Anxiety Support Group

Anxiety is a physical condition marked by intense and persistent feelings of distress, fear, angst or dread. General anxiety caused by routine day-to-day stresses usually passes quickly and is experienced by almost everyone at one time or another. However, such feelings that linger over time and are very difficult to cope with, and which lack a clear cause, may indicate...

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Morning Anxiety - high cortisol?

kenznoel
kenznoel

My anxiety has been so bad in the mornings lately. I wake up like someone shot adrenaline into my body and I just think of all bad, stressful things. It VERY slowly gets better during the day and by evening I feel normal. Then I go to bed, wake up and do it all over again. I read that your cortisol levels (stress hormone) are highest in the morning which is why a lot of people are more anxious in the morning. I was wondering if maybe I just have high cortisol levels in general. I read that can cause high anxiety/depression and other health issues... anyone have high cortisol levels that affects your moods? Thoughts? Suggestions? 

Secouya
Secouya
Hi Kenznoel, people who have high stress emit cortisol which can lead to depression and anxiety. That said some people experience anxiety throughout the day and night. Is there something in the morning that brings on stress causing your anxiety? If you can identify what brings it on, you will be able to find strategies to eliminate your stress. I find that journaling helps get my feelings and emotions out and can also help identify what is triggering my anxiety. Do you have a therapist? They can help you identify what may be causing your anxiety and help you sort out your feelings. They can also help you with coping skills for your situation.

Relaxation techniques are key to those who experience anxiety because anxiety can make the body tense and mind overwhelmed. Meditation, exercise, hot bath, distraction and doing things we enjoy all help calm anxiety. Deep breathing from the belly also helps relieve the fight or flight instinct caused by anxiety’s tension. I hope you are able to get help and find coping strategies that can bring you peace. Best wishes.
arfie
arfie
I don't know anything functional about cortisol, but I do know I was able to flip the order of this daily progression by waking up an hour earlier for morning anxiety management sessions. I methodically inventory my conditions and start the day actively managing my symptoms, both mental and physical, instead of repressing them. Resolutions come far easier that way and by the end of the day I am calmer and able to rest more peacefully.

But that is me and every case is unique. Gentle support while you find what works for you.
Community LeaderMid
Mid
What works for one person may work differently for another person.

Like Arfie, I had to change the way I start my day. I do relaxation breathing and gentle motion to give me the better balance.

I know staying hydrated helps me to feel better when I have those "off" feelings.

Best wishes as you find your better balance.
Shamrock12
Shamrock12
Hi. I have the same experience. The mornings are the worst. I started having such GI problems lately that I can barley function. Morning are so bad dealing with the anxiety and stomach issues I think about the cortisol as well. I hope we can find some answers. Hope you are feeling better soon
brianwolfe
brianwolfe
Caffeine and sugar can increase anxiety symptoms in the morning. But low blood sugar due to a lack of food can make anxiety symptoms worse. If you go to bed worrying or wake up during the night with anxious thoughts, you are likely to feel anxious and concerned about your day in the morning.
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