One evening in April 2008, Charlotte was 9 weeks old. I was sitting at the dining room 
table of our former home. A plate of 5 or 6 scrambled eggs sat in front of me. Charlotte was wearing a white onesie smiling happily in a travel-sized swing near the couch. Dana, age 3 at the time, was sitting at her small table playing with miniature princess and their castle. I had just risen from a rest in my bedroom and came out to eat the dinner Chad had prepared for me. We both knew something was not right with me, and both being aware of my hypoglycemia issues, he had prepared a heavy protein meal for me.
Hypoglycemia was sadly the beginning and the end of so many of the issues that were going on with me at this time. I had just been to the doctor a few days earlier for my chronic insomnia that was growing more and more out of control each night. I think at this point I had a meditative cd that I had burned on my ipod, and I played it continuously in my ear all night. Even though I never fully fell asleep, I kept the music and soothing words playing in my ear to trick my mind into thinking I was sleeping, and this helped avoid the full-blown panic attacks I was having while the rest of my family slept.
The doctor had just told me that I had some post partum anxiety and that I should be taking Zoloft, but I would have to stop nursing. She recommended yoga and taking breaks from the baby. She advised me not to take Ambien (a sleep aid which I had tried and it wasn’t helping) because it was habit-forming. When I looked her dead in the eye and said, “I am not sleeping at all. I don’t think yoga is going to help”, she had no response. She had ordered blood work for post partum hypothyroidism. For the next few days, I prayed often that the issue was in my thyroid, and it could be quickly resolved and I could be a mom to my new baby, sleep through the night, and stop the fear and panic that were running through my veins constantly.
Back to the scrambled eggs…I took a few bites and then noticed a strange sensation 
occurring in my legs and arms. I couldn’t quite feel them. My head began to slump forward as if I might faint, but my mind was fully lucid. I opened my mouth to speak and found that no words could come out. I was sort of zombie-like, staring straight ahead and not really able to move or speak at the same time. My neighbor appeared in my doorway after Chad had sprinted next door to retrieve her, and I remember a conversation about who would watch the kids and who would take me to the ER. Relief flooded me. Somebody would take care of me. Somebody would fix me. I would sleep again.
Chad drove me to the ER, and I was able to speak in bits and pieces and that I was okay but had to move and speak very slowly. I could feel my milk letting down as it was approaching Charlotte’s feeding time, in the midst of my physical crisis. I felt deeply at peace under a heated blanket in an ER bed, blood being drawn, and nurses attending to me. My children were okay, and somebody was helping me.
I can’t recall a more confusing conversation in my life than the one that took place between the ER doctor and Chad and I that night. I was so positive that my bloodwork would show some major thyroid or hormonal issue that was causing this crashing feeling that I was experiencing. Nope. When the words “post partum depression and normal bloodwork” came out of his mouth, I shook my head. I had definitely felt anxious, and I was having some disturbing images run through my mind since the birth, but I had experienced these with my first child and worked through it without medication. I had never in my life had trouble sleeping and didn’t even know what a panic attack was. This could not be just depression. I had never been on any medication for depression or anxiety. Nevertheless, I was told to go home, see my regular doctor asap, and get on an anti-depressant.
Getting myself up and out of the safe and warm bed and getting back in the car to go 
home to my children with no more answers was traumatic and terrifying. At home I found my mom, who had cleaned up the house and put the children to bed. She nodded appropriately when I looked at her confused and delirious and said, “It’s post partum depression.” Chad took the rest of the week off of work, and we got me on drugs and Charlotte on formula.
Because no one really knew what was going on with me, things got worse before they got better. I started on a low dose of Zoloft at this point, and it didn’t touch the crazy brain chemistry that was going on. More insomnia, more panic, and a complete loss of appetite followed for the next few weeks. I was headed down a very dark path, and I felt that there was no one to help me.
My doctor had recommended therapy, and I figured since I had such severe depression there must be something really wrong with me. I went diligently to therapy sessions and raised a few red flags when I mentioned that I couldn’t sleep and was hardly eating.Thankfully, my therapist recognized that the low level of Zoloft was not touching my issues. She referred me to a psychiatrist immediately and that’s when the drugs really kicked in. My prescription for Zoloft nearly tripled. In addition, I was taking Ativan (Lorazapam–one of the drugs that Michael Jackson used to induce sleep) and I was ordered to take Ambien sleep aid. The long-term effects of habit-forming drugs were not on my radar at this time.
