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Wicked Blue

(6,776 posts)
Wed Feb 9, 2022, 08:42 PM Feb 2022

Is it normal to just want to sleep all the time?

I am mentally and emotionally worn out.

My brother died in mid-January. He was my only sibling and our parents died many years ago. Never married, no kids. He was 67. He was not in great health but I did not expect this.

He had two women living in his apartment to help with rent. Luckily they called 911 when he had trouble breathing. One called me on his cell phone -- I had no idea who these women were -- to let me know but was hysterical so a cop took over the phone and explained the situation.

I arranged for his cremation over the phone and email. Still waiting for his ashes. No cause of death yet - the medical examiner has a huge backlog and so does the lab.

He was always hitting me up for money, claiming he had no food left. It turned out he was not only getting paid $200-$300 a week plus a monthly sales commission at his job, plus collecting Social Security, plus having these roommates helping with rent, but he was also hitting up friends for money. One friend finally disclosed to me that he had never given up his cocaine habit, as he had sworn to me many years ago. I felt like I had been hit across the stomach with a wooden plank. Part of me is so damn angry at him.

Now his financial sob stories made sense and I feel like a complete fool. I knew he smoked a lot of weed as well as cigarettes, and I recently had told him he ought to cut down on tobacco as it was ridiculously expensive and not good for his health.

The "boyfriend" of one of the women contacted me about Pete's belongings. I can't drive well enough any more to drive 250 miles to Paterson NJ by myself. And I'm terrified to go there - there's a lot of violent crime. My husband couldn't take time off from work.

I told the guy they could keep or sell anything of my brothers but asked them to please mail me his personal papers and photos, and I would reimburse them. They sold his non-working car to salvage for a few hundred dollars, but my brother owned nothing of value to the best of my knowledge, just a disassembled motorcycle, and some crummy furniture and a tv, which they were welcome to. This saved me the nightmare of having to go there and clean the place out. Still haven't got his papers, but the guy texted that he'd been injured in a car accident a week ago and didn't have a car anymore.

Meanwhile our whole front yard is dug up to replace a badly eroded 50-plus year old sewer line. It's costing an insane amount of money. We can't do laundry and it's taking twice as long as they said, and a good part of my flower garden is destroyed, which depresses me even more.

And to my sorrow, someone I considered a long time close friend responded to my Facebook post about my brother with a short sympathetic reply and nothing more. No phone call, no email, nothing. I can't understand it and feel like maybe the few people I consider close friends aren't all as close as I thought they were. My husband and daughter have been great, but I've been taking long naps, even two a day, and never did that before. I just feel so lonely - my brother and I talked often and he always had a lot of great jokes.

I'm going to be 70 in a few weeks and I feel so old and tired. Everything seems futile.


