[wbl526]

It's a viscious cycle for me. I sleep and then nothing gets done which causes problems in my life and then I sleep to escape them. I remember my mom did this too when she was alive.

I literally don't feel like doing anything, not cooking, cleaning, getting dressed, taking a shower, brushing my teeth. Nothing. My husband is fed up with me doing nothing.

I've been seeing a p-doc for about a year now and I'm on Zoloft, Abilify, and now Provigil for my sleeping. I don't feel like the Provigil is doing anything for me. I feel overwhelmed with the littlest demands of life and sleeping is such a great luxury to me. In fact it's the only thing I take pleasure in these days.

[JenKat]

About a month ago, I felt sooo similar to this; I would just spend my days in bed watching TV or trying to sleep all the time. Like you, I felt like I didn't want to do anything: go to classes, work, etc. I also felt like my meds were not working, so I talked to my doctor and switched them. I would highly recommend speaking to your psychiatrist; it sounds like your meds aren't doing their job at the moment. I'm no doctor, and I know that different meds work differently for different people, but for me, a stimulant medication has made all the difference. I'm currently on a medication for ADD (even though I don't suffer from the disorder) and it has helped give me the extra boost I needed and has made getting out of bed in the morning and facing the day a lot easier. This is just what worked for me; I recommend talking to your doc and asking what he/she suggests you do. I really hope you start feeling better- I remember all to well how horrible I felt and how overwhelming everything seemed. But, the good news is, I'm proof that it does get better- I promise! Good luck and best wishes!!

[wbl526]

Thank you for your reply, Jen. Did you discuss Provigil or take it before the drug for ADD? My p-doc was hestitant when I mentioned Adderall because of it's addictive qualities (although I don't have a history of drug or alcohol abuse) so she wanted to start me on Provigil because she thinks it's safer and less side effects. At my next appointment I'm going to mention to her that I don't think the Provigil is working at all and see what she says. I think she'll probably just increase my dose at first. I wish I could feel better sooner then later.

[wbl526]

So I went to my T this week and she refused the Adderall and instead increased my Zoloft. She said she may increase the Provigil at the next appt. I've been taking the increase of Zoloft for a few days and still not feeling any better. :-( Hope something can help me soon. I'm so tired of being depressed.

[Sabrina]

During the worst part of my depression, I was like this. Except that I couldn't actually sleep. Nevertheless I didn't get out of bed either.

Now I cope by sleeping (even though my sleep is frought with nightmares). I work from home and for the most part I get about the day but if things overwhelm me, I take a nap and shut the rest of the world out. My luxury is now weekends where every now and again I won't get out of bed. I really helps me to do this.

I really do understand and I hope that with your pdoc's help - things will get better for you.

[wbl526]

I think for me it's a little bit of both. I think I'm using sleep as a coping technique and when I'm tired which seems more often these days. I do find that when there are stressful situations, all I want to do is curl up and go to sleep. For me it's like escapism from the difficulties of everyday life. It's creating a problem for me though because I'm not getting things done around the house and my husband is getting upset that I'm not able to do basic things. I feel really bad about that.

[nowheretorun]

i havent read the other replies yet, so hope i dont say something stupid...

my mom has this issue, she is definately depressed... she has a strong will though... think she'll make it, a lot of good reasons to keep trying... hope this helps...

[wbl526]

Thank you nowheretorun, it does help to know that there are other people going through the same thing and able to pull out from it. I wish your mom all the best!

[nowheretorun]

thanks wbl... your wishes mean a lot... happy to hear it helps ...

