Skittys_Daddy
Well-known member
- Jan 6, 2014
- 2,172
- 63
- Parrots
-
Neotropical Pigeon - "Skittles" (born 3/29/10)
Cockatiel - "Peaches" (1995-2015) R.I.P.
Budgie - "Sammy"
(1989-2000) R.I.P.
Budgie - "Sandy"
(1987-1989) R.I.P.
Hey, I need some advice. As many of you know, I have several mental health issues. I don't count having conversations with Skittles in other languages to be among them. Neither does he, as he explained to me earlier.
Anyways, in all seriousness, for much of my 'adult' life, the illness that has been the HARDEST to keep in check is my OCD. When I was a teenager and young adult (up to my early-mid 20s), it was my Bipolar that was hardest.
I recently stopped my bedtime anxiety pill because it wasn't doing much other than making me drowsy the next day and I wanted to try something more 'natural' so I switched to Melatonin. Its been fine. My anxiety medication did work, obviously, but IMO not enough to outweigh the side effects.
Problem is, I've noticed an increase in anxiety in the evening. I've experienced dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath, heart palpitations etc. I know its anxiety and NOT a heart issue BUT I am mindful of taking it seriously regardless. Evenings are my favorite part of the day- particularly late nights because thats when most people aren't around and its 'peaceful'. I also look forward to my "me time" since Skittles is so demanding during the day and I often can't get things done that I want to do but I am able to do what I NEED to do. So I figured if anything, I'd be less stressed after putting him to bed.
I met with my therapist today and we were discussing it again. She asked me what I do during the day and what I do at night and what the difference is. The only difference is Skittles. He's not around here at night, he's in the bedroom. BUT, I've had him for over 8yrs, I imagine that if it were going to be an issue, that it'd have surfaced by now. My therapist then reminded me that I recently went off my anxiety medication and also did a decrease of my OCD medication. (The latter is common, the doses adjust according to the 'irrationality' of thinking). She hit the nail on the head. Within an hour or two of him going to bed I get this tremendous anxiety and irrational fear of dying. He spends about 90% of his time outside of the cage either on me or near me. He spends hours each day either cuddled up to my neck on my shoulder or hanging out inside my shirt. I get used to him being there.
Now that I'm pretty sure I've found the cause, what the heck do I do for a solution? I thought I'd post this here in case anyone else has found themselves with such an issue and maybe they have some thoughts or ideas. My therapist suggested it as well. I did recently invest in 100% pure lavender oil and a diffuser that I use at night in the living room after Skitty goes to bed. I did read that Lavender (100%) is safe.
I'm gonna be discussing all of this much more with my psych when I see her tomorrow, but I REALLY REALLY do NOT want to go on any more meds.
Thanks.
Anyways, in all seriousness, for much of my 'adult' life, the illness that has been the HARDEST to keep in check is my OCD. When I was a teenager and young adult (up to my early-mid 20s), it was my Bipolar that was hardest.
I recently stopped my bedtime anxiety pill because it wasn't doing much other than making me drowsy the next day and I wanted to try something more 'natural' so I switched to Melatonin. Its been fine. My anxiety medication did work, obviously, but IMO not enough to outweigh the side effects.
Problem is, I've noticed an increase in anxiety in the evening. I've experienced dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath, heart palpitations etc. I know its anxiety and NOT a heart issue BUT I am mindful of taking it seriously regardless. Evenings are my favorite part of the day- particularly late nights because thats when most people aren't around and its 'peaceful'. I also look forward to my "me time" since Skittles is so demanding during the day and I often can't get things done that I want to do but I am able to do what I NEED to do. So I figured if anything, I'd be less stressed after putting him to bed.
I met with my therapist today and we were discussing it again. She asked me what I do during the day and what I do at night and what the difference is. The only difference is Skittles. He's not around here at night, he's in the bedroom. BUT, I've had him for over 8yrs, I imagine that if it were going to be an issue, that it'd have surfaced by now. My therapist then reminded me that I recently went off my anxiety medication and also did a decrease of my OCD medication. (The latter is common, the doses adjust according to the 'irrationality' of thinking). She hit the nail on the head. Within an hour or two of him going to bed I get this tremendous anxiety and irrational fear of dying. He spends about 90% of his time outside of the cage either on me or near me. He spends hours each day either cuddled up to my neck on my shoulder or hanging out inside my shirt. I get used to him being there.
Now that I'm pretty sure I've found the cause, what the heck do I do for a solution? I thought I'd post this here in case anyone else has found themselves with such an issue and maybe they have some thoughts or ideas. My therapist suggested it as well. I did recently invest in 100% pure lavender oil and a diffuser that I use at night in the living room after Skitty goes to bed. I did read that Lavender (100%) is safe.
I'm gonna be discussing all of this much more with my psych when I see her tomorrow, but I REALLY REALLY do NOT want to go on any more meds.
Thanks.
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