36 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Is it normal to just want to sleep all the time? (Original Post) Wicked Blue Feb 2022 OP
I am so sorry for your pain and grief. MLAA Feb 2022 #1
Thank you, MLAA Wicked Blue Feb 2022 #2
It's ok for you to be sad right now, you loved your brother, it's understandable. cayugafalls Feb 2022 #3
You're right. Wicked Blue Feb 2022 #4
It is. Drum Feb 2022 #5
Thanks, Drum Wicked Blue Feb 2022 #6
Virtual Hugs to you. Srkdqltr Feb 2022 #7
You are so right Wicked Blue Feb 2022 #8
A lot on your plate.. Deuxcents Feb 2022 #9
It's normal to feel low for a while. Haggard Celine Feb 2022 #10
Sending hugs & good energy your way. KarenS Feb 2022 #11
Blue, I am so sorry for your loss questionseverything Feb 2022 #12
Of course it's normal to feel exhausted SheltieLover Feb 2022 #13
It might be leighbythesea2 Feb 2022 #14
I am SO SORRY oldtime dfl_er Feb 2022 #15
I'm sorry for your pain and loss ybbor Feb 2022 #16
I'm sorry. JoeOtterbein Feb 2022 #17
I'm so sorry. Chellee Feb 2022 #18
I lost my wife last February 14 of 2021, so I know how you feel.... William Gustafson Feb 2022 #19
So many good responses from your friends here on DU..... Hulk Feb 2022 #20
You answered your own question in the first line. You are mentally and emotionally worn out. LoisB Feb 2022 #21
Sending virtual hugs and vibes for strength and healing and endurance for you niyad Feb 2022 #22
So sorry for your pain cally Feb 2022 #23
As the Buddhists say, this too will pass. gab13by13 Feb 2022 #24
It really hurts losing a sibling.... Dan Feb 2022 #25
I feel you. I haven't been able to work for weeks. CaptainTruth Feb 2022 #26
I so understand that grief induced exhaustion Farmer-Rick Feb 2022 #33
My Sympathies... GB_RN Feb 2022 #27
A death announcement on Facebook is not an invitation to call you. Call your friend. SunSeeker Feb 2022 #28
I agree with SunSeeker. A facebook announcement may not be enough. Many of us don't know how to ratchiweenie Feb 2022 #34
So true! SunSeeker Feb 2022 #36
So sorry you are going through this Tree Lady Feb 2022 #29
Give yourself permission to grieve Bayard Feb 2022 #30
As others have said: you are exhausted by your losses. Take time. Do call Hospice & see if ... Hekate Feb 2022 #31
Grieving is such hard work. BadgerMom Feb 2022 #32
Yes, it's normal. hippywife Feb 2022 #35

MLAA

(18,669 posts)
1. I am so sorry for your pain and grief.
Wed Feb 9, 2022, 08:47 PM
Feb 2022

Sending you

My only thoughts are to try and push yourself to get outside a bit weather permitting. Sunlight and fresh air are therapeutic to me. Also finding a grief support group when you feel up to it.

Wicked Blue

(6,776 posts)
2. Thank you, MLAA
Wed Feb 9, 2022, 08:51 PM
Feb 2022

When the weather is warm I spend a lot of time working in the garden. Can't do much walking, alas.

cayugafalls

(5,755 posts)
3. It's ok for you to be sad right now, you loved your brother, it's understandable.
Wed Feb 9, 2022, 08:52 PM
Feb 2022

I would feel the same way. Grief is normal and to top it off your yard is in disrepair.

The yard will be fixed.

Give yourself time to grieve. It's ok.

Sending all my love...cayugafalls.

Wicked Blue

(6,776 posts)
6. Thanks, Drum
Wed Feb 9, 2022, 09:04 PM
Feb 2022

I was wondering whether it was just from getting older, but it feels different from physical tiredness.

Srkdqltr

(7,775 posts)
7. Virtual Hugs to you.
Wed Feb 9, 2022, 09:07 PM
Feb 2022

Bereavement was a topic at quilt get together Monday. One women's husband died a while ago and she was telling how she coped. How difficult it was for her even with children to take care of. My son last his wife 3 years ago. How ever you feel is right. Everyone handles things differently. No right or wrong. Just keep going. Smoothly or fits and starts it's all right and good. Hugs. We all have your best interests at heart.

Deuxcents

(20,142 posts)
9. A lot on your plate..
Wed Feb 9, 2022, 09:19 PM
Feb 2022

Tap a nap when you want to. Grieve the way you need to. Don’t stay in the dark places too long..go there..cry, scream or whatever n get back to the light. It’s too easy to fall into depression even though we all get depressed but ya can’t stay there. Get up n get out .. go for a walk..find a shelter to volunteer n get some unconditional love for your time. None of this is a panacea for your pain..it’s just a way to try and manage your loss n the stress. I wish you well, my DU Friend.

Haggard Celine

(17,044 posts)
10. It's normal to feel low for a while.
Wed Feb 9, 2022, 09:28 PM
Feb 2022

You don't owe anyone an explanation for how you feel, so just be for a while and get enjoyment from whatever you can.