I finally began sleeping. On Mother’s Day 2008, I woke up from my first peaceful slumber 
in months, and I thanked God that all of my issues were behind me. I continued seeing the psychiatrist and he monitored my depression symptoms closely. I went to therapy every week for two years, working through the issues that I thought had led to my breakdown. I was president of my Mom’s group at the time, speaking openly about Post Partum Depression and Anxiety and the drugs to fix it.
It wasn’t until 2009, a few months after my dad passed away, that I began to come out of the fog and tried to come off of the medication. As I weaned the meds from my system, chronic and excruciating PMS showed up each month after ovulation. I had horrible mood issues and just felt awful for 2 weeks out of each month. Again, I went to the doctor and began to take Yazmin birth control for my PMS symptoms.
It was shortly after I realized the Yaz wasn’t really working, that my Ob-gyn talked to me about a higher fat diet. I felt the effects immediately. I cut carbs out of every meal and didn’t need to nap every afternoon to make it through the day. Enter my friend Rachel, her husband Dr. Mike, and the Paleo diet. I read everything I could get my hands on. I learned that my insulin and hypoglycemia were a key players in my mental and physical health, and when I was nursing, I was burning through fuel so fast, many of my systems were functioning in a depleted state. It wasn’t until I regulated my insulin and controlled my hypoglycemia that I could think about feeling normal and weaning some medications. Sadly, my psychiatrist did not support the diet change as a means to help my depression, and so once again, I had to figure a lot out on my own.
As I emailed my friend Mike for information on getting off of the Yaz and antidepressants, 
he asked me to tell me complete my complete story of Charlotte’s birth, her issues, and my ultimate breakdown. In a long and emotional email, I told the same story as above, and I cried real tears when he explained Adrenal Fatigue. I had known all along that my issues weren’t just mental. Yes, I had plenty to talk about in therapy, but there was a physiological breakdown when the nursing wasn’t successful. All of the insomnia and panic were adrenaline. My body was trying to keep me alive when I was really in a primal fight or flight mode. The adrenal glands are like factories that pump out the hormones cortisol and adrenaline, among others. My adrenaline glands were fried and were working hard to do the job that my scrambled brain was sending via mixed signals.
Why didn’t anybody recognize this sooner? Sadly, adrenal fatigue is not recognized by Western medicine. So many systems are at play when we talk about stress response, insulin, and our adrenal glands, modern medicine treats it all as separate components. When in fact, learning how my body works together with appropriate food, rest, and exercise has been the best medicine.
My adrenal issues are not completely behind me. The only true cure for adrenal fatigue is rest, reduced stress, and time to heal. Since Charlotte’s developmental issues have kept my stress hormones on alert, I know my recovery is slower than most. I still fight panic on a restless night’s sleep. I have to avoid all sugar or my sleep and mood are affected. I still deal with raging PMS, and I am still working on coming off of my meds completely. I still go to therapy to work through some of the lingering Post Traumatic Stress that the last 3 years have brought.
Just as the Paleo lifestyle was a vehicle for improving Charlotte’s health, it has proven 
equally as effective for me. The Paleo lifestyle has taught me to listen to my body’s needs and respond to them appropriately. After years of searching for an exercise program that I could enjoy and stick with, I found yoga (funny how the doctor was right all along) and practice regularly. It has proven very beneficial for me as a way to regulate my stress by quieting my mind, strengthening my body, and not depleting too many energy reserves.
About six months ago, after feeling like I did not have a handle on my PMS cycles, I started acupuncture and began an herbal treatment to replenish and restore my weakened systems. I am loving how the basis of Chinese medicine matches up with the Paleo Lifestyle in that all of the systems of the body work must together to achieve health.
Many people experience varying degrees and symptoms of adrenal fatigue, depending on an individual’s cortisol levels and how the body responds to stress. Adrenal Fatigue can be debilitating and very serious. Please see the links under Resources and Contacts for more information on Adrenal Fatigue.
