Panic Attacks Support Group
A panic attack is a period of intense fear or discomfort, typically with an abrupt onset and usually lasting no more than thirty minutes. Symptoms include trembling, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, sweating, nausea, dizziness, hyperventilation, and sensations of choking or smothering. Panic attacks can be very sudden, appear to be unprovoked, and are often...
Hello All,
I am new to this site and to this group. I appreciate that there is a space to discuss this issue and I am grateful for everyone's support.
I have suffered panic attacks for some years now (I am 30 years old) but they have become progressively worse within the last 3 years or so.
Within that time, I have noticed that I am awakened almost every morning to the horror of an attack. I have medications but I don't want to become dependent. Also, they make me so exhausted that it becomes impossible for me to be productive throughout the day.
I do notice that when I drink alcohol (which I do often in the evenings when I am feeling lonely and need an aid to get to sleep), the attacks are much worse in the morning. However, when someone is sleeping next to me, they are substantially less potent.
The problem is - I am a single man without a steady partner, so the part about someone sleeping next to me happens pretty rarely.
Does anyone else have an issue with morning attacks?
Thank you everyone for your feedback.
I am new to this site and to this group. I appreciate that there is a space to discuss this issue and I am grateful for everyone's support.
I have suffered panic attacks for some years now (I am 30 years old) but they have become progressively worse within the last 3 years or so.
Within that time, I have noticed that I am awakened almost every morning to the horror of an attack. I have medications but I don't want to become dependent. Also, they make me so exhausted that it becomes impossible for me to be productive throughout the day.
I do notice that when I drink alcohol (which I do often in the evenings when I am feeling lonely and need an aid to get to sleep), the attacks are much worse in the morning. However, when someone is sleeping next to me, they are substantially less potent.
The problem is - I am a single man without a steady partner, so the part about someone sleeping next to me happens pretty rarely.
Does anyone else have an issue with morning attacks?
Thank you everyone for your feedback.
I was just discussing this topic with another member on a different post. Anxiety in the morning is very common. I used to HATE waking up with any trace or symptom of an attack. I found out that the reason I would wake up anxious was because I would go to sleep expecting to get that anxiety attack the following morning. I never took any medication and relied on a book that covered a wide range of CBT techniques for anxiety.
Do you go to sleep hating/thinking about the fact that you would have to deal with the anxiety when you wake up? If the answer is yes, don't. You see. The anxiety will happen anyway. Why? Because your mind is already expecting it. Even if you don't wake up immediately with anxiety, you scan for any sign of it being present. When there are no signs, your anticipatory anxiety heightens. What's the result of anticipatory anxiety? Hesitation and worry and that ultimately lead to anxiety.
Basically, you have to break that cycle. If it happens in the morning, let it be. Continue with your normal morning routine but perhaps change your thought patterns? Turn every negative thought that pops into your head into a positive one. As far as being lonely, I can also relate. It sucks waking up without anyone sleeping next to you. How's your dating life? Do you feel like your anxiety would get in the way of meeting that special someone?
Anyway man, I hope this makes sense. I got out of a hella long shift at the hospital I work at and I need any sleep I can before going back in 8 hours. Stay positive and take everything day by day. You got this.
The best advice I can give you is to learn your relaxation techniques, they are absolutely essential and invaluable when you suffer from anxiety. They give you a degree of control over the attacks that is wonderful. Belly breathing, meditation and thought replacement are all things to look into and speak with your therapist about.
Also what Jeff was saying sounds legit too. The morning anxiety sort of turns into a self-fulfilling prophecy every AM. Wish you the best in your recovery.