Need someone to fix my head

[Woodgod]

I big part of this therapy stuff is in your head isn't it? I mean brain head, You have to want to get better for it too work. I am past the feel sorry for myself part and decided the silly mask is much better than a heart attack. I am somewhat determined to work it out by finding the right match of equipment, mask, setting, software and education. I should be able to get through that stuff in just under a couples of years:). I think I am ready to actually start trying, took me a while to quit feeling sorry for myself. I am still going to see a shrink, I am not embarrassed at all to ask for some help. I am struggling with this process big time mentally and figure it can't hurt to ask for some help, you folks on this board are great. Stress and such are incredibly hard on your body, and my past few years as the owner of a small business have been difficult. I am certain those stresses have affected my apnea and I am ready to get some help for the head side also. I need to be able to control that stress more affectively so I can manage my health easier. I am 45 now, in my 30s not much seemed to matter, I can not get away with that anymore and I think my body and mind are trying to tell me something

Have other people on this board had similar mental challenges? Did any seek professional assistance? I understand this is a personal topic and if you want to respond in private that is great also. I personally am a type A guy and don't mind if people know, I needsom head help and I mean quickly. I am struggling to believe I will have ny type of normal life and feel like some depression issues have risen as a result of my new diagnosis and frustasions with my therapy.

I am open to any and all advice, fire away. I would in fact appreciate anyone commits, in fairness I have gained probably 60 lbs over past three years, it takes it's toll also, I am working on weight loss and exercise for that, but very mad at myself that I allowed it to get this far out of controll before addressing it. Not mad actually pissed off and angry, not healthy for me please give advice

[ughwhatname]

I'm much newer in this process, but from what I've read, both depression and weight gain seem to be symptoms of sleep apnea. My RT told me that her hubby quickly dropped 60 lbs once he started treatment for his apnea.

For myself, I've gained about 30 lbs and started having trouble with depression which I was attributing to some recent deaths in the family. I am hopeful that I will see improvement in both areas with consistent use of my machine.

I big part of this therapy stuff is in your head isn't it? I mean brain head, You have to want to get better for it too work. I am past the feel sorry for myself part and decided the silly mask is much better than a heart attack. I am somewhat determined to work it out by finding the right match of equipment, mask, setting, software and education. I should be able to get through that stuff in just under a couples of years:). I think I am ready to actually start trying, took me a while to quit feeling sorry for myself. I am still going to see a shrink, I am not embarrassed at all to ask for some help. I am struggling with this process big time mentally and figure it can't hurt to ask for some help, you folks on this board are great. Stress and such are incredibly hard on your body, and my past few years as the owner of a small business have been difficult. I am certain those stresses have affected my apnea and I am ready to get some help for the head side also. I need to be able to control that stress more affectively so I can manage my health easier. I am 45 now, in my 30s not much seemed to matter, I can not get away with that anymore and I think my body and mind are trying to tell me something

Have other people on this board had similar mental challenges? Did any seek professional assistance? I understand this is a personal topic and if you want to respond in private that is great also. I personally am a type A guy and don't mind if people know, I needsom head help and I mean quickly. I am struggling to believe I will have ny type of normal life and feel like some depression issues have risen as a result of my new diagnosis and frustasions with my therapy.

I am open to any and all advice, fire away. I would in fact appreciate anyone commits, in fairness I have gained probably 60 lbs over past three years, it takes it's toll also, I am working on weight loss and exercise for that, but very mad at myself that I allowed it to get this far out of controll before addressing it. Not mad actually pissed off and angry, not healthy for me please give advice

[archangle]

Well, if it helps, realize CPAP is a major pain for most of us. Even those of us "HappyPAPpers" who are complaint and "well adjusted" about it don't really have fun.

It's sort of like taking out the trash and cleaning the house. It may be a dirty job, but the longer you let it sit, the more of it there is, and the worse is smells. At some point, you're like one of those hoarders who has paths between the piles of junk so you can get to the bathroom, kitchen and front door.

[kteague]

Seek professional help if you feel you need to do that - whatever it takes to sort through things. You may find that the longer you are on effective CPAP treatment the better life looks to you. Doesn't turn out like that for everyone, but many many have said that here.

You're being pretty hard on yourself. I'd like to suggest that your sleep apnea caused you to handle stress less healthily. You were trying to handle the stresses of life with subnormal reserves. And did you know that sleep apnea has been shown to affect appetite hormones and metabolism in such a way as to contribute to weight gain? Your decision to get get past the feelings you have about this diagnosis and treatment and do what you need to do is going to, I believe, turn out to be a pleasant surprise over time.

[Denial Dave]

I'm going on 3 weeks into therapy now.... positive attitude & a support system is a major factor to success.

I spend 5-15 minutes every night just sitting on the side of the bed reminding myself that wearing a mask to sleep is a good thing.

if you get frustrated with anything, seek out support from your doctor, your DME & the folks here.

Good luck!

[Cereal Killer]

I am still going to see a shrink

OK, but be aware going in that shrinks have spent hundreds of thousands of hours trying to talk or medicate people out of their problems never once thinking that the root of the problems was sleep apnea and a CPAP was the correct prescription.

My sleep doc told me she sees this all the time - in therapy for years and only getting worse; finally someone sends them to her and she finds that sleep apnea was literally driving them crazy for all those years.

[carbonman]

Well, you know I need a steam shovel mama to keep away the dead
I need a dump truck mama to unload my head
She brings me everything and more, and just like I said
Well, if I go down dyin', you know she bound to put a blanket on my bed.
--Bob Dylan

I think I am ready to actually start trying,

You have taken the first big step.
"She" will bring you everything you need.

