SkyStreamer: tapering off Cipralex / escitalopram safely

[ChessieCat]

9 hours ago, SkyStreamer said:

Funny that you mention cold sores, b/c I developed extremely dry lips for the entire week leading up to that walk. My lips were so chapped that they were blistering and bleeding at times. I had to resort to using very light steroid cream (Betaderm Cream - 0.1%) to prevent it from getting out of control. I wonder if my immune system was already weak before I went on this walk.

 

I doubt that it was from a weakened immune system.  When getting off psychiatric drugs one change can have multiple effects.  Who would think that reducing your AD could cause ear pain (definitely WD as it didn't clear with OTC cold medicine and it went after updosing), or upset stomach, flu-like symptoms, all of which have experienced.  I've even got increased touch, where I can feel fibres in material when I run my hand over it, and also notice prickly feelings from my clothes.

 

Other members have noticed changes in their skin.  skin-issues-hives-acne-dryness-itching-etc

[eymen23]

23 hours ago, SkyStreamer said:

At this point, what kinds of exercise do you do now? Do you find that you are still able to stay in shape and keep your weight down?

 

At this point the only exercise I do is walking or hiking. It’s the only exercise I enjoy doing regularly and it seems to uplift me rather than drain me.

 

It was very easy to keep my weight down. I actually noticed that the small belly fat I had disappeared once I stopped weight lifting. I suspect the stress of the exercise was causing high cortisol levels, leading to stubborn body fat. Once I stopped the intense exercise, I just adjusted my calories down accordingly (perhaps 3-500 a day) and I never had an issue.

[SkyStreamer]

Day Summary: 03/08/2019

 

- High anxiety the entire day

- Tons of temptations to worry about getting nightmares during night

 

NIGHT: Slept 10 hrs; woke up once for 15 mins with high anxiety (7/10); went back to sleep

8am: woke; high anxiety (6/10); felt exhausted; tired; discouraged; lack of hope; very unmotivated

8:30am: 30 mins prayer

11am: 45 mins exercise (leg calisthenics; no weights); high anxiety (7/10); racing thoughts; 

1pm: 20 mins relaxation exercises; high anxiety (7/10)

3pm-5pm: work; high anxiety (7/10); a lot of fear; worried about going to sleep and getting nightmares

6pm-7pm: work; high anxiety (7/10): still a lot of fear (esp. about going to sleep & having nightmares)

7:30pm: 1 hr of prayer

11pm: BEDTIME

[SkyStreamer]

I had an entire night of the most terrifying nightmares. I remember three of them in total; and the were scary as hell. 

 

I did a lighter leg calisthenics workout than usual, but I still felt a bit more anxious both during and after the workout. I suspect that these nightmares were a result of this. There have only been two other times when I had a whole night of horrifying nightmares, and both of them were on a day when I did intense exercise. The strange thing, though, is that my leg calisthenics workout yesterday was about 35% less intense than these other two workouts. Based on this, I wouldn't have expected to have had nightmares last night. I also wonder whether my thought pattern yesterday induced my nightmares. During and after my workout, I kept worrying about the possibility of having nightmares later that night. My brain seemed to be taunting and jabbing me all day long with the thought that this might happen. So, maybe my thoughts helped create my night from hell. Although I suspect it was the workout, I still am not completely certain.

 

I talked about it with my wife. We both concluded that light walking is working fine for me lately, so that I might just limit my exercise to just light walking for an entire 6 weeks, and see what happens. I hate the thought of not doing weights. My self-image, value, confidence, and internal security, is so bound up with looking good and having nice muscles (bowing head in shame ☺️). It's largely a result of my Mom being a model and of her indoctrinating me during my childhood that beauty and looks were the most important thing in life. But, in the end, six weeks is not much. I figure I can do this, as a first start, and then re-assess things after that. I think I'll just need to do some regular mantras about having having inherent value apart from any personal qualities, characteristics, and accomplishments. 

