I feel like I'm going mad

[Blushingm]

I have constant thoughts running through my head - I just can't stop thinking.

I can't sleep but I'm exhausted

I have a constant knot in my stomach - lijke im nervous or scared but I don't know what of

I was on duloxetine for 15 years but managed to wean myself off over the summer

On the outside I appear calm but everything is going on in my head

Hey. I didn’t want your post to go unheard. I’m here, I’m listening.

Thank you

How do I switch off and just sleep? How do I stop thinking? I'm exhausted

Not a guaranteed fix, but I use a pillow spray with lavender in it and listen to an audio book.

I have many MH diagnoses but the above are the only things that help a tiny bit. Yes, my mind wanders and gets battered with thoughts but I remind myself to drag myself back to listening to the audio book.

You're not alone OP. Exhausting, isn't it?

Have you tried/heard of the Sleepio app? I’ve had a little success with this. Dr also prescribed me drowsy anti histamine’s which helped a lot.

I’ve suffered with insomnia and depression on and off for years.

Thank @Bumble84 and @OldTinHat - it's good to know I'm not on my own - you're right it is exhausting!!

Which antihistamine is it?

I've bought a pillow spray today with lavender in it

That nervous knot feeling in your stomach, is it like a fight or flight anxiety type feeling with low level nausea? If so, I have that and I have found propranolol from the GP works wonders. You only take it when you need it and don't need weaning on/off it like antidepressants.

Also, reading for distraction or audiobook if I can't read for racing thoughts.

Melatonin to help me sleep.

Lavender spray. I've seen you've got that. I love the feather and down one.
CBD oil for anxiety. Trip do a nice one and some nice CBD drinks.
Mindfulness based CBT was a great therapy I did a couple of years ago.
Avoidance of all alcohol and caffeine.

@FizzyStream that's exactly that it feels like! And a bit like when you feel your stomach drop

Thank you for your suggestions - I might try and find some audio books, see if that stops me thinking all the random things that run through me head

It sounds like anxiety. Why don't you go back on the anti d's if they helped you to feel ok? did you have to come off for some reason?

I know the feeling well. It's awful

The anti histamine is promethazine sold as ‘phenergan’ it did help me for a while but you aren’t to take it long term. I’m not really sure why but presume it may be addictive.

Night nurse contains promethazine which you can buy OTC.