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Posted 12/10/2008 5:26 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Everyone - I am a 26 year old female who has anxiety disorder and depression. I was diagnosed with OCD when I was 15, and thankfully I no longer have symptoms of it, but the anxiety still remains. For me, one of the worst things about my anxiety is the physical aspect. I could be feeling calm, not worrying about anything, but my heart will pound and I can't sit still. The worst is at night... I don't know why but I feel really anxious around bedtime. I hate being alone in a dark room for some reason, especially when I know I will be trying to fall asleep for a while. I usually put off going to bed by wasting time online, playing games, and when I finally decide that I have to go to sleep, I turn my tv on low volume and turn my fan on so that it drowns out the noise ( i live in a noisy apt. building). Oh, I am on 10 mg of Lexapro and .5 mg of Xanax twice a day. Anyway, I just wanted to introduce myself and I am looking forward to talking to other people who actually know how I feel. :-)
Posted 12/10/2008 5:38 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Pennylane :)

Welcome to the forum. There are a lot of great people and resources on here :)
Posted 12/10/2008 5:50 AM (GMT 0)

Welcome Pennylane- im glad you found us, you are never alone with your illness here. feel free to share and know that you will NOT be judged or ignored, this is a place of caring and support.

Take care, Maz XX

Posted 12/10/2008 5:50 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Pennylane,

I relate to you so much about getting anxiety at bedtime - that is the worst part of the day for me. I put it off by staying on the computer too, and I toss and turn even when I am trying hard to get to sleep.

I am on 10mg of Celexa, which is similar to Lexapro, and .5mg of Ativan everyday, so we are taking similar meds.

Welcome :)

Ashley
Posted 12/10/2008 2:50 PM (GMT 0)

Penny

I'd like to extend a warm welcome to you on your first visit to Healing Well! To help you get the most out of the Anxiety and Panic Forum please take the time to browse our threads I am Kitt and you will be meeting many other members that share your problem.  You have already met some of our caring members.

I do not like to sleep in a dark room either.  I leave a small light on in the kitchen.  Can you put a night night somewhere near by, they are cheap and do the trick.

Have you been through any kind of therapy to deal with your fears? 

Keep posting to us and know we care.

Again a warm welcome.

Kitt

Posted 12/10/2008 5:24 PM (GMT 0)
Hello, Pennylane! My bad times were always mornings. But now I get a few difficult nights. I understand how you feel. What would happen if you had a small light on and let the feelings come? Try doing a relaxation technique and don't fight the feelings. They will eventually go away!
Posted 12/10/2008 5:29 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome to the HW anxiety forum
You have come to a great place

I also have the bathroom light on as I cannot sleep in total darkness
A fear from abuse when I was very young

I am glad you found us here and do hope you will
STAY with us

LYN
Posted 12/10/2008 5:54 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Pennylane

Welcome to healingwell you have chose a great forum there are lots of people here who can relate and understand what you are going through. I also suffer with a lot of anxiety at nighttime which stops me from sleeping i find that as soon as i goto bed a light switch turns on in my head and i get lots of anxious thoughts which stop me sleeping so i can relate to what you are going through.

My therapist told me that you need to get ready for sleep almost like a routine before you goto bed. I dont drink any thing with caffine in after 4pm and i only goto my bed when i feel tired, try not to watch tv or go online just before you goto bed as this could stop you from sleeping i find that listening to music can help to take my mind off things and if i wake up i get out off bed and listen to music again until i feel tired again.

I found that therapy mixed with the right medication really helped me might be something you could consider? also coming here has helped me loads so keep posting to tell us how you are getting on we do care and understand what you are going through.

I hope your symptoms start to ease soon my thoughts are with.

Take Care

Ben
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