 

There was one positive thing about last night's nightmares: during the most terrifying one, I remember saying to myself, internally, "as scary and crazy as this is right now, I do not have to be afraid of it." When I said this in my dream, I was still having difficulty trying not to be afraid. But, I was still trying. This is the only time in my whole life that I can remember actually trying to confront the tidal wave of fear in a nightmare. So, I am a little proud of myself for at least trying in this circumstance. It seems like an attempted, or maybe an actual, step forward - in some way. 

[eymen23]

1 minute ago, SkyStreamer said:

My self-image, value, confidence, and internal security, is so bound up with looking good and having nice muscles (bowing head in shame ☺️). It's largely a result of my Mom being a model and of her indoctrinating me during my childhood that beauty and looks were the most important thing in life. But, in the end, six weeks is not much. 

 

Hi SS,

 

I understand the emotional pain of ‘regressing’. However, I can tell you that my self confidence was never higher than when I let go of the gym and muscles, and focused on bettering my perspective and life.

 

It doesn’t even cross my radar these days. Back in the day I would freak out if I missed a single gym session. 

 

Also, 6 weeks will be a good trial but sometimes this isn’t nearly enough. You might be looking at months or years. Try to be honest with yourself and your body, and respect what it is capable of. Sometimes I would imagine how life would be without a limb, and realise how lucky I was just to be alive and well. 

[SkyStreamer]

The other thing I should have mentioned recently, but didn't, was that my wife is going through a pretty big health scare. Her Doctor found a lump in one of her breasts. She got an ultra sound, and they ended up finding "several" cysts. However, she is doesn't have complete certainty that they are just cysts. She's discovered that ultra sounds can have a certain margin of error in terms of determining the nature of masses. So now, she is always researching other tests that have more certain results (like MRIs and Mamograms), weighting their benefits and risks, and discussing with everyone which one she should get. To be honest, she seems to believe (for some reason or another) that she has cancer. But, she doesn't really have reasonable grounds for this belief. She also has strange dreams, which she sometimes interprets as possible premonitions of her having cancer and dying. She is always discussing these things with me and expressing all her fears and worries about this with me - almost every day. I try and help her as best I can by listening and encouraging her to try not to add additional layers of fear and worry to those that she already has. But, nothing seems to really help her. And, I seem to come away from our discussions with a bit more fear and worry myself - like it is contagious. In addition to all this, we have 5 children too, which is a ton of work and stress.

 

I mention all this because this is obviously another stressor in my life that is influencing my WD symptoms, CNS and recovery. I don't know why I didn't mention this before. Honestly, as strange as it sounds, I don't think I was really that aware that it was a stressor to me. My wife has had health issues on and off for the last 4 years, so there is a certain normalcy to this. But, at the same time, this latest health concern is a bit more serious and stressful. So, even though I am not that attuned to how this is actually affecting me, I'm sure that it is contributing to significant stress in my life right now, not to mention my wife's. 

 

I've got so much on my plate right now, which makes trying to take care of myself all that much more difficult and daunting. 

[SkyStreamer]

17 minutes ago, eymen23 said:

I understand the emotional pain of ‘regressing’. However, I can tell you that my self confidence was never higher than when I let go of the gym and muscles . . . . 

 

Thanks for these comments, Eymen23!

 

Yes, I've had a lot of anger and rage about regressing lately, and about being so weak and fragile presently. It is a big challenge for me. 

 

I can't imagine having more self confidence without lifting weights, but I believe that you did experience that. That's a huge accomplishment.

 

For me, 6 weeks is a good first step. I'll re-assess after that. But, you're right, the biggest thing I need to do is just to be 'honest with myself and my body, and respect what it is capable of.' If I can do this sincerely, then I'll naturally settle into a plan of action that is appropriate and nurturing. 

[SkyStreamer]

@eymen23 -

 

How often do you walk/hike and for how long?