PeaceLovePaleo 
Thank you so much for sharing your family’s story. it’s amazing how eating good, clean, whole foods can make your body work so much better. My family and I also eat paleo and my son’s type 1 diabetes is being handled so much better because of it. I look forward to reading more from you guys.
NomNomPaleo posted a link to your blog on her facebook page. Wow. You have created a wonderful resource. Your writing is emotive yet efficient in passing on valuable information. After reading your story I now know I had adrenal fatigue, less severe than yours, after the birth of my son. I, too, thought there must be an underlying physical reason to my situation. If only every woman knew to eat paleo-properly before getting pregnant! I look forward to reading your blog!
I found your blog through the comments of a distant relative’s post on FB. I read this story and this is me. This has been my life since my twins were born, right down to the ER visit and the feelings of finally someone is going to help me. The only difference is that I sleep too much. I hope this lifestyle can work as well for my family. Thank you for putting your story out there.
Amy
As someone who’s been there, I’m so sorry you suffered alone. Thank you for your comment. I’m glad you found us 🙂
Came across your site via facebook. I went through adrenal fatigue in 2007 that was so scary. I have back slid from 100% paleo some and can tell. Thank you for inspiring me.
Recovering from Adrenal Fatigue is a long road, and I have found that being 100% Paleo is extremely helpful but being diligent about my not exceeding my body’s limits is the real key. Good luck with your Paleo journey. Thanks for your comment.
Thank you so much for your honesty. I expereinced almost the *exact* same reaction to meals many times before a doc (shockingly!) diagnosed severe adrenal fatigue. God’s peace be with you and your family as you continue to heal and grow.
Thank you so much for your supportive comment. Best of luck to you, too.
thanks for sharing. I too have adrenal fatigue and I am always looking for people who have been through it too. I just want to get better.
I hope you are well on the road to recovery. I hope your adrenals are healed soon
Hi Melissa, it does help me to know that others are struggling, too. It’s been a long journey for me but I’m learning more and more about caring for myself with every day. Best of luck to you on your healing and thank you for your comment!
Hi Melissa…
Just wondering if you’ve ever thought that antidepressants slowed your healing process. I’ve read that SSRIs can make adrenal fatigue worse. How is your healing going?
Thanks for your question. I would have to say that I really couldn’t heal from the adrenal issues until I came off of the medication. On the meds, I felt numb to everything and didn’t learn to manage the triggers that elevated my adrenaline and cortisol and caused my insomnia. Now, I feel everything, which is certainly a challenge. But I have just committed to learning how the mental signals trigger physical symptoms and how to think/react or prepare differently to a stressful situation. When I get insomnia now, I carefully retrace my thoughts and actions and usually find a trigger. I wouldn’t be able to do that on meds. It’s exhausting and frustrating but I haven’t found any other way. I hope that’s helpful. Others on the thread, feel free to chime in. How have meds helped or hindered your adrenal healing? –Joy
I have been suffering from adrenal fatigue for 4 years + i have been prone to sinus infections, allergies and compromised immune system. I have decided today that going Paleo is the answer. I have had very similar symptoms as you have mentioned, and visited many doctors with no answers. Thank you for sharing.
Good luck to you! You are making an excellent decision.
Hi Joy I just came across your blog as I was desperately searching the internet for recovery stories from adrenal exhaustion.
I’ve been really ill now for just over a year and at times I feel like im just getting worse.
Just last night I had severe nervousness that lasted till the morning, I did not sleep at all and today i can’t manage to look after my two year old boy.
Can I ask you how long did recovery take for you?
How did you cope with depression?
My depression has gotten so bad that I just cry the whole day.
I have this fear that I won’t get any better!
I’ve never suffered from anxiety or depression before this illness.
Your story has given me some hope, Thank you and God bless your family.