You'll probably get tired of sleeping and will look for things that might interest you. You're hanging out at a good place. There are lots of different forums on DU that are dedicated to all sorts of interests. Look around and see if there's something you might like. Art, music, books, TV shows, movies ..... There's a world of worlds out there to lose yourself in.

So you can sleep or you can eat or learn to paint or read books. People say it's a small world, but it's big too, and there are worlds inside of worlds. I'm hoping the best for you during this time, and I hope you use it to help you grow. That's the best thing any of us can do in a situation like this.

KarenS

(4,694 posts)
11. Sending hugs & good energy your way.
Wed Feb 9, 2022, 09:32 PM
Feb 2022

I lost a Brother last year and we had a very complicated relationship as well. I mourned the little boy he used to be and the goodness & pureness of siblings. I loved him always but many times over the years I did not like or agree with him.
I am 72 and I understand about aging too. Sometimes life is just hard.

questionseverything

(10,298 posts)
12. Blue, I am so sorry for your loss
Wed Feb 9, 2022, 09:38 PM
Feb 2022

Try and concentrate on what you have, and be happy you had a relationship worth mourning .

Sometimes friends don’t live up to what we imagine they should, forgive them and hope if you have misstep at some point they will do the same for you.

I hope everyday gets easier

SheltieLover

(60,250 posts)
13. Of course it's normal to feel exhausted
Wed Feb 9, 2022, 10:02 PM
Feb 2022

Grieving is hard work physically, as well as emotionally & psychologically.

There is no timeline for resolving grief & the stages of grief are not linear.

Please be kind to yourself & gentle with yourself.

Please consider contacting a hospice for bereavement therapy. They receive special training to help those whose hearts are aching from grief & will provide 13 months of bereavement therapy free to support you through the "year of firsts," holidays, birthdays, etc.

Hospice might also offer groups, perhaps for people whose siblings have passed on, perhaps even virtually.

I'm so sorry for your loss & the mess in your yard.

You might want to give Yale's free Science of Well Being class here:

https://www.coursera.org/learn/the-science-of-well-being?utm_source=gg&utm_medium=sem&utm_campaign=09-ScienceofWellBeing-US&utm_content=B2C&campaignid=9728548210&adgroupid=119657127259&device=m&keyword=&matchtype=&network=g&devicemodel=&adpostion=&creativeid=506816645212&hide_mobile_promo&gclid=CjwKCAiA6Y2QBhAtEiwAGHybPY36DRrz0Rx4992ZRrBj4fLqS0GGh-ervUQ_2WdG0j4aQZVuwU-_NBoC6iIQAvD_BwE

DUers who have tried it say they felt better after even the 1st video, which is available immediately after a very brief registration.

Maybe beginning to plan your new garden might be an uplifting activity that isn't strenuous.

I hope you feel better soon.

leighbythesea2

(1,217 posts)
14. It might be
Wed Feb 9, 2022, 10:04 PM
Feb 2022

Kinda normal, with mourning, to be tired, I'd say.
You may need some deep rest.
The tearing up of property, or remodel is always messy and unsettling. And a sense of not having control, too. Your friend could be dealing with unknown things in their lives? I find so many folks have unseen challenges these days--w the stretch out of the pandemic. I think of it as an uneven platform, then we get piled on by the universe, and there---you feel over wrought.
Most of all, you miss you brother. I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. DU is a good place to stay connected though. Give yourself some grace too. Sending hugs.

oldtime dfl_er

(7,009 posts)
15. I am SO SORRY
Wed Feb 9, 2022, 10:14 PM
Feb 2022

And yes, it's absolutely normal to want to sleep. You are truly exhausted, and it's the exhausted brain much more than the body, that needs rest. Take your time, take all the time you need, and slowly a sense of something approaching a semblance of a new normality will begin to take shape.

