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Sleeping as a means of shut down.

QueenieSenior Contributor19 Oct 2016, 7:58 pm AEDT

Sleeping as a means of shut down.

I told my psychiatrist on Monday that I have been using sleep as a way to shut out my symptoms. This means I am sleeping..... a lot. I suppose it is good that my increase in antipsychotics is making me tired I guess. I am sleeping up to 16hrs per day.

When I am awake, I hear voices. When I am asleep I'm not. I know this can't continue but I am trying my best folks, I really am trying (but failing). My stress levels are astronomical and for the time being, I don't know how to reduce that stress. I am moving, planning a commitment ceremony, trying to quit studying, finding new supports.... I don't know what to do. I did a depression, anxiety and stress test with my GP (as part of the assessment for the mental health care plan) and it was classified as extreme.

I know I'm not the only one who sleeps a lot to shut down symptoms. How do we all cope?

19 replies

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In response to: Sleeping as a means of shut down.

pipSenior Contributor22 Oct 2016, 9:34 pm AEDT

Re: Sleeping as a means of shut down.

Hi @Queenie. I'm so sorry, you have so much to contend with. I'm wondering if between your voices and the demands of your gf, your stress levels are giving your voices extra strength. I have a neighbor who suffers with the same voice issues as you and when she is stressed out, her voices seem to become louder. Perhaps your gf believes you are trying to abandon her because she is causing you extra stress Whether this is true, only you would know. Her belief that she is causing you more stress could possibly be true, to a point. Have you asked your counsellor for some advise on how to explain why you need 'time out'? Maybe seeing a 'relationship' counsellor would be a good idea at this time. Mental exhaustion can be worse than just being straight out tired.

In response to: Sleeping as a means of shut down.

KurraSenior Contributor22 Oct 2016, 9:39 pm AEDT

Re: Sleeping as a means of shut down.

Hi @Queenie
The additional antipsychotic should quiten down the wild beasts but I found that it can take a week or three.

I'm getting an early night for once as I've got a lot of hours on duty bext week and I am so tired. I've been incredibly crook the last two days so I'm iin desperate need of quality sleep. 🎶💕
Take care.

In response to: Re: Sleeping as a means of shut down.

QueenieSenior Contributor22 Oct 2016, 9:41 pm AEDT

Re: Sleeping as a means of shut down.

Hi @pip, I'm on the waiting list to see someone. At the moment I only see a psychiatrist and I only see him for 20mins at a time every 6 weeks. I sometimes have couples sessions with my gf's therapist, so I could always approach the topic in safe mode at one of those appointments. It is difficult because I think the abandonment issues with my gf stem from her borderline personality disorder (or from what I've read about the disorder, it is certainly possible).

Next Friday, I see my mental health nurse connected to my psychiatrist, so I will be sure to tell her what's going on when I see her. Funnily enough she used to see my gf for a while when my gf was very unwell. I hope that doesn't cloud her judgement however.

In response to: Re: Sleeping as a means of shut down.

QueenieSenior Contributor22 Oct 2016, 9:43 pm AEDT

Re: Sleeping as a means of shut down.

Thanks @Kurra for the heads up. Hopefully it kicks in sooner rather than later and puts the beasts to rest.

I hope you get that quality sleep you're after, take care ❤️

In response to: Sleeping as a means of shut down.

KurraSenior Contributor22 Oct 2016, 9:51 pm AEDT

Re: Sleeping as a means of shut down.

Thanks @Queenie.
I'm pretty sure you are aware that you need to look after yourself first and foremost. If respite will help you at this point then surely this would be the best thing for both of you.
If you're looking after you, then you'll be able to fully support your gf.
Thinking of you. It is so hard when the voices become overly dominant.
Take care.
Luv n Hugzzz 💕 🎶

In response to: Re: Sleeping as a means of shut down.

pipSenior Contributor22 Oct 2016, 9:54 pm AEDT

Re: Sleeping as a means of shut down.

@Queenie. Even though your health nurse was your gf's nurse, this should in no way impact on her treatment with you. It's the same as when a couple visit a relationships counsellor, the counsellor must remain impartial and act as a mediator. I would also say with your gf's borderline personality disorder the feeling of abandonment/let down/desertion would make it difficult for her to accept your need for 'time out'. It's possible when your gf is thinking clearly, you needing time out would not be an issue. When she's feeling unwell and unable to process what you're feeling, trying to explain you need time out, would make her feel it's because of her. With all this happening, your stress levels would be causing your voices to make all sorts of 'threats' that must be making things really unbearable for you. I think your idea of seeing your gf's therapist with her is a great idea. The therapist would be able to help your gf cope with her feelings and also help you with needing time out. Hang in there, Queenie.

In response to: Re: Sleeping as a means of shut down.

QueenieSenior Contributor22 Oct 2016, 10:10 pm AEDT

Re: Sleeping as a means of shut down.

@pip, I think you have hit the nail on the head with possibly what is going on for my gf. She needs a lot of validation and reassurance that I am not going to leave her. I am sure it is signs of her disorder. I also think my stress levels are the cause of my voices' intensity.

I'm sure things will look up eventually.

In response to: Sleeping as a means of shut down.

utopiaSenior Contributor22 Oct 2016, 10:46 pm AEDT

Re: Sleeping as a means of shut down.

@Queenie. My fingers are crossed & my best wishes are with you that the medication works really well for you

In response to: Re: Sleeping as a means of shut down.

QueenieSenior Contributor22 Oct 2016, 10:49 pm AEDT

Re: Sleeping as a means of shut down.

thanks @utopia. 🙂

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