Hi Marian, thank you for your comment. I am sorry you are struggling. My recovery has been a steady process of learning my body and its signals and limits. I certainly still have bad days and weeks and have use all of my tools to get back on track. I would encourage you to see a doctor that you trust and explore all of your options for treatment right now. Medication did help me find my bearings when I was in the depths of the depression. Everybody is different, and the most important thing is getting yourself in a better place to care for your son. I would also encourage you to reach out to friends and family and ask for help getting well. There is hope. You won’t always feel this way. Best of luck to you. Keep in touch, Joy
Can someone help me I think what I’m going through is adrenal fatigue . How can I reach out or call someone on this forum for help . I’m five months postpartum . At 8 weeks my body crashed . I still have low blood pressure for some reason and tired extreme fatigue every minute of the day . I can barely walk and my head feels like it weighs a billion pounds 😦 I am scared
Noha, I am so sorry that you are suffering. I encourage you to call a doctor or reach out to a family member or friend. Please ask for help caring for your baby and take time to care for yourself. Here is a link to some hotlines and online support for PPD and depression
http://www.hopeline.com/gethelpnow.html
HI,
I just wanted to tell you that what you experienced with insomnia after childbirth is what I experienced too. I used to sleep fine even with my history of anxiety, but things changed one month after I gave birth. I got on Zofolt, but I refused to give up on breastfeeding. Gradually, my sleep got better; however, it became worse when I stopped breastfeeding. When I have a bad night of sleep, I have an obsession about it the next day. Lately, it became worse from time to time – is it because I got off Zofolt and breastfeeding last Dec and Jan.? It is not a fun thing, but I know that I have to let go, etc. I have been dealing with too much in my corner – such as dealing with my sister in law’s death by choice leaving 4 kids and my brother – just three weeks after my birth. I researched in depth about what I should eat, etc. I have started seeing an acupuncturist. Sleep issues really screwed me. I noticed when I have more stress, the worse sleep gets. Just wanted you to know that I have been there and am still dealing with it.
As I pray for hope as I am afraid that I would end up being too obsessed about sleep, were you able to get off on sleep aids in which I have never used Ambien, etc.? What sleep aids do help you if you have a bad night? It is rare for me to meet women who have been in my shoes, but my acupuncturist said that it is NOT rare. have you met women like us? 🙂 i miss my old life when I used to sleep fine even with stress or anxiety.
Thank you so much for your time! Oh, my sister is autistic and deaf (I am deaf). She is very special. Everyone is special in her or his own way. Your kids are lucky to have you.
Cheers,
Mary
Thank you, Mary, for your comment. I can say for certain that anxiety about sleep disrupts my sleep. It sounds like the same vicious cycle for you, too. Other stressors can certainly add to this, too, and it can be very overwhelming. In all honesty, I’m still learning how to break the cycle. I use sleep aids, as they do help me. I think the most important thing to remember is that we are all different and need slightly different tools, but it’s up to us as individuals to learn out bodies and manage our symptoms in a way that works for us. It’s a journey. Keep learning and growing, and thank you for reading!
Hi Joy my name is Marian and posted here before. the last couple of weeks I’ve been getting adrenaline surges through the night that would last for hours. I’m shaky all night and feels similar to anxiety. Wanted to ask if adrenaline surges is something you experienced and if so did it go on for hours??
I never experienced anxiety or depression before getting adrenal exhaustion and now im scared that I’m not going to get any better. I have been sick for 14 months now.
Hi Marian, I have had those surges before. They are awful and very difficult to manage on your own. If you haven’t already, I would work with a naturopath or a medical doctor to see how to get your cortisol in a healthier rhythm. You may have to try many different things and use a variety if took to get know your body and how to get it to function best. It takes time and you can get better. Hang in there!
I have searched the internet for the last 3 years to find out what is wrong with me, and this is the first time I have come across your website! My story is similar to yours- debilitating panic attacks and depression that made me unable to take care of my children, or even care about living. Unable to sleep for up to 5 days in a row, month after month. My brain was not functioning and several times I got lost when I was driving (I was only 31 at the time) Going from doctor to doctor to doctor (5 before I found some help) telling me to take an antidepressant, or telling me nothing was wrong. There is nothing more horrifying than feeling like you are going crazy or dying and nobody is able to help you. I lived the first 2 years like that, barely existing each day, with everyone around me wondering what in the world was the matter with me, and I was so far gone I couldn’t even fake that I was alright. I started seeing a therapist and doing neurofeedback because it was my last try. I finally found a Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) who told me my adrenals were weak. After many visits, I asked her if she would check my hormones. They were all very low. My cortisol was very high, and I had hyperinsulinemia. It is now 2 years since I started hormone replacement therapy, and while I have a lot of improvement, I am still not well. I found that I have high levels of metals in my system, so I’m hoping that when I detox, and try eating paleo, that my adrenals will be able to finally begin improving. It is such a lonely place to be, and I pray that I will eventually be well. I don’t know how to break the cycle- because of my adrenal insufficiency I crave sugar and carbs excessively. I just can’t keep going without them- I get frantic, like a diabetic, and my brain shuts down if I go a day or two without eating them. I don’t know how to get past that. Also, I am 7 months pregnant (which is a miracle in itself!) and I am very worried at how my mental state will be postpartum. I have been feeling much better while pregnant, because of the increasing hormone levels. I noticed that you said you are in counseling for PTSD because of the last 3 years- and I totally relate to that. I should probably do that. I feel like I’ve been on a battlefield by myself, struggling to survive, and it has been the scariest thing I’ve ever been through. I have missed the last 4 years of my children’s lives- I honestly can’t remember it- I have been in a living hell. I have Mother’s Day cards they gave me and pictures they drew, but I don’t remember getting them. Thank you for sharing your story, it is incredibly helpful to know that I am not the only one this has happened to- it makes it less scary.
