Waking up in the middle of the night with anxiety

[Nlpreece]

I was diagnosed with GAD and Depression back in 2011, and after some relapses I stabilised on some medication in 2012. I have been reasonably stable since then, with a few low days but nothing I couldn't handle. In the last month I have been really tired i.e sleeping in and being late to work and then sleeping when I get home. I then got my wisdom teeth out (have never been under GA before) and I ended up getting sick with a sore throat and sinus infection in the weeks that followed. My partner then asked me to marry him on Saturday night, and whilst he is everything I have ever wanted in a life partner, I have been having trouble mustering enthusiasm for it. Then a few days ago I felt the anxiety creeping in and it has just taken over my life. I work up this morning at 5:30am and freaked out at the sight of my fiance in the bed, which led to a full blown anxiety/panic attack. I went to the doctor to readjust my medication and he happily did it. I am feeling better but am so scared of waking up again and freaking out. Help!!

[Doolhof]

Hi Nlpreece,

Welcome to Beyond Blue and to the community here. I have just read a post which is similar to yours, but slightly different in Depression by a guy who goes by mjm and his story is titled "What am I going to do?"

Maybe you could read his post and you could contact each other for ideas.

Have you asked your Dr for an appointment with a counsellor or a psychologist? There are many different ways to handle anxiety and mental health issues.

Maybe you could look up information here on this site and also on Google to find ways to handle and control anxiety.

I find the more I research and learn about a condition and how to get over it, the better I feel.

Having recently been feeling so ill has not helped you at all either, being tired all of the time and the illness from the wisdom tooth extraction would not have helped you at all.

Have you spoken to your fiancé about how you are feeling? He may be able to help you deal with your anxiety and anxious thoughts.

Hope this has helped. Cheers for now, from Mrs. Dools

[Nicangel]

Hi there. I can completely relate to what you are saying. I have anxiety every morning and I hate it. I would try to look at your fiancée as a blessing and try and calm yourself with that thought, rather than panic. I know it's easier said than done, but if you think he is the one then you are on the right track. I hope as you become more used to the idea, that it will not be an issue so much anymore.

I am here to chat if you need.

Nicole