Time of day being a trigger?

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-28-2003
Time of day being a trigger?
5
Sat, 12-17-2005 - 10:10am

I'm just wondering if there is a particular time of the day that is worse for anyone or taht tends to trigger panic attacks or anxiety.

For me, the mornings into the early afternoon is the worst. That is when I have 99% of my panic attacks. I often wonder if it has something to do with the fact that I'm all alone during that time. But even on weekends, when kids and dh are home, I might have a panic attack in the morning. Mornings do make me a bit nervous now because of this. Which turns it into a vicious cycle cuz the nervousness turns into anxiety that turns into a panic attack.

At night I'm always fine. Infact I always feel very normal and productive.

Does anyone have any good coping mechanisms or ways to overcome this sort of a trigger?

Jennifer

"Oh, that you would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evi

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Sat, 12-17-2005 - 1:59pm

In the past, when I had a bad spell of anxiety, I would awaken with a nighttime panic. To me those were the worst. I would begin to get increasingly anxious as soon as it got dark outside & bedtime approached. I learned to follow a bedtime routine. Use my belly breathing & meditation as bedtime neared. I wouldn't watch any scary movies or disturbing news reports. I would read, listen to calming music & keep myself from getting stirred up. It wasn't easy & it didn't take the *anticipatory anxiety* away entirely. But, it sure helped.


You need to find your balance, bluemarlin_girl. Find what works for you. Is there extra stressors in the morning that may contribute to your morning anxiety? Do you drink caffeine in the morning? Maybe that is something

 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 12-28-2003
Sat, 12-17-2005 - 3:56pm

You know, once just a few days ago, I woke up at 4am with a panic attack. I didn't like it one bit. But I found it easier to get through than the ones I get in the mornings.

I typically don't do caffeine any more. Last year I would drink several cans of Diet Dr. Pepper a day. I was addicted. But I've since cut back on it. I might enjoy a Pepsi or Dr. Pepper a couple times a week but normally not until after noon.

The thing about the mornings, well, I've been giving it some thought and I believe that my house is also a trigger. My house, especially the bedroom and upstairs livingroom remind me of when I was so sick with that kidney infection. I need to find a way to deal with that and hopefully I can with the counseling I've started.

LOL, I bet everyone is out shopping. Which is where I will be soon. :)

Jennifer

"Oh, that you would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evi

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-28-2003
Sun, 12-18-2005 - 10:01am

Well I tried something different this morning.

I woke up with tension and anxiety about having a panic attack. A couple of my toes were feeling 'pins and needles' (which seems to happen to my feet when I'm anxious). Well I took maybe ten minutes and did some light cardiovascular. I went downstairs and just 'danced' around a bit, marched in place, got my heart rate up for a little while. I then did some relaxation stretches and breathing.

I'll let you know how this works. :)

Jennifer

"Oh, that you would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evi

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Sun, 12-18-2005 - 11:28am

Yes, please do share how it works!!!


Sheri Ann

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-22-2004
Tue, 12-20-2005 - 4:57pm
In terms of frequency I would associate the majority of panic attacks I have had to the morning as well just after waking up. I'm not sure if its freaking about whats ahead in the day or just getting disturbed from a calm sleep by a chilly morning when waking up and getting out from under the covers.