Hi Peter,

You are spot on…my uncertainty has definitely moved in the direction of and resulted in depression, as well as anxiety.  I have struggled with both for most of my life.

I have received professional help for both and recently saw my doctor to share with him what I am feeling.

Your description of some of your sleep difficulties mirrors mine.  I actually bought a sleep sound machine several years ago.  Lately I have been listening to ocean waves as I try to sleep.  Lately I have been falling asleep on my couch with the tv on.  The tv seems to help distract me from worrying.  I wake up at some point in the night and I go to my bed.  The past few nights I have slept a little better, which is good.

I like the idea that often Fear is False Evidence Appearing Real.  I agree, but struggle with truly internalizing and realizing that point.  I have been doing some cognitive behavioral exercises when I write down my thoughts.  The exercises are designed to help me challenge my thinking and recognized distortions.  The exercises seem to help a bit.

I actually read The Alchemist a few years ago and recently recommended it to a friend.  GREAT BOOK!  I might re-read.

Thank you again Peter for your posts and suggestions.  I greatly appreciate them.

Richard