Sleep fear

[TMCMS]

Hi guys and gals, first time poster.

I have been an anxiety sufferer since 2015 ish but only recently I have been fearing sleep because I'm scared I wont wake up.

Tonight, I have tried twice going to sleep but have felt funny in the head between dozing off and waking up. The last 3 nights have been fine. I am also 25 weeks pregnant and have been 1 and a bit weeks off of medication and not sure if this could just be another side effect.

I will be going back on another medication in a day or so but I just cant stop fearing that I'm going to die in my sleep.

Please tell me I'm not alone in this?!

Thank you.

[Nurse_Jenn]

Hi TMCMS,

Welcome to the beyond blue forum. It is great to see you reaching out here for some support. Congratulations on your pregnancy and I am sorry to hear that you having a tough time with anxiety. I respond to several posts in relation to anxiety and physical health symptoms as it is really common for anxiety to manifest in the body. You are definitely not alone. If you use the search bar at the top of the page and look up Health Anxiety you will find many threads on the topic here on the forum.

I always recommend that you progress any treatment for health anxiety in consultation with a GP or Doctor. This way you can assure you get a physical check up. As you are changing medications, it sounds as though you are under the supervision of a Doctor already?

Managing and treating anxiety can be achieved through many means and I wonder if you have had any counselling for your anxiety? This could also be a discussion you have with your Doctor. There are some programs you could talk to you Doctor about trying such as an online program called Mindspot. It is program that teaches you a lot about anxiety and also has support available during the program over the phone and online. You can read about this free program by going here www.mindspot.org.au

Another method to help with anxiety for some people is a strategy you can learn called Mindfulness. Mindfulness can help you give rest to your mind and stop it from worrying even if only for a short time. It keeps you focused on the present moment so you are not worrying about the future or the past. You can read about Mindfulness by going to website (or App) called Smiling Mind https://www.smilingmind.com.au

During the remainder of you pregnancy and after you have bubs, you might find some support in antenatal or postnatal classes or groups which you might discuss with your midwife. Another great resource is PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia). You can go to the website https://www.panda.org.au or call them on 1300 726 306

There are many treatment options for anxiety and medication can be complimented by other therapies or strategies. Persistence and trying new ways to manage your anxiety is key.

Wishing you the best possible outcome,

Nurse Jenn

[TMCMS]

Thank you so much for replying, I am also thankful for all your suggestions which I am happy to say I am already on the road to all those things you mentioned. Just have to get the time to see my psychologist again. I see the perinatal mental health team at my local in June which is still a little bit away.

Thank you so much for your reply.