How I did it: I was sleeping 6 or more hours in the daytime on the weekends, despite sleeping at night. I worked with my doctor; I was tested for sleep apnea, and hormone and thyroid problems. We ruled out other illnesses and finally determined that I was sleeping because of depression. I've been battling with it all my life, but I thought that I had it handled. I then worked with a psychiatrist and a therapist and realized that I really didn't have it handled. I had already been taking vitamins, but once I found the right medications, I was able to be awake and begin living. I started working out more, eating better, and relaxing without guilt to de-stress. For so long I blamed my lack of effort, willpower. That led to extreme feelings of guilt for not being there for my family. That in turn added to my depression and made my sleeping worse. Now I feel empowered. I still struggle at times, but I feel so much better now than I did a year ago.

Lessons & tips: Let yourself off the hook and take it day by day.

Resources: A caring and knowledgeable personal physician and psychiatrist. A supportive family. 

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Mar 13, 2010, 08:51AM PST | 0 comments | 3 cheers