ridiculous amont of stress please give advice

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vapour

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Hey all. Just wanted to share the week Ive had and how its affected me, as Im fairly new to epilepsy and just realizing I need to keep stress levels down, im also pretty frustrated because since seeing my new GREAT neuro who i am seeing today, I am gonna have to tell her about the breakthrough seizure.

So, a week ago within 24 hours I packed stuff, moved into a new place, and unpacked, all with 3 hours sleep. The next day my family came out here to the US to visit ive not seen in 3 years... another big stressor since its been so long.

Im working, plus doing so many things with my family around here so they can sigh-see and I can spend as much time with them before they leave. However the lack of sleep over the past week, and being so busy and emotional about all of this caused a seizure.

Last night I also almost had another, (could feel it coming on) bt it was time to take meds anyway (lamictal and clonazepam) so I took them.

THough my seizures are only partial (simple partial and complex partial) obviously its still havoc to the brain and i dont want it to progress.

Anyway I know what caused this, so should I tell my neuro today ?

Does anyone have any tips on relaxation. Im a pretty highly strung person. I have got lost so many times this week after moving here and had to walk miles, i almost had an emotional breakdown the final time I got lost I wanted to run in the street screaming.

So just need a little advice, I dont sleep well either. How can I de-stress my mind and not be so highly strung ?

thanks
 
Well I guess you already know that part of the answer is to avoid putting yourself in the same position if possible. Sleep and relaxation are critical for all of us.
As for how to relax -- here are a few ideas that work for me because I am a fairly high strung person too.
1. Set aside some quiet time just for you every day whether it's meditation, listening to soft music, etc. I have a relaxation tape I listen to on a daily basis.
2. Get some physical exercise -- not so much that it puts your body under stress but enough that it relieves stress. Do it consistently. I never go a day without walking at least 30 minutes.
3. Keep yourself in a routine. Wake up, go to bed, eat, etc. at about the same time every day. Routine is good for the human body.
4. Eat the healthiest diet you can. I feel so much better and calmer when I eat well.
5. Learn some breathing exercises that you can use when you feel your stress level rising. As my relaxation tape says, "When your body is relaxed, so is your mind. And when your mind is relaxed, so is your body." Breathe right, soften the muscles around your forehead, eyes, shoulders and relax your hands. It really can calm you down.

Best of luck and let us know how the neurology visit goes.
 
YES, you

MUST tell your neurologist. OK, I know that part sucks, but if you don't, then they can't treat you properly. Unfortunately, we all know this to be very true.

What about listening to meditative CDs? Or doing some yoga? Both are some great ways to bust out some stress.

As for getting lost, why not try out Mapquest, or a GPS system so that you don't get lost (this from the queen of getting lost herself. Trust me, I can look at a corner, and say, "Uh, I've never seen that before"....and call one of my kids and they have to tell me how to get to where I'm going turn by turn. It's horrible. I can do it even if I've been to the place 1000 times...)
 
I second the advice about exercise -- not only can it help take your mind off stressful things, but it can also help with sleep. I like to go bowling -- focusing on the pins helps my mind, and throwing the ball really hard is cathartic. (I imagine the pins are the things that cause me stress). I've also found that it helps to have someone to vent to. I talk regularly to family and friends -- they are good about letting kvetch if I need to, and I do the same for them. A therapist can help if friends and family aren't available.

Try and make time for a break -- to nap, to, knit, etc. Even if it's only 5 minutes, it can make a big difference. Even if you're stressed, try lying down and closing your eyes. Especially at the end of the workday.

I hope you can take it easy soon, and get a good night's sleep.

Best,
Nakamova
 
I whole heartedly agree with what the others have said. My wife's biggest triggers are stress and lack of sleep too. She's so stubborn about it though, and it drives me nuts.

I will add that sometimes you need to put yourself first. Regardless of what's going on externally, we all need to take care of ourselves first and foremost. Sometimes it can feel cold or calous, but it's the most important thing to maintaining mental health. Your family will understand if you need a day of rest or two. Especially right now, you just need to relax and give yourself some time to recoup.

And yes, please tell your nuerologist. My wife had a partial seizure (first and only) while taking her AED's (Depakote). When she told the neuro, they upped her dosage and did a new level check. Apparently the levels on the first dose were around the 50's range, and her neuro wanted her between 60 and 70 for good control. After upping the dose she was right around 67-68. It's been 5 months now since she's had a seizure (to the best of our knowledge) and she's doing much better. Sometimes an adjustment can do you good.

I will also say that I have a link to a wonderful forum (much like CWE here) for mental health. Tons of great, supportive people. It's ran by and for those with mental health issues and it's one of the best online support groups out there. If you want the link, send me a PM and I'll give it to you.

Take care and rest. I hope you're feeling better soon.
 
Here, here to the advice above. Keep a journal---it's a great way to take any negative feelings and get them out.
 
Lack of sleep and stress are biggies for me too. I have learn to explain to people that getting a full night's sleep is as important as taking my meds. I don't sleep well at night either. I do get a chance on the weekends to nap...and I do it on a regular basis.
I have found reading or watching a really boring tv show puts me to sleep
 
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