Attack this morning

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-13-2006
Attack this morning
10
Wed, 02-21-2007 - 8:33am

I woke up this morning at 5:00 very confused and anxious. I thought I was still dreaming and my head was really hurting. When I finally fully woke up, I went downstairs and took some advil. After laying there for about 15 minutes, the anxiety faded and I was able to go back to sleep. I wonder why most of my attacks are upon waking, even if its an afternoon nap. Thankfully I didn't have to take an ativan, but I always have one with me just in case! Since I've been on paxil, the attacks are much less severe and are usually just a rapid heart beat felt throughout my body with some mild panic thoughts. (Sorry if I'm all over the place with this post).

Any thoughts?

Candace

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-04-2006
Wed, 02-21-2007 - 9:23am
I have had the same type of reactions--it is frightening and weird! The rapid heartbeat really scares me--I often get nauseated, too! I. too, feel that hearbeat sensation all over my body. too--feel like I get this weird pulse in my arms or legs! Sometimes, it has happened when I am just lying on the sofa watching TV or trying read, too!
So please know that you aren't alone in this experience! I know it can be scary!
Wonder, too, what creates this sensation in both us? Any input would be greatly appreciated!
Hang in there Candace--I totally know how you feel!
L
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-08-2005
Wed, 02-21-2007 - 10:38am
Alot of times I wake with attacks. Unfortunately for us with anxiety, our brains never rest. So even in sleep when our brain notices something we wake up very worried. Really the only thing that makes me feel better when this happens is to sit up for a little bit do my belly breathing, then lay back down and let myself know that I am OK and to try to go back to sleep.
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-04-2006
Wed, 02-21-2007 - 11:00am
Thanks for taking the time to respond and share that this, too, happens to you! I am trying to learn the deep breathing--often though, I think I "hyperventilate" and start feeling "weird"--trying too hard, maybe! Did you find deep breathing tough to master? Any tips to help get started and try to relax! I guess anxiety sufferers just have a hard time relaxing--even when sleeping!
The anxiety is a tough one to tame!
Hugs!
L
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-08-2005
Wed, 02-21-2007 - 11:13am
I still get very nervous with deep breathing. I'll flip out and start thinking I'm hyperventilating, then all is lost from there! Deep breathing is hit and miss with me. I've had anxiety/panic for 8 yrs....it is hard, but eventually you learn your niche and just breeze through it!
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-04-2006
Wed, 02-21-2007 - 11:32am
I so know what you mean!! I hate when that "nervousness" i.e. anxiety creeps in when you are trying to do something that is supposed to help reduce it! Keep breathing and keep trying! That's all we can do for now--I guess!
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-13-2006
Wed, 02-21-2007 - 12:01pm

The deep breathing does work well for me most of the time. I'm just curious as to why this rapid heart beat/fluttering feeling just shows up out of nowhere. It's not nearly as bad as a full blown attack, but I have to say it is annoying. I just want to tell my body to chill, nothing is wrong! (If only it were that easy)

Candace

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Wed, 02-21-2007 - 4:36pm

This is what happened to me - I was waking up at 3:00 am every single day with anxiety.

Sheri Ann

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-13-2006
Wed, 02-21-2007 - 4:45pm
That is a very interesting point. I don't wake up at the same time, but I will start paying attention to any noise I here when I do wake. I have been doing so much better on the meds. I just have a few minor issues now and then. Like the heart palpitations and sometime I have "brain zaps". I think that is what they are called. Its when I feel like my head, body & vision skip a beat and there is a very brief faintness. Are those brain zaps? Why do they happen?
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Wed, 02-21-2007 - 6:40pm

When I was first taught the belly breathing, I was all over the place. I just couldn't *get it.* The more I concentrated on it, the worse my breathing got. Finally, a psychologist friend told me to try the imagery along with it. He said choose a place where I had felt very relaxed & in my mind's eye, to imagine all the sights, sounds, smells, feelings of this place. I chose the ocean. Never once did I think for a minute it would work, but it did. I imagined the ocean. The sounds of the waves. The warmth of the sun & the sand between my toes. The sound of seagulls & the smell of the surf. It was a Godsend. My breathing coordinates with the waves slowly rolling in. Then, rolling out. See if that works for you. Choose your favorite place. It DOES take time. I can remember *cracking up* & giggling way more than I should have @ first;) GL! (((hugs))) jan


PS I can instantly go into belly breathing/ocean mode now @ the first hint of panic or stress.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Wed, 02-21-2007 - 7:03pm

Hi, Candace! I have been awakened from a sound sleep with anxiety & even a full blown panic. It's scary & hard to cope with. I guess what has helped me the most is to do my belly breathing & relaxation exercises. Focusing on the here & now, then trying to move past the *why's & wherefore's* of what has happened. It gives the anxious feelings & all those odd sensations too much power if I allow myself to dwell on them.


As Sheri Ann said, you truly have done so well. You have every right to keep your eyes on the good days & the better coping skills you have accomplished. I hope you move past this quickly. GL&GBU! (((hugs))) jan

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