helps with my lizard brain wanting to run run run from danger. Writing gratitude lists is also really useful for me. I have so much to be grateful for and when I actually write some things down I actually start to feel a little silly for being negative. 
 

Sorry to hear about the back too. I don’t know the details, but is there some kind of exercise you can do that won’t aggravate it? I’ve heard swimming works for a lot of back problems, but of course you know your circumstances best. 
 

hope the wave passes soon. 

[Fifree]

Also, here’s a guided meditation for back pain which may help

 

 

I believe that practicing mindfulness can change the way your brain processes pain signals.
 

all the best 

[Heath]

Thanks @Fifree!

wave started in January/February from NyQuil during Covid, then about 3 weeks ago with some artificial sugar. 

Old back injury that is inflamed or out of place from stretching keeping me in bed on ice pack. At same time vein in leg dr appointment happened to be already scheduled when back went out. The anxiety and pain was heavy but I went.
 

Laying here healing back is hard on ruminating thoughts. My brain tells me bad things negative things about health and lexapro. Makes me think I am getting worse. Yes Yes run from danger fear anxiety. Been practicing breathing mindfulness all week. 

Back should be well in a few more days. 

 I have a home and a good job. A warm bed, hot water, a family that cares. I have many things to be thankful for. 
 

Yes I love walking in the woods. I am sticking with elliptical rt now due to plantar fasciitis. 

 

my current strategy while down is watching birds, reading, watching funny videos, cold bath, cold shower and mindfulness. And reading success stories. 

 

My wife encourages me to hold hold, it’s only been 3 months. 

thanks Fiftee for the video and encouragement! 

 

[Heath]

 I’m sorry to have negative comments as of late.
Well friends I had a heart attack 3 days ago walking on elliptical. I am fine now. Got one stint. Dr has added 5 medications and removed the Celebrex for pain which is scary. Anxiety and rumination is high with the other pain annd health issues plus this hospital Visit. Anxiety has been brutal since decongestant during Covid 3 months ago. Stress has been high with all this . 
I m starting cbt with therapist . 

 

left hospital and getting ready for son’s graduation today. 
 

from the wave that started in July it seem to resolve mostly by January, there wasn’t much stress and body pains were minimal . 6 months to a nice window. 
 

Then feb Covid and decongestant started a wave. Been waves and windows. High stress. Health issues and high physical pains . 

Im off work for a week. Dr says don’t lay around but also don’t over do the walking 🤷‍♂️. 
I can’t lay around the worry thoughts. 
 

I want to ask the mods opinion about updosing of lexapro. @brassmonkey @manymoretodays @Gridley what are your thoughts? 

If I was to updose what would be the starting dose? And then wait how long? 
 

 

If it is an option  I want to do it correctly and safely. 

I don’t want to and thenI do. The guilt if I do. 
 

A long hold is what my stable self would tell me. I don’t want to hold if I can maybe updose . I’m in a dark place. 
 

The anxiety, ruminating thoughts and crying eases up some in afternoon. I believe this is cortisol. @brassmonkey is this high cortisol a sign of ssri withdrawals or is this a sign of somebody with anxiety problems? 
 Would this be normal with all the stress going on in withdrawal? 
holding and updosing is the worry. 
it seems talking about the wd and lexapro makes things worse 
 

Im just trying to reassure myself that I am ok and it will pass . 

I have  been here a few times and updosed. 

 

 

Edited May 11, 2023 by Heath

[Heath]

I updated the medication on my signature 

[brassmonkey]

So sorry to hear about the heart attack, glad you were able to get good treatment and are feeling better.

 

I would not try an updose, but rather a good long hold. All it would do is add confusion to an already very confused body. From what you describe it sounds like a case of Long Covid that is causing the majority of the anxiety, not to mention a healthy dose of situational things. I would focus on relaxing, acceptance and letting my body sort things out.

[Heath]

10 minutes ago, brassmonkey said:

So sorry to hear about the heart attack, glad you were able to get good treatment and are feeling better.

 

I would not try an updose, but rather a good long hold. All it would do is add confusion to an already very confused body. From what you describe it sounds like a case of Long Covid that is causing the majority of the anxiety, not to mention a healthy dose of situational things. I would focus on relaxing, acceptance and letting my body sort things out.

Yes during Covid I unknowingly took a decongestant then nervousness started immediately. I don’t know what long Covid feels like. But I do still smell gasoline from time to time 3 months later.
it is so hard. Just a lot of fears of changes and new meds. The ruminating worry thoughts about lexapro and wd get stuck. Hopefully I will get a handle on them soon.

 

There are some days at a certain time that it just turns off. Especially after distractions or after lunch. And I look back at it and say to my wife there is no way this is the real me . It changes to fast to a window. Like yesterday in hospital we wife and I were talking and I started crying with anxiety and worry. These feelings went on from around 10 am till 2pm about. As the rest of evening progressed more window laughing and talking on phone. And doing my walks in hallway drs orders. 
 

I’m trying not to read side effects of heart meds. 
 

I will be happy to see things settle gradually and windows come. 

Thanks brass

[StayHopeful]

@Heath

 

I've been traveling and not able to catch up on stuff until today. I'm so sorry you've gone through so much! 😥 Especially the heart attack. I'm so glad it wasn't worse and that you're out of the hospital and doing better!

