Why does my anxiety get better at night

[Sophia1992]

So a bit of a backstory. I have a 14 month old daughter and since her birth during the pandemic i have had on and off feelings of anxiety however two weeks ago i feel like my world spiralled.

i was sitting and chatting to a friend and suddenly felt like i was going to pass out and panic began and i started hyperventilating. My friend had to call an ambulance and i had to stay for two days as they ruled out any serious conditions. Nothing major other than low iron, low vitamin d.

since the hospital visit i have developed a fear of passing out and my days are now filled with panic to the point where my husband has had to take time off to take care of our daughter. My anxiety seems to be worse off in the morning and better at night when my daughter goes to sleep.

I have started on anti-depressants and hoping to feel some kind of relief from this ongoing panic i feel during the day. I have never felt anything like this in my life. I’m confused as to why my anxiety gets better at night and worse the first thing i. The morning. Has anyone else experienced this? My doctor said it could be postpartum depression or even due to covid and not being able to have much of a social life. I’m so confused as to what led me to this point 😞

[Petal22]

Hi Sophia1992,

Wellcome to our forums!

Im sorry this is happening to you your not alone.

Some mothers can experience postnatal anxiety after having their babies.

Thats great that you have started on a antidepressant, they can take up to 6 weeks to work so hang in there.

Are you seeing a psychologist? A psychologist can give you many strategies for anxiety and how to manage it.

There are perinatal clinics available in some areas a clinical psychologist and a psychiatrist can run out of the same practice and understand these conditions.

In my experience my anxiety was always worse in the mornings and got better in the afternoon into night.

[geoff]

Hello Sophie1992, sometimes why your anxiety is better at night is because the phones don't ring, the letters have been delivered and no one hopefully won't annoy you.

The same happens when people are placed in a private/general hospital, the same happens and people are able to not have to worry about answering the telephone, which can be very stressful.

When I was put into a private hospital years ago, I was a different person, I didn't have the phone to answer and could refuse any visitors if I wanted to and all the meals were cooked, so it's a completely different atmosphere.

With your 14 month old baby, it may be able to go to sleep and sleep through the night which will reduce any anxiety, however as Petal has said, just be careful of having PND.

Take care.

Geoff.

[Gambit87]

Hi Sophie1992

At the height of depression and anxiety, my anxiety would be brutal in the mornings then fade to almost nothing in the evenings. Why? Because In the mornings I had to front the day, I had to work and have social interactions. However, at night I was at home, I was safe, My partner was with me I didnt have to worry about anything. Rinse and repeat.

With the help of my psychologist - my anxiety is 'almost' non existent. On the days when my anxiety is higher I can pin point exactly why and work through it.

I highly recommend chatting with your doctor, getting a mental health care plan and getting a referral to a psychologist. Best thing I have ever done.

[Baljit]

Hi Sophia1992,

Welcome to the forum and sharing your experience and feelings.

Managing anxiety can truly be extremely challenging and exhausting.

The majority of persons I have spoken to including myself is that anxiety is unique to that individual and we all have different triggers, but the feelings of an anxiety attack are very similar.

If you have not already done so, I would recommend getting a referral to see a psychologist, who will be able to assist with different types of coping strategies and how best to apply these in the morning before your anxiety levels increase. Basically this will allow you to take back control and manage the situation safely.

I hope this was useful and I wish you all the best.

Regards

Baljit