HELP ME!!!!

I totally understand what you are going through. I have had panic and anxiety for years and the worst of it has always been at night. Most of my true panic attacks happen at night and I end up with residual anxiety all day only for the panic to return at night. I think we can get busy during the day so the panic attacks don't happen as much. Also night is the time we are desperate for a break and want to sleep and a time we can feel vulnerable also so it seems to happen more.

My anxiety currently begins in the evening close to dark and it escalates from there. Morning some anxiety still and then by noon I feel better till it starts all over again.

I guarantee when you get so tired and you say screw it you don't care what happens because you just want to sleep that it will let up and you will sleep. Sometimes it takes that for it to stop. We just stop fighting and giving it power and it goes. I know that is harder than it sounds, yes I am going through it again. 2 nights this week out of 4 I did not sleep one minute.

The other night I had a song stuck in my head that I really like and it managed to keep the what if thoughts out of my head and I slept. It was like heaven. Sometimes you just have to do something different at night like sleep on the couch or prop yourself up instead of lay in bed the same way you do every night that you have issues. Change it up so it doesn't feel like the same set up for panic.

I don't know why we decide night is the time to think and worry about everything, I suspect it is quiet tie day. Can you listen to a guided meditation at night?

Try to watch a funny movie or show before bed. Listen to music before bed. Write a gratitude list before bed to have positive things to think about.

I hope it gets better for you soon. It will but I hope it is soon. I am going through the same type of thing. I have in the past but it always passes it just takes time sometimes.

Hi Ray,

I am sorry this is happening. ..there is nothing worse than wanting to sleep...and anxiety not allowing you to relax.

Be sure you are practicing coping skills every night before bed. We have great meditation videos... (be sure and turn your screen brightness down/to amber so as to not disrupt your circadian rhythm before bed)

...as well as the 'Stress Relieving Exercises' link in the Resources, that includes Progressive Muscle Relaxation.

Her is a link for Positive Mantras too...one of the most powerful tools for me.

anxietynetwork.com/content/coping-statements-anxiety

Wishing you the rest you seek!

S.C.

Hi
As SC says have a look around the recourse pages and see if there is anything there to help calm your mind at night.

I find doing a progressive muscle training in bed , before i settle down This really makes you notice all the parts of your body. If you need help there are plenty on You tube that do guided ones.

Then i do a postitive guided meditation for sleep that i usually fall asleep to.You have to try a few to get the right one for you as if it doesnt sound calming to you it wont relax your mind.
Everyone is différent , i like the visualisation ones that can take me to a beautiful beach or a calming walk in a forest.... But if you dont like forests that wouldnt do for you.

Good luck and i hope you get some respite soon xx