[Perna]

I guess it can be whatever one sees it as? I'd treat it like one if that helps you deal with it. It needs to be broken :-) I'd do a few things each day whether you feel like it or not; sometimes doing inane chores can give a bit of rest from depression as they take one's mind off it. If you are "hemmed in" by your bed, not much action can go on to break you out? The more "out" you can get, the better things will seem. I'd deliberately do some things you use to enjoy, even if you don't now enjoy them. Sometimes that gets me thinking of little things I might enjoy more. But "doing" gives the mind an opportunity to think of "other" things and your eyes will be looking a different direction and your ears hearing different sounds and that might get a little movement going. Kitchen in the front of the house and you're futzing in there, you hear the mail arrive, are a little curious to see if there's anything interesting in it, it has a flyer for a new restaurant, you come online to see exactly where it's located, etc. Things can "progress" which they can't do if you just stay in the bed.

[wbl526]

Perna,

Thanks for the great advice. I tried doing some things today and was starting to feel better because of it. I was actually proud of myself because I haven't done anything all week and today was different. I'm feeling better this evening. Maybe the medicine is starting to work but I also pushed myself to get out of bed and get things accomplished. I'm crossing my fingers this feeling lasts.

[Juliaspavlov]

WBL I feel like you must be a long lost twin sister to me.
Woops if you are a girl.
I have given up so many addictions in my life
that hibernation is almost my last addiction.
(along with reading books)
I am on Aropax and my little brother was on Zoloft
but it was no good for him.
even coffee makes me sleep.
I went to a sleep clinic once and they tried
to make me live on rice lettuce and pears.
Food makes me sleep.
I used to be notorious for falling asleep at school.
and when I was pregnant it was a major
hibernation time.
all the best to you my twin.(my hubby does the same too)
oh there I go you must be female.Great deduction Watson.
I dont smoke or drink or drug or anything besides
read and hibernate.

PS:It's not actually 5.46am here in Australia
I'm watching Jane Eyre on tv and then I"m going to bed.

[wbl526]

Hey my long lost twin sister!

Glad to hear I'm not the only one that loves to sleep. Yes, I'm female and I don't do drugs, drink or have any other addiction except I do like using the computer. I also love to read and buy countless books but I never seem to get through them. I still like knowing they are my shelf though.

I think my sleeping could be food related. I'm definitely exhausted more after I eat... especially if it's a big meal. I seem to be also more prone to crawling into bed if I'm dealing with a lot of stress. Right now I"m dealing with my husband being away most of the time on business. When he's not around I really want to sleep. Unfortunately, there is no way to stop his work routine right now so I have to learn to cope.

I just want to learn a different coping method then sleeping because I don't get anything done anymore... which is making my husband upset with me.

Oh and I don't know if I mentioned but my mom also had this problem. I wonder if it runs in families?

[Juliaspavlov]

My mum has underactive thyroid
but myself and my daughter don't,
But it is a good idea to get things
like that checked out. Like hypoglyceamia
(or however its spelt)
and some different cultures (like aboriginal
which my dad is,or Maori or maybe even
native american etc) can have health problems
that can have a sleeping symptom.
I guess if you like sleeping when he's gone
it actually makes the time go quicker .
Showing you can't wait for him to get back.
That could be a good lovey dovey sign.
I've been married 26 years and when he's gone
I imagine all sorts of disasters the big worry wart
I am.That is actually the time when I find it harder
to sleep. But I love my Tarzan.He has also given
me 3 beautiful children.
Here is encouraging you to make great efforts
if you are my long lost twin sisters then you are
courageous and you have it in you...warm wishes
WBL.Jjulia.

[wheredoigofromhere]

Wow! This is a perfect description of me when my depression is bad, also. Even when I am doing fairly well, I really just love to sleep. It is one time when I don't have to think, worry, or deal. Every couple of months or so, I will spend a whole day sleeping, especially if it had been a stressful week or I was feeling especially depressed. I have always been this way, and my mother was this way. I know if it lasts more than a day, then my depression is getting worse, but often, at least for me, a day in bed just makes me more able to face whatever is happening next. I am fortunate (depending on how you look at it!) -- I don't have a husband/significant other, and my children are out of the house -- so no one to remind me that "nothing is getting done" -- but it has affected past relationships. In answer to your question, I'm not sure if I would call in an "addiction", but include me in those who look at sleeping as a luxury!!