Waking up paranoid/severe anxiety at night?

[VenusInFurs]

This is something that's been happening on and off for a few months now, but every now and then I'll have a night where I'll fall asleep easily, but I'll end up waking up feeling extremely paranoid. And it's not about anything in particular, I just have the general feeling of really bad anxiety, I feel really restrained and I can't keep my body still.

Sometimes when I feel I might finally be getting to sleep, my body will suddenly jerk and it starts all over again. I lie there scanning the room feeling extremely uncomfortable and scared.

This usually goes on for about 2 hours until I finally fall asleep, but usually after this occurs I end up having a nightmare.

This has only haopened around five times in my life, and I can't pin point what's causing this.

I'm feeling extremely alone in this and just wanted to know if anyone else has experienced this, and maybe even some ideas on how to stop it?

[CMF]

Hi VenusInFurs and welcome,

it is awful to wake during the night with anxiety. Anxiety in general is awful and debilitating.

you mentioned you cannot pinpoint what's causing it, I have personally found my anxiety has triggers but I may not realise what they are. Sometimes I do but it doesn't make it any easier.

Have you been to your GP as perhaps some counselling may identify underlying issues. Sometimes we have things that are so deep rooted that we don't realise they are affecting us. You say it's happened about 5 times, over what period of time several years, a year 10 years? During that period have you had any major things occur in your life?

You are definitely not alone. There are many of us here with similar experiences and I know others will be along soon to try to help and guide you further. I'm f you feel like browsing around other threads you will also find out about others' experiences.

do you have caffeine, sugar etc at night? These thing trigger anxiety and are best avoided. Exercise is also important.

A trip to you GP is a good start. Hope I have been if some help and hope to hear more from you.

cmf

[VenusInFurs]

Thanks for the reply.

This has only occurred over the past 6 months or so.

I think I might take your advice and actively attempt to get help, I've just been putting it off, as I'm almost embarrassed to get help.

You mentioned caffeine and I believe that could have something to do with it as I do drink a lot.

i also think it might have something to do with the amount of alcohol I drink regularly because I've noticed each time this happens, it's been after I've had a few drinks.

Thanks for taking the time to reply

[CMF]

Hi,

well it's great that you may have identified what could be contributing to your anxiety so definitely cut out the coffe and alcohol and see how you go.

dont be embarrassed to get help, hopefully you have a GP you feel comfortable with to express your concerns.

keep posting if you need to. You've found a few things to start with but definitely see your doc if it continues.

wishing you all the best

cmf