 

I feel silly asking this, but do you find that parts of your body got a little more loose after quitting weights (i.e. biceps, back, etc.)? No worries if you decline to answer this one! ☺️

[eymen23]

9 minutes ago, SkyStreamer said:

I can't imagine having more self confidence without lifting weights, but I believe that you did experience that. That's a huge accomplishment.

 

I don’t want to go too deep into this as it varies person to person, but what I realised was that weight lifting and having muscles just fed my insecurities. I felt more confident on the outside, but on the inside I felt I was only ‘good enough’ with muscles. Now I feel that I’m completely enough as I am, and I don’t desire muscles or masses of money or many of the things I used to be obsessed with. 

[eymen23]

4 minutes ago, SkyStreamer said:

@eymen23 -

 

How often do you walk/hike and for how long?

 

I feel silly asking this, but do you find that parts of your body got a little more loose after quitting weights (i.e. biceps, back, etc.)? No worries if you decline to answer this one! ☺️

 

I walk or hike as I fancy it. There are no set hours per week or month. Sometimes I go days with no exercise, sometimes I do 30,000 steps in a single day. It all depends on how I feel and the weather etc. 

 

By exercising as I feel I want to, I get a lot

of satisfaction from exercise and rarely feel pressure to exercise on days I don’t want to.

 

Once I stopped weight training for good, it was a relief to not have DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) most of the time. I could almost feel the stress and tension leave my body over time. 

[SkyStreamer]

On 3/7/2019 at 6:50 PM, ChessieCat said:

 

I doubt that it was from a weakened immune system.  When getting off psychiatric drugs one change can have multiple effects.  Who would think that reducing your AD could cause ear pain (definitely WD as it didn't clear with OTC cold medicine and it went after updosing), or upset stomach, flu-like symptoms, all of which have experienced.  I've even got increased touch, where I can feel fibres in material when I run my hand over it, and also notice prickly feelings from my clothes.

 

Other members have noticed changes in their skin.  skin-issues-hives-acne-dryness-itching-etc

 

Looking back, I've had a lot of strange WD symptoms too. I've always tried not to give them attention, and usually they pass in due time - thankfully!.

 

Thanks for the skin issues link!

[SkyStreamer]

Day Summary: 03/08/2019

 

- High anxiety (had panic attack midday)

- Hopeless that I will ever improve and recover

 

NIGHT: slept around 7.5 hrs; awful sleep; had a number of very horrifying nightmares (all about death & dying); I was terrified the entire night; I suspect this was because of my leg calisthenics workout (too hard on my CNS)

8am: woke; high anxiety (6.5/10); frustration; irritability; hopelessness; exhausted

8:30am: 30 mins prayer

11:30am: went to restaurant for lunch with my wife & 3 of my children; high a5xiety (8/10); had panic attack

1:30pm-3:30pm: slept; felt a bit more rested; high anxiety (6/10)

4pm-6pm: work; high anxiety (6/10); complete hopelessness about my situation; so discouraged about having to give up weights for the next 2 months

6:30pm-8pm: downtime; tv

8:30pm: 1 hr prayer

11pm: BEDTIME; not very tried due to 2 hr afternoon nap

[SkyStreamer]

What kinds of sheets should I be using to record my ongoing symptoms, waves/windows, and emotions?

 

I have come across people using these on SA before, but I can't seem to find any of them.  

 

If you can help me, I would be grateful.

[SkyStreamer]

I have been looking on this site for success stories of tapering off escitalopram? I can't seem to find any.

 

If someone knows of any, can you send me the link(s)? I'm desperate for some hope from someone who has successfully tapered off escitalopram. I'm really really struggling at this moment. A lot of depression and almost no hope for improvement and eventual recovery.

[SkyStreamer]

On 7/17/2018 at 5:16 PM, Gridley said:

Regarding your supplements, you should take magnesium and calcium at least two hours apart, as calcium can interfere with magnesium absorption.

