Panic attacks

[Marc12]

Hi

i have had varying levels of anxiety for the past couple of years with and without panic attacks. I had been doing well with no panic attacks for quite a few months. I still got the occasional moments where I was very anxious but could control it enough that it didn’t turn into a full blown panic attack. I have woken up during the night in the past and felt anxious but tonight I have had a panic attack that has woken me up in the middle of the night. If I was able to relax enough to fall asleep how has this happened in my subconscious and woken me as a result? I don’t understand how I could be anxious when I’m asleep.

my anxiety is always around my health I had a health issue a couple of years ago that I never got a diagnosis for it and still don’t know why it happened to me. My anxiety usually results because I suddenly feel slightly sick or dizzy or something (generally it is a symptom of anxiety) and then I think that something is going to happen to me again!

i feel like I’m stuck in a round about the anxiety symptoms make me feel funny then I become anxious about it, feel worse and get more anxious. It’s a vicious cycle and I just can’t get off it.

[Peppermintbach]

Hi Marc,

Your anxiety seems as though it can be debilitating, overwhelming and exhausting. Living with it must make things really rough for you at times...

I’m happy to hear you went a few months without panic attacks. I feel that’s huge progress and I hope you feel proud of yourself for it 🙂

I’m not sure why you wake up in an anxious state. I wonder if it’s because there is still some lingering anxiety near bed time. Perhaps if you re-think/change up your bedtime routine, I wonder if that would help? Just a thought...

Oh yes, anxiety can be a vicious cycle for some people. Fear of it can definitely feed into the anxiety...

I think learning and practicing coping strategies can help you manage the anxiety. I feel everyone is different but I know some people find mindfulness and grounding exercises helpful for anxiety. Perhaps this is something to think about...

Also I wonder if you’re receiving any professional help from a GP, psychologist, etc. If you haven’t already, perhaps this is also something to consider. They can help you find ways to manage your anxiety, which will hopefully give you some relief.

There is no pressure of course but if you feel like it, you’re most welcome to write more to give us an update, vent, etc.

Caring thoughts,

Pepper

[Croix]

Dear Marc12~

It can be a bit of a puzzle, waking to a panic attack. I've found I've woken up in a highly anxious state, and most probably its followed on from a dream. I can't always remember exactly what the dream was either. Normally all this happens when there is something providing extra pressure. Is there anything like that in your life at the moment?

Other things like noises can have a similar effect, waking me without discernible reason at which time anxiety comes to the fore.

Pepper's idea of changing your bed time routine sounds pretty good, as does the normal steps one takes to lead a life with as little stress as possible.

You did mention elsewhere you have a doctor you have confidence in. Perhaps you might mention it in your next appointment?

I hope the incident does not occur again, it can be extremely unsettling.

Croix