While I don’t really want to die, I think a lot about death.
And, because of the problems with current treatments for my schizoaffective disorder, I will likely die of an obesity-related illness.
I know. To some, this will sound defeatist.
But, no matter what I do, I can’t sleep consistently and I am not able to eat less with consistency either.
Both my weight and lack of a consistent sleep routine have caused me a great deal of pain, for at least 20-something years.
And, this isn’t about diet! It’s about how the medications I take affect my weight, sleep routine, and activity level. And, how I’d like to have a better plan of action moving forward.
I try so hard! And, currently, I have about three days a month, where I sleep eight to nine hours straight and feel rested.
Plus, I’ll still need one to three naps, even when I get that amount of sleep.
I do go to bed at the same time every night, but I oftentimes have difficulty staying asleep the whole night.
I guess I’m just writing all of this, because I am worn down and could use some advice.
Maybe this community has some suggestions? I’m open to hearing what you have to say.
Implementing long-lasting change will probably be up for grabs.
But, maybe not.
And, therapy is off the table.
Mentally Ill In America 
Hope this helps: I’ve been able to cut down on my olanzapine levels very carefully through the years, but it still does bedevil me. Careful, but your doctor could help, if he or she isn’t a meanie. When I tried to quit it for good, I could not sleep at night, that made my psychosis worse. It’s a damned if you do, damned if you don’t. Sucks majorly. Still rooting for you though. Best of luck.
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Thank you.
I just got done (a few months ago) with changing meds and learning what works/doesn’t.
I think I have to learn better ways of doing things in spite of the meds having awful side effects.
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You’re right. I’ve also gotten meds to counteract the other meds! Thankful to still be alive, and much less troubled. Wishing you the best!
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Thank you. Wishing you all the best as well!
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I am sorry to hear about meds causing weight gain and sleep issues. I think it is a challenge across the board for people with mental health diagnoses and weight gain. I know it is one of my major challenges. As for sleep, I would have to say that the right meds could help that alot. I take 500mg of clozapine per night and it is virtually never that I have a bad night’s sleep. And sleep is so important to being able to face the day’s challenges. Best of luck to you!
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Hey, I appreciate this. Thank you!
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Luckily quetiapine takes care of sleep for me.
I don’t recall if you’ve mentioned this before, but have you ever been tested for sleep apnea?
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Yes. That’s a great question. I have sleep apnea and am being treated for it.
The only thing I am have been able to get prescribed for sleeping issues is 100 mg of trazedone, which I am probably going try again.
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I hope that helps.
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Yes. It’s in the list for my next appointment. Thank you!
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What is your sleep routine before bed? I started listening to twelve hour rain or water sounds on YouTube through the night it has helped me get decent sleep. Also setting the blue light off on my phone at seven helps I feel. I use to have to eat to sleep but thankfully with my med change it’s gone away. I feel it was some mood trigger thing. I struggle with a large weight gain on abilify thankfully it’s better on latuda but I still choose unhealthy food when I do eat so I’m going to work on that next. Anyway just a few suggestions.
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These are great! Thank you so much!
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Sorry to hear about your troubles eating and sleeping. I have trouble sleeping too, and having a wind-down routine at night has been helpful. I have a setting on my computer that adjusts the color of my screen based on the time of day, so if I’m on the computer later at night the screen isn’t as jarring. I’ve also found comfort in putting on a show I love to fall asleep too. Hope you find something that helps!
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Thanks so much! All of these suggestions are great!
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