It's your life.
It's my life.
I'll see you on the road.

[ChicagoGranny]

I am still going to see a shrink

OK, but be aware going in that shrinks have spent hundreds of thousands of hours trying to talk or medicate people out of their problems never once thinking that the root of the problems was sleep apnea and a CPAP was the correct prescription.

My sleep doc told me she sees this all the time - in therapy for years and only getting worse; finally someone sends them to her and she finds that sleep apnea was literally driving them crazy for all those years.

Yes!

Let me add that if you find a shrink who understands what sleep apnea/sleep deprivation does to a person you might benefit from this shrink. He should encourage you to use the machine, practice good sleep hygiene, eat a good diet, exercise regularly, lead a balanced life, accept your condition (sleep apnea) and learn to cope with it.

If he starts trying to dig deep into your brain and talks about your childhood end the session and never go back.

[chunkyfrog]

Exercise.
I know, it sounds too simple, but it costs nothing to just take a walk around the block; weather permitting.
Even wheeling around, if you can't walk, can lift your spirits.
Moving whatever will move will put oxygen into all your tissues, including the brain.
Whatever else you decide to do, you might also consider including this. It's a good thing.

[Gin]

I am a newbie, using CPAP since June. I wasn't crazy about starting, but as soon as I felt an improvement in my health, I fell in love with my mask and machine. Seriously. I got pink pads for it, so it's kinda cute. When I go to bed I think, "this little machine is saving my life!" I don't like taking drugs and generally you don't feel better with them instantly anyway, unless it's valium or something like that My take on CPAP is that it's a natural cure that has given me back my life, I feel good again; my anxiety of 10 years is gone, mostly; I've lost 20 pounds; dark circles are gone; a friend asked me if I'd had "work" done.

It helps that my partner is thrilled with my non snoring, loves the machine almost as much as I do and supports me.

I go to bed at night and have incorporated the machine into my bedtime routine, brush teeth, floss, use saline spray, gel, mask up. I've so far dealt with the issues as they come up, but they haven't been severe. I understand that I have been remarkably lucky. I really think that this is 100 percent attitude. You really do have to embrace the hose and it sounds like you are well on your way. The tips and techniques on here (Kozy Hose Boss, Padacheek, etc, really help. This board has saved my life. I have convinced three people I know who are apneacs -- is that a word? -- to get back on the hose)

Good luck.

[Woodgod]

Thank you all for the kind words, i will stay possitive and focous on the good. Thanks again

[ems]

My sleep doc told me she sees this all the time - in therapy for years and only getting worse; finally someone sends them to her and she finds that sleep apnea was literally driving them crazy for all those years.

I've heard that and while it may be true for some people, that's not how it worked for me. Cpap/Vpap was not a miracle cure, tho I sure wanted it to be.

As far as seeing a therapist, if you find the right one it could be very beneficial. Also, getting into your head and talking about your childhood is one way to connect with a therapist. A good relationship is a must for any therapy to be a success. There are many different types of therapy. You have to find what works best for you. Now, if he/she also knows about sleep apnea, all the better.

[Papit]

Exercise.
I know, it sounds too simple, but it costs nothing to just take a walk around the block; weather permitting.
Even wheeling around, if you can't walk, can lift your spirits.
Moving whatever will move will put oxygen into all your tissues, including the brain.
Whatever else you decide to do, you might also consider including this. It's a good thing.

Chunkyfrog advice is precious. Keep active! Get daily exercise! Any kind you like, but do it every day. It's refreshing, rejuvinating and very healing. Great for mood and health and longevity. You'll love it.

-- papit

[Cereal Killer]

Now, if he/she also knows about sleep apnea, all the better.

This totally misses the point. Whether by "shrink" we mean psychiatrist or therapist, visiting one who is not "tuned in" on sleep apnea will likely be very counterproductive. Such a psychiatrist will prescribe an SSRI or a sedative after the first brief visit. The therapist will begin looking for childhood trauma and will remain blind to sleep apnea. There is a very high chance either one of them will only cause additional problems and the expense of time and money for the patient.

Woodgod knows he has sleep apnea. His first priority is make sure his CPAP therapy and sleep hygiene practices are allowing him to sleep and breathe well at night. If he has problems doing this then a consultation with a therapist who has studied and has experience with sleep apnea/CPAP patients could be helpful. This is not an "all the better" factor; it is a strict requirement.

Woodgod, Your sleep doctor may be able to recommend a "shrink" whom she has a working relationship with.

[SleepyBobR]

I am still going to see a shrink

OK, but be aware going in that shrinks have spent hundreds of thousands of hours trying to talk or medicate people out of their problems never once thinking that the root of the problems was sleep apnea and a CPAP was the correct prescription.

My sleep doc told me she sees this all the time - in therapy for years and only getting worse; finally someone sends them to her and she finds that sleep apnea was literally driving them crazy for all those years.

Yes!

Let me add that if you find a shrink who understands what sleep apnea/sleep deprivation does to a person you might benefit from this shrink. He should encourage you to use the machine, practice good sleep hygiene, eat a good diet, exercise regularly, lead a balanced life, accept your condition (sleep apnea) and learn to cope with it.

If he starts trying to dig deep into your brain and talks about your childhood end the session and never go back.

That is highly unlikely. Most psychiatrists today do not do psychotherapy, Freudian or otherwise. They prescribe powerful and potentially addictive drugs which may not be the best thing for you. Be very wary. Therapy, which may possibly be of help to you, is available from psychologists who specialize in it.