Stress Center Peer Support

Hi All,

Long story short, I have suffered from Anxiety attacks for almost 10 years. Last night I woke up with my heart beating out of my chest. I got out of bed and got something to drink to take my mind off of it. It was pounding so hard that I felt like I was going to pass out. It lasted about 5 minutes or so. Is it normal to be asleep and wake up like that? It scared me to DEATH! I thought I was having a heart attack. Any feed back would help! Thank you

I was just listening to the second session cd and they talked about that, I forget what they called it but yes it can be normal for some people to wake up w/a panic attack.

Thank you for your reply. I have this fuzzy feeling in my head too...Its just all so scary

I get the fuzzy head feeling too along with a whole list of other symptoms. It's ok it's just anxiety and you can learn to talk yourself out of it.

I really appreciate your help!

I also get the fuzzy feeling, in fact that is the symptom that lingers the longest after a panic episode. Here is a website that will tell you step by step what is happening to your body with anxiety and panic. It was helpful to me to reassure me that it is only anxiety. http://www.nomorepanic.co.uk/N...php?nmppage=symptoms
hope it helps.

This was really common for me when I had very high anxiety levels. I would wake several times during the night with extreme anxiety. Using the relaxation tape before going to sleep helped a lot with this, and also making sure I was going to sleep with positive thoughts, and not worrisome ones that had been on my mind during the day. I kept a list of positive statements and read over them before going to sleep. This doesn't happen to me anymore since completing the program, so I know now that it was all caused by anxiety. Once you've learned the skills from the program you will be able to talk yourself out of these "midnight attacks" and comfort yourself.

Hi,

That type of panic attack is known as a nocturnal panic attack, and I used to have them so much. It's kind of like you've been going full speed all day with your gas pedal stuck to the floor, you go to sleep, but your body still has adrenaline built up and sometimes it will cause an attack when you are sleeping.

I found that when I dealt with my anxiety during the day, like Mary suggested, with the skills learned in the program, the nocturnal attacks also went away:). It's interesting that there have been a few times when I've almost had them since doing the program. I'm kind of between sleep and awake, and because of the skills learned in this program, I actually know what it is in my semi-conscious state, and I don't over react to it and fall back asleep:).

Take care,
luvpiggy

Thank you so much for the reply's. I really appreciate your feedback! The website you gave was very helpful as well. Also, I am suffering from scary thoughts that consume me everyday! I am always worried about dying and something happening to me. I just don't understand why I am so consumed with worry. I want my old life back!