 

Hi Gridley! I just saw this today. I have been taking a Calcium/magnesium pill three times a day per bottle instructions. They are combined in one pill. Your comments say that this could be counterproductive in terms of the magnesium. If this was the case, I can't see the company making Calcium/Magesium pills. But, then again, other companies make these horrible ADs and tell us there are little to no WD symptoms when discontinuing. 

 

Is there any info links you can send me that discuss how mangesium and calcium need to be taken two hours apart?

 

Also, I notice you are tapering off escitalopram. I am too; and I'm really struggling with a bad wave right now. I'm almost in a state of complete hopelessness. Are there any success stories on this site of people successfully tapering off escitalopram? I'm desperate for a twinkling light. I have five kids, and my mind is telling me that I am not going to make it, and that my children will be psychologically damaged my seeing me go through WDs.

[ChessieCat]

6 hours ago, SkyStreamer said:

What kinds of sheets should I be using to record my ongoing symptoms, waves/windows, and emotions?

 

There are several different versions available here, including blank sheets:

 

Dr Joseph Glenmullen's Withdrawal Symptoms

 

I did searches in the Success stories: Recovery from withdrawal for Lexapro and escitalopram.  These are from the first page of each search, so there may be more.

 

jubbachub-reached-peace-at-6-months-cold-turkey

 

happy2heal-my-victory-statement

 

scottly9999-lexapro-nightmare-now-almost-a-dream

 

aeroman-i-have-recovered-from-lexapro-and-cipro

 

piscesrising-3-years-since-gotten-off-of-lexapro-my-story-since

 

missmellie-lexapro-recovery-story

 

success-jemima-survives-lexapro-and-doctor-too

 

On 3/9/2019 at 2:14 AM, SkyStreamer said:

She is always discussing these things with me and expressing all her fears and worries about this with me - almost every day. I try and help her as best I can by listening and encouraging her to try not to add additional layers of fear and worry to those that she already has. But, nothing seems to really help her. And, I seem to come away from our discussions with a bit more fear and worry myself - like it is contagious.

 

It may be helpful to understand that men and women are different.  Women need to talk about things but don't necessarily want someone to fix things for them.  Men feel that they need to fix something if they know that something is wrong.

 

Maybe just listening to your wife and telling her you understand but not trying to solve the problem might help you to not get so stressed about it.  Obviously it is not possibly to totally extract yourself from the issue, because it is someone you love who is suffering.  But it is possible to be able to learn to listen and not get as involved.  And remember that looking after yourself is not selfish, in fact is actually the sensible thing to do, so that you can support your family.  Just like a mother should look after herself so she is able to look after her children.

[Gridley]

 

44 minutes ago, SkyStreamer said:

 

Hi Gridley! I just saw this today. I have been taking a Calcium/magnesium pill three times a day per bottle instructions.

If you Google "calcium magnesium take separately" you'll find some links.  Here's one.

Calcium & Magnesium - Craig Zunka DDS

I'm sorry you're feeling low.  Aeroman is a member who successfully tapered off Lexapro and is doing well.  

Aeroman - I have recovered from Lexapro and Cipro - Success stories ...

 

Also Google "SurvivingAntidepressants.org Lexapro success stories" for others.

 

You are going make it.  I

 

Edited March 9, 2019 by Gridley

[SkyStreamer]

Day Summary: 03/09/2019

 

- Long night's sleep (but very restless & anxiety filled)

- Lower anxiety throughout the day

 

NIGHT: slept 10 hrs; woke up once with high anxiety (7.5/10); went back to sleep; restless sleep overall

9am: woke; exhausted & tried; high anxiety (6/10); constant negative & hopeless thoughts; hopeless; unmotivated

9am: took 7.5mg Cipralex pill

1:30pm: 40 mins light walking; medium anxiety (5/10)

4pm: 30 mins meditation; medium anxiety (5/10)

6:30pm: family dinner; higher anxiety (6/10)

8:30pm: 1 hr prayer

10pm: BEDTIME

[SkyStreamer]

15 hours ago, Gridley said:

If you Google "calcium magnesium take separately" you'll find some links . . . 

