New Job and Mental State

[Wingnut 13]

I am 22 years old and suffer from Panic Disorder with OCD and Depression. I have been taking Luvox for about 6 months now after a year of withdrawing from Zoloft. To be honest I'm not the same person I was....but In time I guess I will re adjust. 

I'm posting here about this new job I have acquired at a zoo/avian/butterfly place called Butterfly World as an Aviculturist. I have to say it is the most amazing job I have had and I Love it. Working with all of the bird's is so much fun. However, since starting this job I have not been getting quality sleep AT ALL. I constantly feel depersonalization, and even had a couple of panic attacks return! I'm worried about everything (the OCD) and am just falling apart now in everything! ):

Any advice on What I can do to get good rest? To be honest I think that's a quarter of my battle right there....

[Bterflymom 155]

I wish I could help you with the sleep issue but that's always been my escape from anxiety, etc.  I'm 73 so am not in your age range but I used to listen to meditation CD's at night to relax me and they helped a lot.  It's hard to clear the mind from stress and worry and these days and sleep is important.  Try a hot bath and go to bed and listen to some good CD's.  They work even when you're finally asleep...........  I wish you the best

[TwitchyCanuck 2]

Hey Wingnut! I'm hardly an expert, but one of the possible side effects of Fluvoxamine is insomnia, so I would maybe mention your sleep issues to your physician. Otherwise, I would probably suggest focusing on sleep hygiene and your bedtime behaviour. Maybe make a note each night for a week what you do and when before bed. Note things like whether you check your email, watch TV, surf the net, etc. The wavelength of blue light emitted by digital devices has been shown to have an effect on sleep patterns, specifically if you look at digital screens in the hour or so leading up to trying to sleep.

Try reading a book or listening to soft music. The bath suggestion from Butterfly is excellent, because it will raise your body temperature. As you cool down after the bath, the decrease will mimic the lowering of your body temperature as it gets ready to sleep.

And, finally, if you are having trouble sleeping, do something soothing and try again in about an hour. Sometimes the stress you put yourself under to try and sleep actually keeps you awake! And, usually, your body works on a drowsiness cycle, so it will take a bit of time before attempting to sleep will really be successful anyways.

Hope some of this helps.

[Bterflymom 155]

I agree with Meph, try it and see if you sleep better. Keep in touch and let us know how it worked for you.