Dead of night anxiety
I've suffered with moderate anxiety for years, but things have happened over the last fortnight that have caused my anxiety to sky rocket. My kids are getting me through the day. I can't have them see me distressed, so it takes all of my energy to get to bed time. But then the worst is when I wake in the night, which I now do a lot. Everything that worries me takes over my brain at once and completely overwhelms me. My body feels so tight, like it's being compressed and it makes me feel so ill like my heart could just give out! Last night I had to try to force my mind blank and count my breaths, Every time I felt my mind wandering back to my worries I had to bring my attention back to my breaths and counting. It sounds so silly in the daytime but I felt like I was in real danger. Eventually I got back to sleep. This is exhausting.
@bookish2010 I feel you my anxiety has also recently been waking me up (after struggling to fall asleep) with a sudden panic attack and it takes sooo long to calm it down again- and with children under 5 it definately become exhausting.
Hope you are doing ok.
This happens to me also sometimes but all I do is pray
@bookish2010
I had a 2AM anxiety attack and I woke up with my heart racing, my thought process was somewhat confused. I am not sure why I woke up like this, I can't remember ever waking up with an anxiety attack. Although I have noticed an increase in my frequency attacks. I had to really talk myself out of it by using some new techniues I learned. But I still woke up this morning around 7 AM and still felt anxious. I really hate going through this because it seems like along with the anxiety comes my depression. It is frustrating!!
@sunnyZebra2336 It's awaful when it comes out of nowhere isn't it? Have you been under a lot of stress lately? Perhaps steps need to be taken before bedtime to ensure more restful sleep. I know I could go to bed a little earlier, and maybe forego the glass of wine!
@bookish2010
Thanks for responding! Yes, I have been stressed a litlle more than usual. I need to increase my meditation and add some additional stress releving techniques. And now I have to attend a funeral this weekend. My sister's 5 month old grandson passed away so naturally I am more stressed now than when I last posted. It seems like sometimes when one thing goes wrong it results in everything hitting all at once. But yes you are correct I really need to add some strategies to reduce my anxiety.