 

Thanks so much Gridley! I really appreciate it!

 

By the way, do you find you get horrible nightmares when dropping dosages of escitalopram? Ever since I started tapering, I've been getting awful nightmares (the worse ones come when I'm the most exhausted & depleted). I tapered too much and too fast before I found SA, so I'm just trying to compare myself with someone who is tapering the same AD, but who has been doing it properly. Anything experiences you can share with me about this would be greatly appreciated.

 

Also, what do you find your biggest WD symptom struggles have been?

[SkyStreamer]

@ChessieCat -

 

Thanks so much for the symptom sheet links and the success story references. These success stories seemed to help pull me out (ever so slightly) from the abyss of complete despair and hopelessness. My mind has recently taken out the machine gun of negative thoughts and has been pummelling me not stop for the last week - morning, afternoon and night. I am usually pretty good at creating space between myself and these thoughts, and seeing them as thoughts that are not necessarily true. But, lately, I seem to pursue them and believe them so easily and quickly when they come. 

 

Thanks also for the advice concerning women. Some good points. You're right - I just need to try and listen more. That's when she really seems to experience some relief - when I just listen. Whenever I give unsolicited advice, she only seems to feel a little more down or guilty. In these contexts, advice sometimes can come across as judgmental and critical. Will keep all this in mind.

 

Thanks so much for all your help ChessieCat - I don't know what I would do without this site, and without your constant help and support!! 

[Gridley]

15 minutes ago, SkyStreamer said:

 

Also, what do you find your biggest WD symptom struggles have been?

 

Nightmares haven't been one of my major symptoms.  My biggest symptoms have been insomnia, anxiety, anhedonia, weight loss and neck pain.

[SkyStreamer]

16 hours ago, ChessieCat said:

There are several different versions available here, including blank sheets:

 

Dr Joseph Glenmullen's Withdrawal Symptoms

 

I think I must have been confused as to what I was actually looking for. After looking at these symptom sheets, I think what I was really looking for something that helped me visually track my windows/waves/symptoms. I have seen a few people post a graph chart of their ups and downs, and I'm not sure how to do this. Do you know where I can find this graph type sheet? I've looked at various places, but can't seem to find it.

 

I think my day summaries are probably sufficient for helping me understand my ongoing symptoms. 

 

Thanks @ChessieCat

[SkyStreamer]

51 minutes ago, Gridley said:

Nightmares haven't been one of my major symptoms.  My biggest symptoms have been insomnia, anxiety, anhedonia, weight loss and neck pain.

 

Ok - thanks for letting me know. Sorry to hear about your insomnia and other symptoms. Fortunately, I haven't suffered from insomnia at all. I'm very thankful for that. Nightmares have been one of my worst symptoms.

 

I've also had a ton of different physical symptoms during the last two years after tapering too much and too fast. However, I came across a Doctor in Ohio who pioneered a way of treating psycho-emotional physical symptoms, which has helped me tremendously in fully recovering from most. The best two books related to this approach (TMS):

 

1. The Divided Mind - by Dr. John Sarno

 

2. The Great Pain Deception - by Steven Ozanich

 

You might find these helpful for your neck pain. I don't know where I would be now without these two books. Definitely, not in a good place.

[Gridley]

33 minutes ago, SkyStreamer said:

The best two books related to this approach (TMS):

 

 

Thanks for the information, SkyStreamer.

[ChessieCat]

5 hours ago, SkyStreamer said:

I have seen a few people post a graph chart of their ups and downs, and I'm not sure how to do this.

 

I think some just create their own using an Excel spreadsheet.  But there may also be some online or some apps.

 

If you see one, post in their topic and ask them.

