Keep writing it out. You are sorting out a lot all together, so the more you are able to separate it, distract the usual pattern, you'll be able to find the calm and balance in the moment.

Last night I handled my restless night by howling at that big, bright full moon outside my window. That orb was so bright that the entire bio-web was suffering insomnia. On the nights I can't blame my insomnia on Mother Nature, I fill the extra hours with restful activities. Journaling is especially helpful because it helps me focus my anxieties far enough that I can set them aside long enough to allow for some restorative rest.

Praying with you to find the strength and healing each and every day.

Healing hopes for all. No exceptions.

Steadying support while you see your daughter through her crisis. Keep writing it out. It really can help. Hope healing happens here.

No one likes to hate their soul to a complete stranger, you aren’t alone in that. It is strange, embarrassing, etc., etc. However....., once you get past the first couple of sessions, it will definitely get easier. Look, there is no perfect person on the face of the earth, we all have problems of one sort or another. You can take that statement to the bank. That being said, you and your family are going thru a very difficult time. There is NO shame in seeking help, in fact, it is courageous to do so. Many people seek unhealthy ways to alleviate their anxiety, drugs, alcohol, etc. Those avenues never help, only adds fuel to the fire. You know all this, I’m sure. The longer you put it off....well that time could be better used going to therapy and working on yourself so you can be there for your family. I’m a bit brutal sometimes, but a little dose of just plain truth is good for all of us. Get that phone call made. We’ll all be here waiting for you, and we’ll all be ready to help you along. God bless you and your family friend, and prayers for your family, especially your little girl.

I'm just new on here but your post touched my heart and I empathise with all you're going through. That pounding heart and racing mind in the middle of the night is horrible because it so easily leads us into an anxious circle.

The main thing I found that helped me during a bad phase like you're going through now is that I tired myself out during the day by taking exercise. I'd be dreading the night ahead, wanting desperately to get some sleep but at the same time afraid to go to bed..

I found that exercising earlier in the day really helped. Nothing complicated, just taking a long walk. It seemed to use up any extra adrenaline I had kicking around my system by the time bedtime came.

You mentioned that you didn't have any idea what brought this on as you'd felt okay during the day, but honestly it's not hard to see how anyone would be buckling under the weight of all that you having going on right now. Anxiety is weird. Just because we think we're okay, we forget that so much is being processed that we're not even aware of consciously. There is no such thing as an attack of anxiety just coming out of the blue even though we might think it is.

You have so many stressful things going on . Your daughter's health problems for one. It seems perfectly understandable that your body is on hyper alert right now, working overtime to stay vigilant. But eventually, your body will let you sleep once it's tired enough and things will start to regulate again.

I guess that's little consolation right now but I've been in a similar situation a number of times and know only too well how that cycle of sleeplessness can lead us to worry even more about whether it'll ever lift.

I'll be thinking of you tonight and sending good thoughts your way for whatever it's worth.. Please be comforted that you're not alone and that many many people would be experiencing the exact same thing in your position.
Try not to fear your bodily reactions, distressing though they are. You are okay and you have the courage to reach out to this therapist. They will help you sort through all these different worries and start working through each of them one at a time.

I wish you well and will look out for you on here again to hear how you are getting on.

I think talking to a therapist would be a great idea. You are going through a lot in your life. No wonder you are having trouble sleeping. Even when we push our worries to the side, they are still there in our subconscious mind. Mine come out as nightmares, not so much insomnia.

Talking to a therapist is helpful because this is a complete outside person, who won't judge you, who you can tell anything to, and they have to keep it confidential. You get a new, helpful viewpoint on things. They are there to help you. There is no right or wrong thing to say. You aren't being graded, such as in school, and you aren't being judged. You can start by saying as much or as little as you want. Start at your own pace. They are there to help you. I really feel that after a couple of sessions, you will feel more and more comfortable and you will start looking forward to the sessions. Maybe there are fears or certain things that you can't really talk about to anyone close to you. But you will be able to tell your therapist. I've been talking to therapists off and on for probably 20 years now. I like having someone that I can tell anything to. Because sometimes you feel like there are things you're thinking or dealing with, that you don't or won't or can't say to family or friends. But you can tell your therapist anything.

I hope you will make the therapy appointment. At least give it a try. Never know until you go. I really think it will help you.

Thank you very much for all of your kind input and responses. I really do appreciate it. I’m going to make a phone call today to set up an appointment with a therapist. I agree with what you all have said. I’m sure it may start slow at first, but I’ll warm up eventually and open up more over time. Thanks again, everyone.

You definitely are not alone, so know that what you are experiencing is common. I agree with a prior poster that wearing yourself out during the day does seem to help me sleep better. It does not completely erradicate the anxiety, but it does help. Also, I notice that if I am engaging my brain too much before bed, then it is hard to shut down the thinking and the rumenating on tough issues that might be confronting you. mild temp shower before bed has also helped me on occasion. Good luck and keep a positive attitude that you will overcome this.