Anxiety flare ups at night

[Tubbypuff]

I got random anxiety attacks, for reasons sometimes unknown, through out the day but find as long as I can keep myself busy they're usually pretty manageable. But when I get them at night time, like when I'm in bed preparing to sleep, I have a lot of trouble controlling them.

right now I'm having a mild anxiety attack as my partner is not feeling well due to a fairly severe toothache. Things like this can set me off, which is really annoying for me. I'm laying here writing this while shaking from head to toe from my anxiety. I try to breath myself calm but it doesn't always work. Does anyone have any tips on ways they cope through varying levels of anxiety attacks? 

thanks in advance for any advice

[PurpleShade]

Hi Tubbypuff,

Some things I've done to help calm myself during an anxiety attack is to find a positive one liner and say it over and over, I like the serenity prayer as it helps me to separate the trigger into logic and another useful tool I have is to play either relaxation music or a meditative speaker who helps me to go to a happy place. I have a few in my phone so I can play them anywhere with my headphones.

I hope this helps a little and your able to find your calm place

[Tubbypuff]

Hi purpleshade,

thanks for the ideas, I do have an app on my iPad that has relaxing sounds etc, I was going to play it last night but my partner asked me (kindly) not to as he had a headache from the toothache and I couldn't find any headphones. He ended up going into the spare room to sleep (or try to sleep) as he noticed he was keeping me awake (he knows not to point out when I'm having an anxiety attack as it usually makes it worse for me) and I managed to calm down enough to fall asleep without having to worry about if he was sleeping or not (I usually can't sleep until he is, so I know he's ok, on any occasion)

[Zeal]

Hi Tubbypuff,

Music is helpful. There are great relaxation mixes on youtube. I also find listening to my favourite bands and songs is helpful. My favourites are Sleepsong, Of the Night, These Streets, and Flaws by Bastille. Florence Welch (Florence and the Machine) is also great, as is Eric Clapton, and some Van Morrison stuff. Just good-quality, upbeat music seems to lift my mood and help with anxiety. Maybe this will work for you too 🙂

I read somewhere that humming can subconsciously make you feel happier, and have found this to work for me at times. Reading can also be relaxing, provided you have enjoyed reading before, and read the right kind of novels when you're stressed/anxious. Rereading novels, or even just random favourite scenes (preferably not crime, thriller, very emotional/sad books), is a great way to wind down before bed. If you've read something before, it will be easier to put the book down when you're tired, rather than reading on to discover what happens. Also, you won't have to focus as much, which is a plus at night when you're tired from the day.

I hope something I said has been useful 🙂

Take care,

SM

[Tubbypuff]

Hi SM,

thank you for the ideas! Last night started off much the same as the night I posted this, but I was able to put on some relaxing sounds for both my anxiety and to help my partner sleep. 

I always read before bed, and at the moment I'm re-reading the Harry Potter books. I have a few different book sets that I am always rereading which does help me wind down at night and I usually read them until my eyes refuse to stay open!! Haha.

i will try some music next time also. Thank you again 🙂