Hardest mornings

Frankie7878

I've started feeling anxious the past 2 weeks. Out of nowhere I feel shaky and like my heart is racing. I don't feel depressed but I feel in panic mode most of the time. I'm tired and struggle to eat.

Sometimes all of a sudden later in the day or evening I all of a sudden feel about 85% better.

I'm doing breathing techniques, tapping techniques and trauma release exercises which sometimes help a little, sometimes make me cry which actually makes me feel better. I know I have past trauma and need to deal with it. I have booked in with a psychologist but that's 6 weeks away. So the waiting time is scarey because feeling like this is debilitating.

I'm usually upbeat and optimistic, however I'm usually the strong one and I guess I never make time for myself. This year has been particularly hard, adding in my father almost dying 3 times and me having to perform resuscitation plus I'm nursing my dog as he's in the end times. Just wish there was some relief.

sbella02

Frankie,

Thank you so much for posting here, welcome. I'm so sorry to hear that you've been feeling like this, sometimes those body symptoms can feel really scary. I'm sorry to hear about your father's situation and also your dog, it sounds like you've had a really tough year. Good on you for reaching out, that takes courage.

If you're finding it all a bit overwhelming and need to speak with somebody immediately, Lifeline can be really good to chat with. You can reach them on 13 11 14. We also offer a 24/7 chat feature on our Beyond Blue homepage that's really good too.

I can relate to being the upbeat, optimistic, "strong one". I also struggle to make time to give myself love and support. When you say you never make time for yourself, what does making time for yourself look like? Engaging in hobbies? Exercising? Journaling?

Perhaps it could be a matter of scheduling in some time to be with yourself, even if it's ten or fifteen minutes a day, to reset, regulate, and relax.

If you're looking for really short-term things you can do while you wait to get some support, regulating your breathing may be really effective. Things like squared breathing (breathe in for four seconds, hold for four, breathe out for four, hold for four) and even just taking a few really big breaths can help calm yourself down quite instantly in those moments of whole-body panic. Focusing also on five things you can see, four things you can hear, three things you can touch, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste can also help to reset your nervous system in those moments.

If you can, it may be helpful to keep a record of when you have these attacks that you can take into your psych appointment - where you are when they happen, what you're thinking, what physical reactions you're having, how long they last, and what you try to do to return yourself to a state of relative calm.

I hope this helps a little, please feel free to keep chatting with us if you'd like. We're here for you.

All the best, SB

Hayden

Hi Frankie.

mornings are the hardest because our cortisol levels get released at that time. This is our wake up hormone. You’re right, later in the day you’re 85% better because our bodies have time to adjust to threats. Definitely contact helplines if you need assistance in calming yourself. I go for a walk myself.

Psychdiaries2

Hello Frankie,

I am so sorry to hear what you are going through today. I agree mornings can feel all-consuming when struggling with anxiety. I have a bunch of sticky notes on my mirror of positive affirmations I say in the mornings to help me feel better and shift my perspective to the present. It really helps! I would recommend looking some up for inspiration and writing them down.

I love breathing techniques, they’re quite effective in panicky moments. I also find that repeating to yourself “I am safe”, “I am not my thoughts”, etc. is super helpful in staying in the present moment and calming yourself down.

What are your favourite things to do for yourself later in the day? I personally love to sit down and read or watch a movie.

I hope your appointment with your psychologist goes well. Hang in there until then!

Take good care of yourself 🥰