 

I've also just found this SA topic:  rate-symptoms-daily-to-track-patterns-and-progress

[Carmie]

Hi SkyStreamer, 

 

How are you going with your novel? I’m continuing reading Middlemarch too, I started it ages ago. I can only read bits of it here and there because of brain fog. I do love a good novel though. I’ve got a picture of all the characters in my mind now though, as I’ve watched the series. I always wonder whether to read something first and then watch it, or to watch something first and then read it. 

 

Novels are great, because you get a lot more out of them than you do from a movie or series. I’d be reading novel after novel if my brain let me. Im glad you have reading as a distraction.

 

Happy reading 📖💚

 

 

[SkyStreamer]

Day Summary: 03/10/2019

 

- Lower anxiety

- A little more energy, but still a bit weak

 

NIGHT: slept 7.5 hrs; woke up once for 45 mins from anxiety filled dreams; went back to sleep; restless sleep

8am: woke; medium anxiety (5/10); clocks went forward (so it is really 7am for my body/brain); tired; but a little more rested than usual

9am: took 7.5mg of CIpralex

9:30am: 1 hr prayer

11:30am-1pm: family lunch; family time; medium anxiety (5.5./1); a little more energy, but still feeling a bit weak

1:30pm: 40 mins light walking; medium anxiety (5/10)

3pm: 30 mins meditation

4pm-5:30pm: family time; higher anxiety (6/10)

5:30pm: 30 mins downtime

6:30pm-8:30pm: family dinner; family time; lower anxiety (4.5/10)

9pm: 45 mins prayer

10:30pm: BEDTIME

[SkyStreamer]

On 3/10/2019 at 3:59 PM, ChessieCat said:

I think some just create their own using an Excel spreadsheet.  But there may also be some online or some apps.

 

If you see one, post in their topic and ask them.

 

Ok - thanks CC! Much appreciated!

[SkyStreamer]

17 hours ago, Carmie said:

How are you going with your novel? I’m continuing reading Middlemarch too,

 

Thanks for visiting! Middlemarch is slow going. Even though I'm able to read during WD, my focus is not as good as it was before WD. So, I end up having to read some parts over a few times. But, oh well! I still love reading nevertheless. 

 

MiddleMarch is a strange book for me. It is incredibly slow. I've read slow books before, like "War & Peace." But, these usually pick up with some action or thickening of plot at least half way through. I'm a little more than half way through now, and nothing big has really happened. Lydgate is engaged. Featherstone died. And there is some crack's in Mr. Casubon & Dorothea's marriage. But, these aren't much in the way of action. The things I do like, though, is the depth of character development the examinations of marriages. Some real-to-life representations!

 

Have you ever read any of Tolstoy's or Dostoyevsky's works? These have the a lot of insights about human nature too, but a bit more in the way of action and plot. 

[SkyStreamer]

Day Summary: 03/11/2019

 

- Lower anxiety

- Feeling like I'm slowly stabilizing 

 

NIGHT: slept 9.5 hrs; woke up once for 30 mins; restless sleep
9am: woke; took 7.5mg of Cipralex; low anxiety (4/10); still a bit tired
9:30am: 45 mins prayer
11:30a-1pm: work; medium anxiety (5/10); a litte more energy and motivation
1:30pm: 45 min light walk; medium anxiety (5/10)
4:30pm-6:30pm: work; higher anxiety (5.5/10)
7pm-9pm: family dinner; family time; lower anxiety (4/10)
9pm: 45 mins prayer

10pm-12:30am: lied in bed trying to sleep, but couldn't; tension b/w my wife and I; read for 1 hr; then tried relaxation exercises

12:30am: BEDTIME

[SkyStreamer]

After an awful last 7 days with horrible WD symptoms, it seems like I might be making some movement upwards towards stabilization. This time followed a similar pattern as my last wave, though this has been a bit less intense. Such a nice relief to get a glimmer of light these last two days. Whenever I go through a wave of WD symptoms (especially right after the peak), I experience an incredible sense of relief and appreciation for life, as well as for feeling half decent.

