Morning Anxiety

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-10-2005
Morning Anxiety
3
Tue, 01-17-2006 - 10:36am

I am wondering what people do to deal with Morning Anxiety?

I have suffered with anxiety all my life in some way, but since October I have been dealing with major anxiety attacks in the morning. I wake up and instantly get panicky, feel sick, can't stop the thought process, cannot get back to sleep. It is like clockwork that is happens around 4:30am or 5am and I just want to SLEEP!!! Sometimes when I get up I actually vomit it is so bad - that has happened often over the last week or so.

I have tried breathing and talking myself out of it and it just seems that I feel fine for a second and then dip back in to it again or I cannot talk myself out of it at all. It is horrible - I just sit there thinking I want to die this is so painful and annoying. The anxiety sometimes will go away a few hours later or will set in for generalized anxiety throughout the day.

I am not on any medication because my dh and I are thinking about another child so I went off meds this past summer. I really was fine until the fall. I do have ativan, but my doctor said she suggests it only be used once a week for issues. If I need it more than once a week, she said I need more daily meds. But...the whole pregnancy thing is the issue.

I had complications with my son during pregnancy - gestational diabetes, lots of tests, etc. Sometimes I wonder if perhaps this is what is causing the anxiety - that I could go through that all again. Not sure.

I have had this morning anxiety come and go - so I know it can stop. Just wondering if anyone has used any particular techniques or had ideas for me?

Thanks much!!!!

-Jenn

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-17-2001
Tue, 01-17-2006 - 10:59am

I used to have severe morning anxiety.. I used to take a klonopin and then go back to bed and let it work..


In your case maybe you could try.. counting.. that helps you to really concentrate on something else. Also belly breathing is great... what about reading

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Tue, 01-17-2006 - 11:33am

I have had morning anxiety, also.

Sheri Ann

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Tue, 01-17-2006 - 11:49am

This is a tough one, Jenn. My anxiety was in the evenings. I would begin to panic when it was getting dark & I knew bedtime was coming. I would awaken after short periods of sleep with awful PA's, so it terrified me to think of getting through another night.


Following a routine was very important. I tried not to allow things to upset me close to bedtime. I drank a cup of herbal tea. Read a good book. Took a warm bath. All the while doing my belly breathing. I'm thinking you could try this in reverse. Have everything in order to follow it step by step when you awaken. Immediately begin to breathe, drink a cup of tea, take a warm bath. Have you tried putting a personal CD player by your bed with relaxing music or positive affirmations that you could put on as soon as you awaken? Try meditating? Some people like the imagery type. You imagine your favorite place, where you felt relaxed & @ peace. Create that place in your mind. Imagine the sights, smells, sounds & even how things feel. For example, if you chose the beach as your place, you feel the warmth of the sun on your body & the sand between your toes. Just let yourself go. Don't fight it. Imagine the anxiety flowing through you or even over you. Pay it no mind.


I know how important it is to you about a med free pregnancy. I would want that as well. However, if you're having a tough time, maybe getting yourself well should be your priority. Maybe meds for now to get you in balance for pregnancy @ a later time? They are just a tool. You don't have to take them forever. I have had PA's for 35+ years & I have had many med free years. In fact, I am going on 3 years without an SSRI. But, knowing my condition is a permanent one, I don't try to fool myself that I won't take meds again. Sending P&PT's your way. Good luck! (((hugs))) jan