God bless!
Hi Kristy, thank you for sharing your story. It will certainly help others to know that they are not alone. It sounds like eating a nutrient-dense Paleo diet will help you regulate your hormones and feel better. Take your time with kicking the sugar cravings and just stick to dense carb sources that are satisfying (like sweet potatoes with butter).
The weeks and months I dealt with the adrenal fatigue and depression were the most horrible I’ve ever experienced. But now, several years later, I can see how much they helped me regain my health in the long run. I learned more about my body through that time than any other doctor or diagnosis could have ever told me. As hard as it was to struggle through it alone, it became empowering on some level. Get support from loved ones to help you and find tools/foods/thoughts that help sustain positive feelings and progress. Breathe. Then repeat. Once you find some things that work, you will feel a sense of control and a rhythmn in your self care. Best of luck. Keep in touch, Joy
Kristy I feel your pain. It’s a dark lonely road. I noticed you mentioned that you have high Cortisol. High cortisol means that your not in complete burnout yet. That’s a great sign, if you correct your diet and stress levels you can avoid complete burnout (low cortisol).
I’m suffering from adrenal burnout myself and its the hardest things to go through. I have intense anxiety every day and can’t stand upright for longer than 10min at a time.
I have neurological symptoms which is so distressing and honestly at times I think I have brain damage.
I wish I corrected my high cortisol and now u have complete burnout.
I keep telling myself this is only temporarily and things will get better in time.
The best doctors to work with are integrative doctors.
Im also being tested for Lyme Disease. Good thing to rule that out!!
I also hear fantastic things about Dr Neville at the Clymer Healing Center.
Good luck with everything..
Marian
Thank you! I appreciate your response.
It always helps to hear another person struggle with the fact that Western “medicine” denies adrenal fatigue. I’m not saying I like to hear of someone struggling, I mean it helps to know I’m not alone in this. Early on my dentist sent me to see an oral surgeon because of pain and he told me it was all in my head. The day I got a phone call while at work that my mother had suddenly died while getting dressed to go out to lunch I ended up in the hospital er with an erratic heart beat. Follow up with the heart doctor in regard to me mentioning I had been diagnosed with adrenal fatigue, “Well, I don’t know about that stuff, but your heart seems to be fine.” He ordered a stress test. I guess my recovery was excellent so the doctor over seeing it was outwardly bothered that it had even been ordered. Until I find a doctor who recognizes that adrenal fatigue is what it is, I will not see a doctor. It drives me crazy every month writing a check for twelve hundred dollars for insurance because it’s the law and I can’t even use it because medicine in this country is at such a loss.
thank you for listening and God bless!
Thank you for your comment, Mary Ann. It certainly doesn’t seem right that the amount of suffering one endures during adrenal fatigue is neglected and ignored by mainstream medicine. I hope that you have found someone you trust to help manage your health. Best of luck!
