10 Comments

Hello! I just found your work, and this article resonates so much with me. I'm interested in your work on autism and addiction. Is there a way I can reach you?

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Hi P K. Sure. You can email me at chelseyflood@hotmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you.

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Polite Robot is helpful towards understanding obstacles and conditions I didn't know existed, like Alexithymia, that I'm lucky enough not to suffer. What I learn I hope makes me more considerate.

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Thanks Julia! I am glad you are finding it educational. I love your newsletter too. Thanks for reading ☺️

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I suffered insomnia for the first time this winter ... It came in conjunction with the m.e / CFS severe deterioration and the extreme levels of fear / anxiety that accompanied it .

I'd drop off fine ( mostly and then bam wide awake at 1 or 2 ..some nites I got 2 hrs some 4 ... It was really found it hard to tolerate .

I tried so many things , yoga , hot baths , magnesium, lavender , guided meditations , Deep relaxations etc etc ..

I did my research and spoke to the gp who wouldn't prescribe melatonin and I refused to take anything addictive .

Then I found out from my research that promethazine ( a sedating anti histamine could work ... I promptly ordered some and later got from GP ..

It worked a dream ..

Oh the relief !

I found it pretty sedating and so the next day would be sluggish in mind and body but hey ! I read it's not to be used long term .

I still use it the odd time when I'm waking early and only use half a tab now ...

Other things that have helped with morning anxiety a certain high dose valerian which is good ...

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Hi Emma, I'm sorry to hear you have discovered the frustration and discomfort of insomnia. I have tried so many things too, and it sometimes gets better, but it seems I am just not capable of sleeping through the night. I've ordered melatonin online, which is likely not what everyone in recovery from addiction would want to do, but which I feel great about. That's a fantastic tip about promethazine - I will certainly try that. Valerian seems to keep me awake! My nervous system is so sensitive (eye roll emoji).

Thanks for sharing! <3

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I get back to sleep by listening to an instructional breathing technique that dues it with me breathing in for 4 hold 4 out for 6 good 2 and start again or versions of that

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I'm so glad that works for you, Krysia. Breathing exercises can help me get to sleep, but I can't seem to stay that way. I tried listening to rain sounds to see if that helped last night but I still woke with a start at about midnight. I will keep trying though! Thanks for sharing. <3

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A possible agony aunt question: is there a way to know if you're HSP, on the spectrum, or just introverted? Or even...other?

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Great question! Thanks, Liz. Will research this <3

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