Night panic

[Rango]

Hi, I’m new to the forum. I’ve been waking in the night with frightening feelings of panic and physical symptoms like a tingling sensation through my body, sweating and a fear that I’m about to have a stroke. It’s not every night but I’m scared of it happening.

I’m trying to rationalise it, is it Menopause (I’m 49) am I going crazy? I worry about everything, the health and safety of my 2 sons in particular.

Does anyone else have this type of anxiety? I feel like I need help.

doe

[geoff]

hello Doe, and pleased to have you join us, but what you maybe having are 'intrusive thoughts', these make you think of unreasonable and may at times be very scary thoughts that may come and go or are persistent.

Does this relate to how you are feeling. Geoff.

[Peppermintbach]

Hi Rango,

I hope you don’t mind if I extend a warm welcome to you here 🙂 I’m glad you decided to post.

Waking in the middle of the night with those symptoms sounds awful and very, very unsettling. I can definitely see why you would feel fearful and apprehensive.

I think Geoff has given some great ideas in terms of his thoughts on it. Sorry if you’ve done this already but I wonder if you’ve seen your GP about it. That way, you can receive an assessment, which will hopefully give you more of an idea of what’s happening. Just my thoughts...

I hope you feel comfortable to use this space to write as often as you like. You’re most welcome to tell us more (if you like).

Caring thoughts,

Pepper

[SherriO]

Hi Doe

I am 44 and also going through menopause. I also was having panic attacks at night. It would come over me like a tidal wave, not just mental but physical sensations as well. For me, it's best not to be alone while it happens. It often happens when I'm having hot flushes too. It happens when there is no reasonable explanation for it to happen which exasperates the attack.

For some reason I find being in the bath with slowly trickling water helps me. I also listen to "Weightless" by Maconi Union. I just focus on the sounds and try to breathe deeply ( my breathing is shallow when I am in a state of panic ) Sometimes it's 2am and it happens.

I think knowing that it is real helps. Too many GPs are dismissive of these issues and you can be left feeling like there's something wrong with you. ( not being heard )

Maybe look out for something that makes you give out a deep sigh - that may be a sign of something that is calming for you.

XXXX
I hope you find something that helps your individual needs.

[Rango]

Thank you SherriO,

It is helpful to know that someone else is experiencing something similar. I have been to my GP and had an ECG, bloods etc...which didn’t really show anything wrong.

He had suggested counselling and has prescribed medication for when I need it The panic disappears when I take it.

Next step is to get counselling...

Thanks again

Rango