Great article, I can totally relate. Same symptoms except not after childbirth…happened to me eight years after my twins and find of other stressors. The adrenaline is the worst! I didn’t sleep for about two months, and when I’d almost fall asleep I’d have what felt like electric brain shocks and ruminutive thought patterns. After tons of money spent and numerous doctors, my husband had to take a leave from work to take care of me. Everyone thought I was crazy, I went to the ER four times because the panic from adrenaline was so bad…but the tests were all fine. I was given xanax and all kinds of meds. My cortisol tests came out extremely high, and I had hypoglycemia that wouldn’t quit…couldn’t eat, sleep, or stand because of the dizziness. Was extremely thirsty as well with major dry mouth. No doctors could figure it out, and each wanted to send me to a mental ward! I find Dr Neville at clymer healing center, and he helped alot. I’ve also found out that aspirin and niacin (the kind that makes you flush) help cut adrenaline. Adrenaline kicks in from low blood sugar, which goes along with adrenal fatigue. Seriphos helped to lower the cortisol. I had to wean off xanax before taking that though. Xanax does lower cortisol, but only while it’s in your system. It’s just a bandaid and fixed nothing. Good luck to everyone out there going through this! Eat healthy, lots of fats, vitamin c, b, and get some warm sun. And lots of himilayan sea salt for the adrenals. Hang in there =)
Thank you, TJ, for sharing your story. You’re right about learning to live within that finite amount of energy that our body gives us. I know those electric shock tremors very well. I love your advice about the foods, healthy fats and supplements. Keep up the good work and good luck on your recovery!
You said that you have learned how to manage triggers that affect your adrenaline and cortisol- would you be willing to give an example? I am still having a hard time finding any patterns or even recognizing what a raise in cortisol feels like- I can feel the adrenaline surges, and those happen usually when something that causes strong emotion happens- like if I see my 4 year old fall down and get hurt, or if I’m speaking with someone and I get angry. Could you tell me an example of how to manage that? Usually it’s things I can’t control. Do you mean that you need to manage yourself so you don’t encounter those kinds of situations, or do you mean once you feel it coming on you are able to stop it somehow? Also, do you know what high cortisol feels like? I know from testing that mine is high in the afternoon when my energy is very low, almost at 4:00 on the dot every day, but I can’t feel it, so I don’t know if it’s happening at other times as well. I just know I have tons of belly fat. By stopping these surges, is that what will allow the adrenals to heal? You are so awesome to have this blog and help others who are going through it.
Hi Kristy, those are really good questions and in all honesty I am learning to manage my cortisol and adrenaline surges. Just when I think I have it figured out, I’m struggling again. My cortisol feels like too much energy, like I’m moving too fast and my thoughts are racing to keep up. It sometimes feels like I’m uncomfortable in my own skin or like if something doesn’t work just right I might get really upset. It’s hard to explain but I am getting better at stopping myself before I get upset by taking deep breaths. (My kids know not to talk to me when I’m doing this 😉 At night it feels like my mind forcing my body awake when I really want to relax. Breathing, quiet time and positive self talk and reassuring myself helps bring it down. I also use exercise to get rid of excess adrenaline. Lots of little things and big things and lots of time. I wish there was an easy fix. Getting to know your body and controlling your thoughts is a huge piece. Try having an afternoon snack at your 4:00 energy dip and drink lots of water. Best of luck! I’m hoping to do a more comprehensive blog post on this in the future. In the meantime, I hope this helps and hang in there!
I am going through this right now:( I have a 4 month old baby and an almost 3 year old and my insomnia is getting so bad that I think I might lose it. I don’t think I will be able to have more children because my adrenals are so weak. But I have been seeing a chiropractor who does natural medicine and he has helped. traditional medicine has not worked for me. I have tried paxil,zoloft,wellbutrin,celexa, and xanax and nothing worked for me but I do hope I can get better on my own with diet and exercise and supplements. Do you think breastfeeding is taxing my adrenals? I am doing worse than when I was pregnant
Hi Samantha,
I’m so sorry to hear that you are going through this! If I were living through this again, and in your position, I would do EVERYTHING possible to reduce stress and calm your entire system. If you can, hire/find someone to watch the baby or your older child. My husband and I often say if we had to do it all over again, we would have hired a nanny to help, noatter what the cost. The point is to rest and try to find time to do things that are relaxing and enjoyable so that you send messages to your brain that you are not under stress. This is one of the ways your adrenals will slow down cortisol and adrenaline production. Lots of deep breathing and good Paleo food also help. I found that I was not healthy enough to breastfeed in this state, but it’s a very personal decision. I wish you the best of luck, and please seek help and support of loved ones and medical experts that you trust.
