When circumstances are beyond our control

Hello. I need some advice. I have two children with ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) and DMDD (disruptive mood dysregulation disorder). I have been partially on sick leave since the summer and burned out for many years. My sick leave will expire soon. I’m not sure if I should work more than I already do. I started using a Garmin watch a week ago, so haven’t got reliable HRV measurements yet.

. There is a lot of stress in the morning as one of my children has a strong refusal to go to school. Do you have any tips? What should I do? I take a lot of breaks during the day and train when I’ve had enough sleep. I take Levaxin and Imovane and Sarotex to help me sleep.

Hello! This sounds tiring. With the caveat that the watch has not had time to calibrate, it looks like you have a good physiological balance. It looks like you are doing a lot of things right. You take breaks and exercise in the appropriate amount and intensity based on the graph.

I am unsure whether Imovane and Sarotex are good solutions for sleep difficulties. Sarotex in particular has proven to be a stress factor for many. Amazingly enough, as it is supposed to help sleep. I would try without a period in consultation with your doctor. Such medications should be changed slowly but surely. I would try the sleep advice in my book, The Pulse Cure. It looks like you are able to find peace in the evening, so everything should be in place for you to do so. In any case, you will be able to see whether it actually works or not on the measurements. Consider waiting to change anything until the watch has calibrated, and even a couple of weeks after that, to have a baseline to go from. Only change one medicine at a time. I would keep Imovane for now. Otherwise, you will not see the isolated effect of Sarotex.

Give yourself a big pat on both shoulders for balancing so well under the circumstances. You are a good example of what I often talk about: Some circumstances are beyond our control. It is important to accept them and let yourself be frustrated as little as possible. Yes, it’s hard, but even harder not to do it. Focus on the factors you can take control of.

Good luck!
Regards, Dr. Torkil