The lack of joy -- or even just balancing positive news -- is a constant in my life too. Every day for the last five years, I wake up to some new horror, either on a national or a personal level. So I have started to try to find smiles in little places. I start my morning by watching Jimmy Kimmel's monologue from the night before. I watch that Yukon Sikh dancing every day. I look for tiny moments, really that's all there is -- little moments -- of humor, joy or happiness. There's no balance, that's for sure. Five years of the insanity of the GQP, plus the pandemic, plus the personal tragedies that you're experiencing, are real issues that take a real slamming toll.

I hope fervently that with time you will feel better. I hope that for all of us.

ybbor

(1,605 posts)
16. I'm sorry for your pain and loss
Wed Feb 9, 2022, 10:23 PM
Feb 2022

Stay strong and be thankful for your husband and daughter.

I think a lot of us are struggling now without the added issues in our own lives. You will get through this and hopefully come out stronger in the end.

Hugs to you from afar!

Chellee

(2,219 posts)
18. I'm so sorry.
Wed Feb 9, 2022, 10:27 PM
Feb 2022


I'm glad that your husband and daughter are a source of strength for you. Losing a sibling is hard. Give yourself some time, and if you want to nap, nap.

Also, don't count your garden out yet. Several years ago I had to have the two cement steps between the sidewalk and the walkway in my front yard repaired. This necessitated digging up part of the flower bed on one side and part of the grass on the other. When they finished, the steps looked fine, but the sides were a colossal mess. I didn't have the energy to deal with it, so I just smoothed out the dirt, promised myself I would think about it in the spring and let it go. Lo and behold, come spring, most of the stuff came up just like it was supposed to, except for some daffodils which came up on the opposite side of the steps, and an iris which I definitely didn't plant under the tree next to the walkway. Although, they looked very pretty there, so I left them.

Time has a way of healing things, and even if they're changed, it can still be okay.

William Gustafson

(367 posts)
19. I lost my wife last February 14 of 2021, so I know how you feel....
Wed Feb 9, 2022, 10:30 PM
Feb 2022

That lost feeling you are feeling is normal. The feeling of just curling up in a ball and turning out the world is normal...I have felt these feelings for the last year and thankfully, I have learned to not be so hard on myself because I know I did everything I could to try and keep her here a little longer, but God had different ideas for her. The best advice to give you is .... Be kind to yourself. The pain will subside, but never go away. It will be with you as long as you live, but it doesn't have to control your life. As long as you hold them in your heart and mind, they will always be there for you. I have turned to many friends I haven't seen in decades, for support and conversations, and I am 67... even my wife's close friends have kept in contact with me to make sure that I am ok. You don't have to go through this alone, as you stated, your husband and daughter are supporting you... that is a start...but "Be Kind to Yourself"

As far as your yard, it will get fixed and back to normal... dont stress about it...
I pray you find peace soon and feel better.... Life is a short ride, so enjoy the ride and love yourself.


 

Hulk

(6,699 posts)
20. So many good responses from your friends here on DU.....
Wed Feb 9, 2022, 10:33 PM
Feb 2022

I read them all. Age is a struggle at time; but loss and the remodel can be even more of a burden.

Give yourself time to grieve. Give yourself time to regain your emotional and physical stamina. Time does heal. So many good words from people on this thread. Read them over, and maybe read them over again to be sure they sink in. With me, reading once is enlightening, but reading a second or third time often surprises me with what I missed the first time through.

Good luck to you you. Hang in there. It will get better.....with time and patience.

LoisB

(9,023 posts)
21. You answered your own question in the first line. You are mentally and emotionally worn out.
Wed Feb 9, 2022, 10:37 PM
Feb 2022

Both are as tiring, if not more, as physical exhaustion. I believe things will get better as time goes on. Sending hugs.

niyad

(120,663 posts)
22. Sending virtual hugs and vibes for strength and healing and endurance for you
Wed Feb 9, 2022, 10:38 PM
Feb 2022

Of course it is perfectly normal to want to sleep all the time. You are physically, mentally and emotionally exhausted. You probably feel as though you have been assaulted, gut punched. It takes time to recover, to heal. Take all the time you need and want. Be gentle with yourself.

