I can’t sleep

[babs04]

I really struggle to sleep because I get really paranoid and anxious. I have a major fear of sickness so as soon as I get anxious and feel sick I spiral into a hole of feeling awful. I’ve gotten up in the night multiple times to go into my mums room and ask to have a shower to try and calm me down. It’s really hard for me, I really want to be put on medication to help me because i’ve been to a psychologist and the doctors and nothings working 😕

[Sophie_M]

Hi babs04
 
We’re so grateful to have you reach out to our community tonight and are so sorry to hear about your struggle with anxiety and sleep. We hope that you find our forums to be a safe and supportive space to talk through your thoughts and feelings. Our community is here for you.

Keep checking in to let us know how you’re going, whenever you feel up to it.
 

[Lorakeet]

Hi,
I can't sleep either. You're not alone. I've managed 2 hours and woke up.
I often want my Mum too and a shower can be helpful. It can be very overwhelming trying to control the waves of anxiety and panic building.

[White_Rose]

Dear Babs

Hello and welcome to the forum.

Lorakeet A warm welcome to you also.

Being anxious is difficult and when you cannot sleep well it seems much worse. I see both of you find a warm shower beneficial. Have you thought of a warm bath with nice 'smellies' in it. You can lie back and let the warm water relax your body which will help your thoughts and anxiety.

What other activities do you both enjoy? When I am anxious I find it hard to read or watch TV. Instead I find something that needs my concentration such as embroidery. It helps to relieve the pressure of the anxiety and give me something else to think about. I was talking about this with my doctor a short while ago. She told me I felt better when I could start planning what to do as this used a different part of the brain and we do not feel so overwhelmed. I know it's not easy to do but if you can make yourself think about an activity, or plan to do something I feel it will be helpful and give you some relief.

Posting here is also helpful as many people have found. This is a safe place to be.

Mary

[Lillipilli80]

Hi babs04 and Lorekeet,

Anxiety and sleep issues seem to go hand in hand unfortunately. You are doing a brave thing by reaching out and sharing your struggle and know that you are in the right space to be listened to.

It's great that you have found that warm showers can help sooth you. While you are in the shower can you try to focus on the feeling of the warm water and sound of the water. Try to understand why it's soothing for you and then concentrate on that.

I can absolutely relate to anxiety interrupting sleep and I find that focusing on the present moment can help, when you find yourself waking up focus on the right here and now, and that is usually that you are in a safe place, in a warm bed. There is nothing you can do about the past and the future isn't happening yet so you are safe (hopefully) right now. Maybe you could also try some slow breathing, in for 3seconds, out for 3 seconds and repeat. Then increasing the breath length as your anxiety reduces.

Have you talked to your mum about how you are feeling? It sounds like she is a calming support to you. But we are here to listen whenever you feel up to sharing again.

If you are interested here is a resource from our website https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/staying-well/sleeping-well

There is another thread on the forum 'sleep anxiety' which might be useful to have a look at.

[leesy_lou]

It can be feel so defeating when all of the tools we have to manage anxiety fail us in the moment, which is sounds like what might have happened on this particular night. I hope that you were eventually again to get some sleep and that you are breathing a little easier today ❤️

It sounds like you have all the right tools in your toolbox so far and are doing everything you can to manage your anxiety to the best of your ability - well done! You are seeking support from us and your family, doing what you know helps, getting help from a professional, and now you are contemplating medication as another possible tool in your toolbox? Interested to know your thoughts on this, or any other tools you are using or know of at the moment!

[Whatsinaname]

Something a psychologist told me makes it a bit easier for me. You dont have to be asleep for your body to rest.

I found a bit of peace know that even if I'm not asleep my body is resting