I see that this is on the anxiety board and not the ME/CFS board. I think either one of those things could cause a reaction like you describe here. I suffer from anxiety as well as ME/CFS. They often go together. And yes, I have had feelings like you describe here. I am often just doing something random like washing dishes and I am suddenly overcome by panic and there is literally NOTHING in my surroundings that would warrant that kind of panic. When that happens, I try to place myself in the present moment. I say to myself, "You are in your kitchen washing dishes and you are feeling panic. You are not in danger, but you feel afraid." I try not to shame myself for feeling what I feel. I just accept it for what it is. My daughter used to panic pretty badly but they gave her Zoloft and she is feeling a lot better. You should probably see if there is anything that might help. You are a dear. Much love.

Yes all the time upon waking. Scary isn't it? I just try to deep breathe and lie down. Tell myself I am ok and that its just anxiety. Have it right now. Peace

Omg I know exactly how u feel. Ugh it sucks

I know exactly how you feel. The anxiety hits and really have no idea why.

that is what I am getting it also ...terrified to things last year at this time I would of imbaresed ...but there are also so maney things they just get all rolled into one and it just stopes me from doing anything ........

Absolutely! Well maybe I can't say so much whether it is "normal" on a large scale but it is absolutely relatable to me and most seemingly "normal" people I talk to can relate to the feeling as well. This feeling like there is something impending to be anxious about but when you stop and think about it, you have no reason to be anxious... but can't shake the feeling anyway. When I find a healthy cure I'll let you know :p Until then I will just have to say you are not alone.

lol. Sounds like anxiety to me. :D Adrenal system cacking itself, basically. And you feel like you're in a horror movie, and everyone around you is perfectly normal and there's nothing to pin it on.

I think the first one I had was a dream, I was about five or six. I dreamed I walked into the kitchen and my mother was standing there... and I was terrified. I don't know if she was a witch or a good guy, but I'll never forget the dream.

Did you have nightmares as a child?

there are times where if one negative situation arises such as even the smallest thing that seems un-realistic can trigger bouts of anxiety for me. its not normal to the average person but it is to those who know what it feels like. you are not alone friend. its the constant battle many of us here dread but have to face. we're all here for one another. stay strong, dont give up and god bless <3

ABSOLUTELY if you are suffering from anxiety. I've talked about this with my therapist as well. It seems there is no explanation for waking with my heart racing and an overwhelming sense of dread (or sometimes depression). Ultimately, anxiety is the result of Emotion, Behavior, and Biology. We are pre-programmed with a fight or flight response. When anxiety kicks in, it causes our biology to go into Fight or Flight (and sometimes freeze - which is where you ultimately feel like you can't do anything - sort of like playing possum). Realizing this actually helps somewhat because you can explain it rationally to yourself.

I typically feel this when I wake up in the morning. Some things I do to help:
1. Set my alarm to wake me using music that enjoy so that I wake to something pleasant that can get me going in a positive way. If this is happening at other times in the day, music can still be very helpful as it triggers positive emotions (assuming you are picking music you like that conjures good feelings).
2. 5 to 10 minutes of breathing exercises - slow deep breathes into your diaphragm (stomach) and then slow breathing out through your mouth. Its amazing how it tricks your body into relaxing. You can do this anytime (doesn't have to be morning). While doing this, focus your mind on your breathing. Don't think about your day or what is going on - get into a comfortable position, breathe, and focus on each breath imagining tension being blown out with each breath. Sometimes you might even find that your mind starts to wander off like you are about to fall asleep...this is good...that means you are doing it right (or that you need to get more sleep :-)
3. I come on this message board and ready about troubles others are having. Empathy is an amazing healer to ones self. Others are struggling just like you and I and if you can impart wisdom onto others, you get a betters sense of self - which ultimately calms anxiety.
4. When it gets really bad, I write down how I am feeling and any thoughts that are coming into mind.
5. Despite repeated advice from my GP and my therapist, I resisted their advice to get more sleep. I like to stay up late and watch TV....but this is counter to overcoming anxiety. Your brain/body needs sleep to heal and reduce inflammation. My GP said to think of anxiety as a symptom of inflammation in your brain. That is not to downplay the behavior and emotional aspects but it makes sense. Sleep reduces inflammation. So see what you can change your schedule if you are not getting enough sleep and try to fit some more in. I have made incremental changes that have added 30 minutes to an hour of additional sleep and it has made a noticeable difference over time. Nothing is immediate so stick with these changes. I also chose to cut out TV before bed and instead read a book and once I start to doze off, I shut the light and the book and I go to sleep.

These are just a few suggestions. You could also look up Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) and the Safe Place Exercise.

sounds like panic attacks.