So many good and great suggestions in this thread, I know that you will find some that will help. And, as a sister gardener, dreaming over the seed cataloges helps.

Your DU family is here for you.

cally

(21,716 posts)
23. So sorry for your pain
Wed Feb 9, 2022, 10:43 PM
Feb 2022

I found free grief counseling tremendously helpful when I was suffering such grief. In my state and I think it’s nationwide, hospice provides free grief counseling even if your loved one did not die there. I think it’s paid by Medicare even though I’m not on Medicare.

I suffered all consuming grief where I didn’t want to get up of seemed to have problems getting basic life tasks done. It helped to find out that this was grief and not unusual.

Hope you can get some assistance because it’s difficult to live this way.

gab13by13

(25,400 posts)
24. As the Buddhists say, this too will pass.
Wed Feb 9, 2022, 10:47 PM
Feb 2022

It is ok to feel the way you feel, don't beat yourself up thinking about the past and worrying about the future, the past and future aren't real. The only thing that is real is the present moment, there is nothing you can't handle in the present moment.

I used to constantly think about negative things that happened to me in the past many years ago and then I read a book, The Power of Now by Ekhart Tolle. His book turned my life around. Now, even little things I turn into positives. I don't wait in line at the grocery store, I enjoy the moment, even let people ahead of me in line, giving is a very good antidote for what ails me. If someone pulls in front of me in traffic I just smile, I am not going to make myself angry over something someone else does. The book is a short book, give it a try.

Finally, 70 today is not old, I am 74 and still play golf and not from the senior tees. I play golf with someone who is 90 years old and he is good, he even beats me quite often.

Don't listen to the thoughts that are in your head, your thoughts aren't who you are, you are the person who listens to your thoughts. It's in the book, give it a try, it was the best cure for my depression.

Dan

(4,156 posts)
25. It really hurts losing a sibling....
Wed Feb 9, 2022, 10:50 PM
Feb 2022

Sorry for your loss and may the memories comfort you.

CaptainTruth

(7,270 posts)
26. I feel you. I haven't been able to work for weeks.
Wed Feb 9, 2022, 11:00 PM
Feb 2022

I'm just exhausted. I can barely drag myself from place to place.

I'm lucky I'm self employed, I have customers bugging me to do work for them but I'm telling them I'm too sick to work, because, I am.

I haven't given up, I will never do that, but it seems like every day requires more effort than the last.

This is one of the reasons why I really like the DU Valentine's hearts week. I may only get a few hearts, but each one means the world to me.

Farmer-Rick

(11,538 posts)
33. I so understand that grief induced exhaustion
Thu Feb 10, 2022, 10:59 AM
Feb 2022

When my spouse died, I felt like that for a long, long time. Years in fact. Counseling helped some....took awhile to find a counselor that suited me though.

So, I developed a plan. Everyday, I had to do something. It could be calling about fixing the grave marker (it came in wrong 3 times) or just cleaning the kitchen. But I had to do something. I usually planned something in the morning and did it that day. After that, I could sleep.

What happened was I slowly was doing more and more each day. My to do list in the morning started to get longer. But it was a slow process.

Hang in there. I found myself laughing this year. Something I thought I would never do again. It takes time.

GB_RN

(3,217 posts)
27. My Sympathies...
Wed Feb 9, 2022, 11:11 PM
Feb 2022

If I may? As a medical professional*, and someone who’s personally dealt with (diagnosed) depression for almost 30 years, wanting to sleep beyond normal fatigue like that is one of the classic signs of depression to me. And given what you’re dealing with, it would be unusual not to have some level of clinical depression. A few visits with a clinical psychologist just for some talk therapy (aka Cognitive Based Therapy, or CBT) may do the trick. If not, another visit with your family physician or a psychiatrist might be in order: Sometimes a little pharmacotherapy is necessary to get you over the hump that CBT can’t quite manage by itself.

