My anxiety cycle

Hi all,

Since my symptoms of anxiety/panic/depression have pretty much settled in now, I'm seeing a significant pattern of how my days are being played out. It's actually scary how each stage of the day relates to the last.

So here it is:
6am: Wake up on a morning with throbbing heart, followed by needing the toilet about 30 minutes after, appetite gone. (No depressive thoughts)
9am: Anxiety attacks start, ranging in varied severity. Some just gut feelings, others full on dispair
12am: Attacks wear off, sadness kicks in, feels like depression
3/4pm: Depending on severity of attack, sadness wears off slightly. Very tired
6pm: Sadness continues to wear off, enormous sense of relief and normality returns. (even better if doing social activity)
8pm: Appetite returns, can relax more
10/11/12pm: Bedtime, still quite relaxed but worried about next day.
Repeat

So Im guessing the best cure is prevention, and I want to prevent morning anxiety. The few days I was ok, I genuinely felt that my illness had gone the night before. Does anyone here suffer with morning anxiety symptoms and have you noticed it being less severe by any conscious actions you have taken?

Im glad someone can relate. Do you have any days where you dont wake up anxious?

Ive had 3/4 days this month where the anxiety wasnt there on the morning, resulting in perfect days. I genuinely believed I was getting better. Im worried im sinking into a permanent cycle now. Im neither happy at home or at work, so im going to work.

Ox,

Ugh...that Cortisol! It is often responsible for morning anxiety. Did I explain this in another one of your posts? (I don't want to be a broken record...but it may have been another member) If you'd like to know more about this, then just let me know.

Regardless of the source of the morning anxiety...coping skills will help. Even if you have to get up a few minutes early...practicing deep breathing and Progressive Muscle Relaxation, or doing some meditations even before getting out of bed can make a big difference for the tone of your whole day.

With encouragement!

S.C.

Apologies for mentioning this before!

Well as usual I woke up this morning with the same anxiety. Well infact it was starting to come on as I went to sleep last night. woke up 3/4 times with the nervous feeling.

And yes Im a throw the covers off kinda guy, this morning I went straight to the gym and destroyed myself on the treadmill for 20 minutes. Ive had a better morning but can feel some depression sinking back in. Plus im extremely tired.

Interesting to hear your symptoms tune. My afternoons are a combination of relief that the anxiety waves have stopped but also very tired. A month ago before I had any of these problems I would have a nap in the afternoon as I've never slept well on a night. Impossible to do that now as I feel panic building up whenever I go to sleep during the day!

On another note, I tried swimming this morning. It's been equally as beneficial to my mind as the running was. I found that while I was swimming I felt completely normal. Would definitely recommend this if you get up early!