-Enigma-

Hi @Former-Member - how is your day going my friend? I have heard of Dune by Frank Herbert. Sounds like a novel I would enjoy. Was there a movie created from this novel?

Good to hear from you @oceangirl. I didn't realise Milo was ill - what was he having surgery for? Isn't he only young? I hope all goes well with his recovery - please let me know how it all,goes. Are you still studying or having some time off?

Hi @outlander - I went to my GP for my test results today. I thought sometime was wrong and there was. I am seriously deficient in vitamin D. This causes chronic fatigue, depression, anxiety, bone loss (osteo) and insomnia. Really explains a lot. So I am being started on compounded high does of Vitamin D next week - if that does not work my doctor was talking about an infusion but was reluctant as he has never referred a patient for it. All this time I thought it was stress - no, it's very physical and the stress would of compounded it. And these symptoms gets worse in the winter with less sun exposure thus lower levels of vitamin D. It also can cause Hashimotto thyroid disorder which I have - so am hoping when my levels are restored that disorder may right itself or at least significantly improve. I am feeling very hopeful of getting back my zip very soon. No stopping me then 😉😆

I am actually quite proud of myself for keeping up as I have - my doctor was amazed with how I have coped as it makes people very ill and depressed. So I am stronger than I think. I am glad they found something as now I can really work on getting better. Should have my old zest back in a few months.

I recommend anyone suffering depression - especially "the winter blues" to have their levels of vitamin D checked. I will tag @Former-Member here as I remember you saying you suffered from winter lows, in the hope this may help or be of interest to you. Apparently it's the most overlooked deficiency because people don't realise that they won't absorb this vitamin from the sun if they wear sunscreen constantly - as most Australians do now. It used to be a deficiency mainly confined to colder climates - but not these days due to the latter.

It's recommended for anyone to get strong midday sun for at least 10 minutes daily without sunscreen. I was agrophobic for awhile which would explain how my deficiency started - and I never go innthe sun without blackout. My diet was good but with vitamin D it's not enough to maintain healthy levels without sun exposure.

How are you feeling today? Hope your mood has lifted enough to give you some reprieve.

Sending a warm shout out to @Appleblossom - thinking of you my friend. 🌹

Hello @Bunniekins - I hope your daughter is feeling better xx ❤️

I do seem to keep on keeping on against the odds @outlander - must be meant to be here I think.

Thats no good my friend about your insomnia. Have you had all your vitamin levels checked? Worry can also cause sleepless nights and nightmares. I have been having nightmares most nights for about a year now - not sure if that is also a result of vitamin D deficiency, will have to wait and see, but my guess would be stress with that one.

What did your psychiatrist think was causing your sleepless nights etc? Did you find the session helpful? Does reading help relax your mind a little? It can be frustrating can't it? But it will work out in time my friend and I will be here sitting with you for as long as it takes ❤️💜❤️💜❤️😘xx

Hi @Former-Member

It is great to hear from- how have you been?

Milo has been sick for a little while- he as had a rough start but he will have a bright future. It is his third operation today and also had six admissions to hospital. He is suffering from a hiatal hernia- such a little fighter. We all love him to bits.

My last day today for lectures for the semester and I have a final exam next week. I will try to catch with you when I finish my exam next week. Thinking of you always xxx

You are making a lot of sense @outlander - lack of sleep is no joke, I can relate - if it goes on too long it can really make a person sick. Sleep deprivation can cause concentration issues and possible serious illness if it goes on for too long. Has your new meds helped at all with your sleep? That's one of the main reasons for them. If it keeps going it may be an idea to have your medications revised with your psychiatrist - no good if you can't sleep. And setting yourself a daily rountine no matter what - lights off the same time every night and up at the same time every morning will help sleep - even if I don't sleep I get up at the same time now and it has helped. But my low vitamin D is contributing to my insomnia as well a step needs correcting to ensure better sleep.

Past trauma has lingering mental scars and hormone imbalance can cause anxiety - I sympathise as have been through this myself. Most GPs have very little knowledge about hormones I discovered - may be worth seeing a specialist for that one. Imbalances can cause anxiety/depression. So many things can and that's were it can become confusing I have found. Mental illness is usually a complex of ills both physical, mental and emotional - not usually just one cause.

My nightmares are about the same thing "every night". But I can connect them to bad experiences I have had. What I worry about.....

Tomorrow I am cleaning all day in preparation for my brother visiting on Saturday and staying overnight. We will be celebrating both his and my hubby's birthdays by going out for dinner. At least I won't have to cook. I hope you can get some decent sleep tonight. Before you close your eyes allow yourself to think really nice thoughts - see and think of things you would like to happen in the future. Let yourself dream a little.....who knows, it just may come true one day 😊❤️

Ahh, poor Milo has had a rough trot @oceangirl - but is in best hands with such a loving owner. He does have a bright future.

I have been unwell my friend - found out today I had very low levels of vitamin D and a major deficiency in it. So am starting treatment for that next week. That wou,d explain my chronic fatigue and depression - it's good that it has been discovered as now I can work on getting better and should feel 100 percent better once my levels are restored.

Good,luck with your exams next week - I have no doubt you will do very well though. I look forward to catching up with you then. I think about you always too - we go back along way and you have a special place in my heart ❤️xx Give Milo a hug for me xx

Yes I can be stubborn - you know me well @outlander lol. Yes I am off to try and get some sleep - hope you manage some tonight too my friend without nightmares but some lovely thoughts and sweet dreams. I wish this for you and me. Will catch up with you tomorrow night. Always thinking of you my lovely xxxxx 💖