i'm so sorry you are suffering.
i can so relate.
i wake up with my heart pounding and a thousand pound weight on my chest.
It does not take long for the "What-If's" to start in my head.

i try to do breathing exercises,i take a lavender and epsom salts bath,have tea,take a prn.
(Although i am guilty of coffee in the morning which probably doesn't help.Refuse to give it up though.)

i am sure others here will be able to help with some coping strategies.
i hope you get some relief soon.

I have the same experience. I find that it's because I am worried about all the things I have to get done that day. I have tried to use breathing techniques as well as a quick morning yoga routine helps. You can find yoga videos on you tube for free, anywhere from 5-45 minutes. There are.specific morning routines as well as specific routines for stress and anxiety relief. I hope that helps. It's miserable to wake up feeling so anxious.

Before you get up, before you start racing the thoughts, just breathe. Just stretch. Just be.

That moment you put you first.

When the sensations start, focus on where you are, be in the moment. Distract the thoughts.

Best wishes as you make your way to the balance calm.

I am never sure which is worse, the night or morning anxiety. When I get them both together, I know I am in serious trouble.

Keeping a pen and paper next to my bed so I can record the wake up anxieties as quickly as possible is one of my coping mechanisms. It helps keep those racing thoughts from escalating into even racier off-shoots. Breathing and stretching can be quite helpful, also.

Gentle support while you find what works for you, Dgerken. Every case is unique, but you are not alone.

Is this a bad time to complain that I keep misspelling your name like the pickle? I love sweet gherkin pickles.

I more often then not wake up like this. I try to start with deep breathing from the lower belly, meditation and exercise which helps me focus. Also like others have mentioned, I keep a journal of how I am feeling, what might have triggered it, what thoughts are racing through my mind, then challenge my thoughts and think about how I can improve my thinking. I hope you can find peace and calmness.

Arfie it’s is not a bad time to say that you have no idea how often that happens to me. Thank you for humoring me with that I really needed it.

The stale, old jokes seem to bring the freshest smiles during confusing times. There is comfort in the familiarity.

I have the exact same problem. When I awake I feel the weight of everything. Being recently laid off I have all day to think about it but it seems to ease in the afternoon. I stay up late because this is when I feel better. I watch a lot of mindfulness stuff on youtube and try to stay busy. I'm always working on my breathing. Peace to you, I am happy to share my experience