*I’m an RN, so I can’t diagnose, nor write Rxs, but I’m familiar enough with the signs and symptoms that I can make a pretty decent “educated guess”.

SunSeeker

(54,061 posts)
28. A death announcement on Facebook is not an invitation to call you. Call your friend.
Wed Feb 9, 2022, 11:11 PM
Feb 2022

Call your friend and set a lunch or dinner date. I am sure they would be happy to lend an ear or a shoulder to cry on. They just need to know you want some of their time. A Facebook post does not do that. People grieve differently. Some people just want to be left alone. Your friend has no way of knowing how you want to grieve unless you pick up the phone and tell them.

Your brother's troubles are over now. Now you must take care of yourself. Go do something you enjoy with your friends, and also spend time with your wonderful husband and son. Having a good husband and son is such a blessing. My husband and son are no comfort to me, they are just another source of stress. Take full advantage of the incredible gift you have been given of having these two wonderful men in your life, and enjoy their company.

If you still feel like sleeping all the time even after getting out and about with your friends and family, then I urge you to get grief counseling. You deserve to be happy.

ratchiweenie

(7,947 posts)
34. I agree with SunSeeker. A facebook announcement may not be enough. Many of us don't know how to
Thu Feb 10, 2022, 11:15 AM
Feb 2022

react when someone dies. Maybe give her a call and let her know you'd really love a shoulder to cry on. On the other hand, maybe she knew your brother better than you did and figures it's better to let sleeping dogs lie as far as his "bad habits" go. In any case, be kind to yourself. Do try to get out. It makes so much difference and if you can't then don't judge yourself. Just go back to bed and have a good cry. Every day if that's what it takes!!!

Tree Lady

(12,205 posts)
29. So sorry you are going through this
Wed Feb 9, 2022, 11:20 PM
Feb 2022

You are grieving the loss of your brother. Be nice to yourself. If you find its lasting too long in bed go for help. I went to group therapy after my dad died and it helped me a lot.

Bayard

(24,145 posts)
30. Give yourself permission to grieve
Wed Feb 9, 2022, 11:25 PM
Feb 2022

Everyone does in different ways, and sleeping is a big part of dealing with it, and the depression involved. Feel free to whack anybody that tells you to just snap out of it.

We are here for you, Wicked Blue. Years ago, when I had a different name on here, another member paid for me to fly back to KY from CA for my Dad's funeral. I was down and out at the time. Mostly out of it. He actually made the flight arrangements, and took care of everything. I don't know if he is still on DU, because I don't remember the name, or much of anything from that time, but I will be eternally grateful to him. (Please PM me if you remember being an angel, when I was Dodadem).

DU'ers are the best! Lean on us.

Hekate

(95,286 posts)
31. As others have said: you are exhausted by your losses. Take time. Do call Hospice & see if ...
Wed Feb 9, 2022, 11:31 PM
Feb 2022

…if you can get into grief counseling with them. They were a big help to my daughter and her 5 year old son when her baby died of SIDS.

I am so sorry for what you are going through.


BadgerMom

(2,990 posts)
32. Grieving is such hard work.
Wed Feb 9, 2022, 11:51 PM
Feb 2022

Of course you’re sleepy. This is tiring and aging. Please do things that comfort you. Sleep is wonderful because you can escape the heaviness you’re feeling. Give your friends another chance. Often people are unsure about how to approach you and what to say or do because they know they can’t undo the circumstances that have hurt you. Take your naps. Take your time. Be extra kind to yourself. Sending you hope for the future.

hippywife

(22,767 posts)
35. Yes, it's normal.
Thu Feb 10, 2022, 06:24 PM
Feb 2022

This shit's exhausting, and if that's what you need to do to cope and get through this for the short term, I'm not going to tell you shouldn't. However, if it continues, or you find yourself unable to face even small tasks, please see someone. Even situational depression needs treatment.

You have my condolences on all counts.

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