How do you deal with stress?

[+ quoththeraven]

Of course, the lawyer will point out that my photo didn't come with those critical legal disclaimers: "Make sure your health care provider has determined that your heart is healthy enough for physical activity. This photo is intended to suggest healthful aerobic physical activity, and may vary according to each person's physical status..." . The point, which I think most people of average intelligence would understand (and I'm sure you understood), was that over time burning off the stress chemicals with physical activity will be more effective than chemical means. Patients with arthritis who exercise actually have less pain than those who are sedentary, by the way. Sitting around smoking pot and overeating will make knee arthritis worse. Swimming is a good alternative for those with excessive joint pains (many can also tolerate a stationary bicycle, cross-trainers, and so on).

On the subject of legal disclaimers, the prescribing information on Ativan specifically states "Lorazepam should be used for only a short time." http://www.drugs.com/lorazepam.html

Interesting that a lawyer would state that a physician who follows the prescribing guidelines "is ...substandard medical practice." Not that one always has to follow guidelines, mind you. That being said, if you have to use lorazepam all of the time, and have problems if you don't, then you have drug dependence, by definition. That doesn't mean you're an addict, but it does mean there's dependence. Drug dependence isn't necessarily bad at all. Diabetics may be dependent on insulin, for example. You might want to try swimming, though. Healthful physical activity, an active sex life, and virtuous living: that should help you sleep better.

http://www.olympiaresort.com/files/9813/9088/5051/indoor-pool-olympia-resort-oconomowoc.jpg

http://justjenn.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/woman_eight_hours_sleep_happy_3.jpg

 

Um, I've also gone months without lorazepam because it can take me some time to call in a refill or call the doctor for a new prescription without repercussions other than possible sleep problems. That's why I wouldn't characterize myself as dependent or addicted. But I realize this isn't true for everyone. Just as some people need to steer clear of alcohol, some people need to steer clear of benzodiazepines.

 

But let's not make it about me. Let's make it about all the people with chronic sleep problems who either have tried or have contraindications for your wonderful ideas whose doctors refuse to write prescriptions for medications that allow them to sleep. Or people with chronic, debilitating pain whose doctors are afraid to write prescriptions for painkillers or whose insurance won't cover what they need. To me, that's similar to telling someone with depression to cheer up or that talk therapy and exercise is good enough, so they don't need medication. It's not as though SSRIs don't have risks of their own.

 

Not all sleeplessness is psychological, either. In fact, much of mine is due to physical discomfort because lying in one position for too long is hell on my joints, especially my neck. In addition to foraminal stenosis, I have chronic pain, fatigue, and fibromyalgia. (I take ibuprofen for the pain; I can't tolerate stronger NSAIDs and the only painkiller I've tried, tramadol, makes me dizzy.) I've been open about the fact that some of it is due to genetic factors I have no control over and some is due to being sedentary and in poor physical shape. I discovered exercise, but when work was busy, it was the first thing to fall by the wayside. That's on me, but there's no point in beating myself up about it now, when a mere 45 seconds on the exercise bike can mean that I'm so sore the next day that I can't concentrate enough to function.

 

The picture you are painting does not fit everyone.

[geminibear]

Thanks for all the good advice and perspectives. While not going into a long diatribe about how I am dealing with the stress of work I will tell you that I sent everyone home today at noon. We were planning on working Sunday but I cancelled that.

 

I am going to volunteer at the animal shelter for a couple of hours Sunday morning and then take my own dogs for a good hike in the foothills. Grill me a good steak, enjoy a growler of ale from my favorite brew pub, watch some hockey and college hoops and enjoy my Sunday with no thoughts of work.

[Jock123]

Dairy Queen. The answer is Always Dairy Queen.

[+ quoththeraven]

Now for my actual suggestions, many of which are repeats but I'm going to regurgitate and repackage them here in my own inimitable style:

 

1. Although this is not generally the first thing I think of, especially now, there's no denying that exercise, to the extent physically possible without adding to your problems, is a great stress reducer. (Back in the day, I particularly enjoyed step classes, which I could no longer handle at this point.) I know that many, if not most, physicians tout the benefits of aerobic exercise, but strength training and stretching are equally as valuable and for me, now, much more do-able than most aerobic exercise, even low-impact. Do what you enjoy and that your body can handle, whether it's handball, basketball, yoga, swimming, walking, tai chi, dance, free weights, running, or whatever.

2. Adjunct but separate from this is spending time outdoors. It need not necessarily involve exercise. For me, soaking in a hot tub or whirlpool (for example, although they could also be indoors) is both relaxing and good for my aches and pains.

3. Eat well and (mostly) healthily. To my mind, there is no point is making anything off limits, but indulge reasonably. The more variety, the better.

4. Feed your mind things other than work. Listen to a podcast, read for enjoyment or inspiration, watch a favorite TV show, see a movie or attend a live performance, go to a museum, but most of all, at least for me, LISTEN TO MUSIC. Music has a way of bypassing our conscious, critical mind. Which is why I often drift off to sleep listening to the latest relatively mellow Kpop album I like.

5. When you are working, take occasional breaks.

6. Spend some time with people you love and care about, or with pets. Don't cut yourself off from your social network just because you're busy at work.

7. Meditate/engage in mindfulness or thought-stopping/pray. Activities like yoga and tai chi can be helpful here, too. I am really terrible at traditional meditation because I'm impatient and can't easily tolerate sitting around doing nothing, but doing something repetitive like needlepoint, coloring (I've been doing it on my tablet using the Colorfy app), crosswords, Sudoku (which stresses me, but other people love it), word search puzzles, etc.

8. Do volunteer work.

9. If it's something that works for you, attend the house of worship of your choice.

10. Intimacy of some sort, with or without sex, partnered (or more) or not. Endorphins!

11. Do, listen to or watch something that reliably makes you laugh.

 

The things you are doing sound great! It's possible to burn out from working too hard. People need time to recharge their batteries and be more productive at work. Something I hated about minimum 2,000 billable hour law firm culture was that at that level of billables, you're producing inferior work because you don't have enough downtime. If you treat people well, they'll be more motivated and enthusiastic when they return to work after a day of rest.

 

This pup approves! (He's also from Colorado.)

(Sorry, didn't realize this photo would be so large.)

[+ purplekow]

Just got back from dinner with a long time friend. I am going through a minor rough spot and I spoke about my problems all through dinner. Several times I apologized about going on about things and he told me this: Right now, for me, there is nothing more important than listening to what you have to say. Some time down the road, you will do the same for me. So no need to apologize. Just continue to get it out and I will continue to listen and eat my dinner. By the way, you are buying.

So, my advice is to call an old friend. Tell him you need to talk. Tell him you are under some duress and you just need someone to listen while you bitch about life for a bit, preferrably over dinner. A great and true friend will say two things: 1 What time do you want to meet? 2 You are buying.