 

Two things I've implemented in the last week (1) Juicing twice a day; and (2) cutting out 90% of the junk I was eating (sausages, Doritos, chocolate, etc.). These two things are  a little difficult to adjust to initially (especially not having Doritos!), but I feel like they are really helping my system a lot. 

[eymen23]

SS,

 

I’m really pleased to hear you’re have had some nice improvements in the last couple of days. How has your exercise regimen beenrecently, any correlation?

 

Let’s hope the relief continues  

Edited March 12, 2019 by eymen23

[SkyStreamer]

Day Summary: 03/12/2019

 

NIGHT: slept 7.5 hrs; woke up once briefly; went back to bed; a bit restless sleep

8am: woke (earlier than usual); medum anxiety (4.5/10); felt tired; had medium headache
8:15am: 45 mins meditation; low anxiety (2.5/10)
9am: took 7.5mg of Cipralex
10:30am-12noon: work; lower anxiety (4/10); a bit more energy and motivation
12:15pm: sat outside for 20 mins and got sunshine; felt wonderful
2pm: 45 mins light walking; low anxiety (4/10)
3:45pm: 30 mins downtime; 15 mins SA writing; 15 mins prayer & meditation
4:30pm-6pm: work; medium anxiety (4.5/10); a little restless
6:15pm: 15 mins downtime
6:30pm-8:45pm: family dinner; family time
8:45pm: 45 mins prayer & meditation
10:30am: BEDTIME

[SkyStreamer]

17 hours ago, eymen23 said:

SS,

 

I’m really pleased to hear you’re have had some nice improvements in the last couple of days. How has your exercise regimen beenrecently, any correlation?

 

Let’s hope the relief continues  

 

Thanks Eymen!

 

Yes, backing off from intense exercise, and sticking mainly with walking, seems to be paying off presently. 

[Carmie]

Hi SkyStreamer, 

 

So Middlemarch is slow going for you, I haven’t gotten very far with it yet because of brain fog. No, I haven’t read Tolstoy or Dostoyevsky’s novels. I’m sure with a brain like mine that won’t be happening anytime soon.🤣 I love Charles Dickens, his novels are quite an insight into human nature too. One of my favourite authors of all time, though, is John Grisham. He is a brilliant writer. I’ve loved every novel of his I’ve read, except the one on baseball, I didn’t finish reading that one. I know nothing about baseball so it bored me to death. I love all the legal stuff, such intrigue. His novels are very exciting, and you never know what’s going to happen. 

 

I’m sorry you had an awful week, but I’m glad it’s gotten better. Yay! Intense exercise can certainly ramp up our CNS, Im glad you’re not doing as much anymore.

 

Take care, sending hugs🤗

[SkyStreamer]

Day Summary: 03/13/2019

 

- Higher anxiety after lunch; arguments with my wife
- Less anxiety in evening

 

NIGHT: slept 7.25 hrs; woke once for 10-15 mins; went back to sleep; couldn’t sleep longer; wasn’t feeling as tired
6am: woke; not as tired as usual; low anxiety (4.5/10); a bit of energy and motivation
9am: 7.5mg Cipralex pill

7am: 45 mins prayer; lower anxiety (2.5/10)

10am-11am: work; medium anxiety (5/10)
1pm-1:40pm: high anxiety (7/10); feeling rushed to get ready & leave for psychotherapy appnt;
2pm: high anxiety (7.5/10); tension with wife in car on way to therapy appnt

2:15pm: 1 hr psychotherapy appnt; lower anxiety (5/10)
3:30pm: high anxiety (8.5/10); argument with wife; lots of tension
5:30pm: dinner with wife at restaurant; lower anxiety (6/10); a little less tension
8:15pm: personal downtime; tv; medium anxiety (5.5/10)
9pm: 45 mins prayer & meditation; low anxiety (4/10)
10:30pm: BEDTIME