How was your son's graduation? Congratulations to him! I hope it went well and that you were able to celebrate it.🙏

 

Don't be sorry for the negative thoughts and sharing what you've been going through.  No worries! We're all going through this WD crap together, and just knowing that someone is out there to talk to, who understands, matters so much!! People like yourself, giving hope, tips and guidance, have helped me tremendously!!

 

I can completely relate 100%, to your health anxiety. I still don't know the full ramifications of my tapering too fast, and to be honest, I'm absolutely terrified of future consequences. I hold on to the experiences of many people here, who have endured the unimaginable, and thank goodness made it through. All we can do, is tackle each issue as it arises, try to take it in stride and put the rest out of our mind - stay busy, play games, read, go for walks - whatever we can to not think about it. Then when it gets bad, reach out for support.

 

You're doing everything you can to get through all that you are. No matter what your "Withdrawal Voice" is trying to tell you, don't believe it - withdrawal lies. You're an inspiration - pushing through it all, step by step, situation by situation. Don't forget that! 😊

 

I can't wait for your next window!! 🙏

[Heath]

@brassmonkey

Ive read a through your emotional spirals discussion and the neuro emotions and ruminations on SA. 
I think that the spiral or ruminating is the main problem for me????
the cortisol is high every morning and can go till after lunch. 

 

a lot of pacing and walking today.

One example today. 
riding in car in some pain. Felt like I wanted to jump out of my skin, couldn’t sit still. 
 

Medication has been changed which cause more pain . The overthinking starts , Brainstorming for solutions, then it starts- can I work, can I get through this anxiety and wd, talk to dr about health issues caused by med change, maybe surgery, how long can I take it, updose lexapro, psych dr will say this and that, what do I say to dr, can I keep myself together, what should I do, should I give the therapist and cbt a chance or find another, is this wd or me or both,  etc. and can very easily cry. 

it just kept going 

Would you think this sounds like the emotional spiral? Fear type, or plain old ruminating, or neuro emotions? 
 

It’s hard relaxing and accepting and floating. I’ve been practicing mindful breathing 3 times daily. 
 

I can tell I’m more sensitive to everything including pain. 
 

 

 

thanks

 

 

 

Edited May 15, 2023 by Heath

[Heath]

Today I seemed to start to calm down around 7 pm. 

[Heath]

In morning It seems after I take the blood thinner prasugrel my heart chest neck pulses some. I seem to feel hot and feel like I can’t sit still 

[StayHopeful]

@Heath

 

Did your Dr tell you that you may have some different sensations or feel "off" (physically) while you're healing from the procedure? Maybe what you're experiencing, could be something anyone would feel while recovering, and given the same new medication(s).  Just wondering if your symptoms are considered to be just your body continuing to heal and getting used to the new medication's effects. Though they may be bothersome during your withdrawal, not necessarily something to worry about, and could calm your anxiety a little more. 

 

13 hours ago, Heath said:

The overthinking starts , Brainstorming for solutions, then it starts- can I work, can I get through this anxiety and wd, talk to dr about health issues caused by med change, maybe surgery, how long can I take it, updose lexapro, psych dr will say this and that, what do I say to dr, can I keep myself together, what should I do, should I give the therapist and cbt a chance or find another, is this wd or me or both,  etc. and can very easily cry. 

 

Does it help you at all to write down your concerns and choices, to get them out of your head? To put them down/away so to speak, so you can concentrate more on the relaxing and floating through?

 

Sorry, just throwing out ideas...

 

You're such a strong person, doing really good things to alleviate your anxiety all along, and I have no doubt that you can keep yourself together during this time too. I'm glad that you're able to at least start to calm down later in the day and get some reprieve from it.

 

I'm so sorry you're going through all this and really hope you feel better soon. 

 

SH

[Heath]

@StayHopeful yes you are correct. Body has trama and has to get used to everything.
I did find out more this morning with my gp. The blood thinner will make me get hot and neck and heart pulse flutter or skip. She said this is normal. She said people that have heart attacks have anxiety afterwards. This is normal. the wanting to jump out of my skin , can’t sit still is anxiety from wd or not. Either way it’s anxiety.  give it time. My body will get used to everything and calm down.
 

She supports tapering lexapro and her current advice for me is in line with BM and SA. She encouraged me . 

I have given her a lot of info from SA. She knows first hand about how awful wd is even though she didn’t experience it very long she understands the hypersensitivity. And I am grateful. 

 

the rumination yesterday was bad. If it was stopped early it would have turned out much better. It seems changing direction, channel thoughts to something else. That takes a lot of focus. It seems the rumination in early day with cortisol is a very bad combo. I’m learning. 
 

try this

do a breathing mindfulness excercise. Breathe in count of 4 , hold count 2, exhale count 5 or 6. Or whatever your breathing is. 
And 

play suduko at same time 

 

now that will change the thought rumination. Because of needed focus. Counting breaths while reading #s in sudoku. 
 

may not work for everyone but it helped me sleep last night. 
 

Sorry I haven’t been social lately everyone.

 

thank you SH for stopping by. Hope you are doing good! 

the calm app is a very good guide for mindfulness and meditation 

stayed busy with hands all day. Today was a good day 🙂. 

Edited May 16, 2023 by Heath