Insomnia, Anxiety, sFI

AndyBB · ‎25-07-2017

Hello,

I am 31 years old and had my first panick attack at age 23 but have had anxiety as long as I can remember. About 2 months ago I started to develop insomnia, not sleeping the full night or having poor sleep. I did some googling and came across something called sporadic Fatal Insomnia and now I think that I have it hence the symptoms match.

How do I get rid of the fear of sFI and how do I get rid of this insomnia. The insomnia is not acute, I am not like other sufferers that went nights in a row without sleep but I wouldn't want it to end that way. I also have fears of being rejected from work if people find out I have anxiety.

My life is pointless and I have accomplished nothing. Not married, part time job, no house, no car. But I have GAD, health anxiety, insomnia, fear of death, fear of dying young, social anxiety and fear of being killed by thugs.

Why is my life so pointless?

white knight · ‎25-07-2017

Hi Andy, welcome

You certainly have a bucket full of issues. Lets see if I can help out at least a little.

There is a danger in using Dr Google. Its a great tool I agree. Eg. I thought I had ADHD but had mania. Similar symptoms but far different in other ways.

So visit your GP, he might order a sleep study. I've had 3. I have moderate sleep apnea and use an air pump CPAP to sleep. Not only has it fixed my sleep issues it has extended my life span. Eg lack of oxygen.

Lack of sleep has spin offs, side effects not apparent to us. Poor mood, depression, frustration, and so on. Fix up the sleeping problem and some other issues can drift away.

As for others finding out you have anxiety. Normal people also have anxiety just we have it in an acute form that needs help to bring it into acceptable levels. So please dont over react about it. I have bipolar2, anxiety, depression and dysthymia. I dont give a hoot about others views and prejudices. Remember Andy, if they degrade you thats good, because you know who to avoid!

Set up planning your life for the future. Think outside the square.

I have a friend that was where you are. I suggested he join the air force. Well he joined the navy instead and it opened many doors. Another went north and works in the mines.

Below I've listed some posts Ive written relevant to these topics. Use google.

Topic: the balance of your life- beyondblue

Topic: 30 minutes can change your life- beyondblue

Topic: be radical

Topic: how I eliminated anxiety- beyondblue

Topic: so what are their mental illnesses?- beyondblue

Good luck. Repost if you feel up to it. Comment on those threads if you like.

Tony WK

AndyBB · ‎28-07-2017

Hello WK,

Thank you for all the advice and you are right. If I get rid of the insomnia all other problems will diminish. But how to do that? Saw my GP and got refferred to a CBT specialist. The CBT specialist digs around my past to see what causes anxiety. I want treatment for my insomnia caused by anxiety. I can't fall asleep properly and my mind is producing thoughts about failure, health issues, that I will die young, that I haven't accomplished a thing.

All I want is a good night's sleep and I can deal with the rest because I have done CBT before.

I have no Bipolar disorder, no sleep apnea. The only thing I fear is this damn sporadic insomnia.

I hate putting up with this shit. It's like a neverending tormenting situation that keeps me in limbo.

I am hopeless.

TMCMS · ‎11-05-2019

Hi there,

I did the exact same thing and now think the exact same thing! I have severe anxiety and also depression at the moment but I cant help but think after insomnia started a few weeks ago and then last night I felt I had no sleep but I did dream something I think. I'm 26 weeks pregnant and found SFI two nights ago and freaking out thinking I have it.