–Joy
Thank You for your story. I originally found your blog when researching gluten and behavior problems. My daughter is 3 and is just really defiant. We eat organic and are a active family but we eat tons and tons of bread, cookies, pasta etc. My husband and I (like most people) know its not that good for you ( sugar, gluten etc) but just kept enjoying it. Anyway after reading your blog not only am I thoroughly convinced our diets are causing us a lot of issues but YOUR story about your adrenal fatigue is strangely similar to mine. I am being tested now for thyroid issues I’m on Zoloft after having panic attacks but I have a host of other symptoms as well. I believe mine is hormonal and I have an appt with an endocrinologist possibly thinking it could be thyroid, PMDD or adrenal fatigue. Glad you are on the road to feeling better and congrats on helping your family get healthy, that’s so hard to do. Thank you for your inspiration!!!
Hi Erin, thank you so much for your comment! It sounds like you are on your way to discovering the link between food and health. I am positive that avoiding/replacing the processed foods in your diet will bring better health for all of you. Best of luck on your journey!
I see it’s been awhile since anyone had posted here so I hope you get this message. I have been suffering from low cortisol mornings and afternoons to sky rocketing cortisol at night. I also have horrific periods that drive me practically insane and anxiety, panic, heart palpitations and adrenaline surges that wake me from my sleep. I was on Zoloft for 10 years and all of this started spiraling about 4 months after I weaned off. I’am now taking .5 ativan once a day and just a few days ago was put on mirtazapine after a trip to the ER. I tried to get back on Zoloft and it intensified my sypmtoms by 10 and felt like I needed to go to a mental facility! So scary!! I know I have adrenal fatigue and I’am working with a Dr. to help address the issue and hopefully get off these meds. I’m 35 and my husband and I want children which is why I got off meds in the first place and now in back on them! 😔Ugh, I have always known about the paleo diet. I think I will try it. Did you completely cut out specific things when you started? Did you go through withdrawel from the meds? Any books you followed or did you just keep it simple? I’m so scared I’m going to be stuck on meds forever!
Hi Tracy, thank you for your comment! Trying to rest your cortisol cycle is no easy task. Paleo diet was key for me. Lots of veggies and meats give the body the nutrients is needs to get back on track. I would also try lots of meditation and breathing to tell your body that you are no longer in fight or flight mode. I love the Headspace meditation app. The other thing that helped me a lot was talk therapy, even if it’s just a friend or spouse, see if you can find someone to help you feel less alone. Somehow the loneliness and isolation intensifies adrenal issues. Last but not least, try to exercise early in the day. I know it’s difficult if you haven’t slept well, but the best way to start cycling the cortisol and getting it out of your system is through movement. I like walking or sometimes high intensity exercise for a short period of time. Either way, it’s a gentle process where you are really monitoring how each day feels. Know your tools if you get off track and when you feel like your feet are under you, then try scaling back on the drugs. Keep me posted on your progress! Best of luck to you!
I just came across your blog! I experienced a “crash” last May…I was unconscious for approximately 27 minutes. When I woke up I was paralyzed and unable to speak for an hour. There is so much to tell and I don’t know if I could do justice in writing. Am I crazy to ask if you would ever be willing to talk to me on the phone? God has guided me through much healing but I know there is more to come ;))
Hi Cindy,
I apologize that a phone appointment isn’t something that can be fit into my schedule at this time. If you have some specific questions or concerns you’d like to email me about, I’d be happy to communicate that way. You can find my email address under the Resources/Contact page. Take Care!
I am having such a hard time with adrenal fatigue right now since giving birth. I think I’ve had it on and off throughout my life but it is worse than ever now because I had sever postpartum anxiety and insomnia. I am having such a dilemma because I don’t want to stop breastfeeding but I think I can’t live like this anymore, especially the fatigue and insomnia. I am angry that I cannot breastfeed for a year like I wanted to. Just venting I guess. Thank you for sharing your experience. It helps.
Hi Chrissie,
I completely understand where you are and I’m so sorry you are struggling. The pain around the loss of breastfeeding is real and is a very emotional decision. It is so important to take care of ourselves as well as our babies. I wish you the best in your journey.