Panic Trying to Fall Asleep :(

Hi,

I am new here. Two months ago I started to have 'generalized anxiety'. It all started with a series of panic attacks I was having at night. I would fall asleep ok and then be startled awake just after, with pounding heart, sweating, really anxious etc etc. I am almost fine in the day (apart from starting to worry about bedtime in the evening). I have been seeing a therapist but she isn't doing CBT. I think its more psychotherapy and its not helping! Last night I lay in bed for three hours with bad anxiety, trying to get to sleep. When I eventually did, I startled awake a couple of times in the night and then woke with a nightmare this morning at 6am. I am really beginning to feel like I will never get back to my 'normal' self. I have two young daughters to look after. I feel like any stress I get I can't cope with now because of this sleep worry always in the back of my mind. My rational self says I'm only anxious because I am worrying about it but I can't seem to get out of the viscous cycle. I did have panic disorder 23 years ago which I managed to overcome with CBT from a therapist, but this time I am worried I am doomed Sorry for the long message. I am looking for anyone who has gone through a similar thing and overcome it! I need some hope on this gloomy morning

Hi
Sorry your struggling with this at the moment.
Like hibee i do mindful meditation. I do 20 mins in bed every night and in a morning.
Mindfulness is good for calming mind and body. A bit tricky to master at first .. but if you stick with it , It is really beneficial x
If you struggle concentrating or focusing you could try a guided mindful meditation for beginners .
You can find these on you tube.
Just type in mindful meditation for beginners and a whole page will come up.
Give it a whirl .. You have nothing to lose by trying and plenty to gain if it helps you.
You could try before bedtime to get you more relaxed before bed. I tend do put earbud headphones in a do it in bed.
Good luck
Stay positive and strong xx

Thanks for your replies! I am Definitely going to try the meditation suggestions. Inci you are right. I do have Some underlying stresses that kicked this all off so I will stick a bit longer with this therapist. Guess I was kind of looking for a quick cure. I need to be more patiënt maybe. I will try the meditation and deep breathing for starters. It helps to know that there are Some people here that actually understand What its like. Anxiety can be lonely When the people around you dont get it. I am not on any meds and hope to overcome it without But who knows What will happen. I am not against them just hoping for a natural approach first.

Thanks!!

Thanks so much SC. I really appreciate the links!

I still wake panicky, a lot of us do in the a.m. and also have a hard time getting to sleep. Sometimes I wake panicky in the middle of the night...I think it's very normal and it's like the anxiety seeping out of your when you're not conscious.... I just reassure myself it's just anxiety and I am ok.

xoxoxoxo