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Panic Attack at Bedtime

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Posted 7/15/2013 3:06 AM (GMT 0)
redface  I have severe anxiety and panic disorders. My problem is I also have insomnia. Every night at bedtime, I go into a panic attack as I can't fall asleep and am up till 3 or 4 in the morning. I see my family Dr. on Tuesday, but may have to see my phyciartist before my next scheduled appointment.

Anyone else have panic attacks at bedtime? This is my first post, so forgive me if this is not appropriate here.

Posted 7/15/2013 3:50 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Butterfly Bear and welcome!

All questions and concerns are appropriate here.:) (within the forum rules of course)

I am sorry to hear of your trouble with A/P and sleeping, but please know that you have come to the right place...and we are glad that you have joined us.:)

What have you tried for anxiety and panic relief so far? Medication, therapy, self-help...a combination?

If you could give us a little more information that may help us to give you some guidance.

Also, have a look in our Resources (main page, 1st post) See if there is anything that looks like it could help you there. We have a lot of good self-help ideas there.

You will find much understanding and support here among our awesome members...please give us a little more info, and I am sure you will be hearing all sorts of advise for your situation.;)

Talk to you soon,

Scaredy Cat
Posted 7/15/2013 4:41 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Scardey Cat!! I have suffered A/P for may years. I am in Therapy and I take Valuim. It just hasn't seemed to help the last week or two. I have other problems both physical and mental, that I will eventually post. I thought this was the best place to start.
Posted 7/15/2013 5:21 AM (GMT 0)
Okay, thanks for sharing more...

Hopefully you can talk to your doctor(s) about your increasing symptoms and discuss treament options/changes.

Until then, like I mentioned, see if there is anything helpful to you in the Resources here.

...and keep posting! I hope that you will find this a great place of care and support!:)

Talk to you soon,

S.C.
Posted 7/15/2013 7:15 AM (GMT 0)
Hi and welcome! I am also new and am finding this to be an excellent resource for my a/p. Like you I have horrible insomnia...pretty much on a nightly basis. It sometimes feels as though I am the only one in the world not sleeping. I totally know that is not true but it does feel like that at times. I take a klonopin for nights when I can't sleep. I also try to workout pretty hard during the day, relax a bit before bed, listen to soft music, read, my significant other gives me back rubs or soft caresses and that helps. Its a struggle that all about finding what works for you. This forum is also a great tool for nights when the sandman doesn't show.
Posted 7/15/2013 3:56 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome to HealingWell Butterfly Bear!

I am so glad you reached out and joined us here in the forum. I am sorry to read of your difficulties with sleeping  and let me see if I can help you out a bit. cool

Sometimes panic comes at night because we are settling down for the day.  During the day we keep ourselves busy with plenty of things to do. The mind becomes more active at night with "scary" thoughts about things we've done, seen, heard, experienced etc.  We also have the time to feel and understand  the emotions that run parallel with the experience causing panic. Sometimes panic results from emotions throughout the day that weren't expressed at the time that would've been more appropriate.  Not taking care of it then leaves room to panic about what might happen as a result. The old "What if?" thinking.

There are many reason for the bedtime panic.  Listen to your reasons.  Be aware of what you're thinking and feeling next time the night time panic rears it's ugly head. Notice how the panic takes shape.  This has worked to stop an attack at one time or another for me.

I had a night of little sleep and was still awake at 5:30 AM this morning.  A mantra that usually works for me is, " My bed is for rest, NOT for worry" - last night my mind was just jumping all over the place so I will nap this afternoon if I start dragging bottom.

BB, with a full blown panic attack  can you still use colored Crayola pencils on a detailed Disney coloring book? I know that worked for you in the past; in fact you even had me coloring but alas, I am still no Pablo Picasso. 

 

I am glad to know you are seeing your PCP today.  Let us know what we can do to help. I have gotten so much help here and still continue to especially with the biggest challenge in my life staring me in the face daily. 

 

If it is helpful to you, pray, meditate and go to your church as I know you to be strong in  your faith.

 

Share as much or as little with our members and know them to be kind and caring.

 

I wish you peace,

Kitt :-)

 



 

Posted 7/15/2013 9:07 PM (GMT 0)
:-)  Thanks for the reply and welcome Kitt. My appointment is tomorrow at 4 PM. Yes, coloring with my pencils still help me. Actually, I was doing that today to relax myself, as my therapist is coming at 6:30 this evening. I will try to post more so the member get to know me. I also will be posting in the Depression Fourm, and the GERDS Fourm.

Thanks for the support, love, and concern.

I Wish You Peace, Butterfly Bear

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