Nocturnal panic attacks? Or something else?

[Ghostangel]

A sufferer of depression for a long time but now some things new. Nocturnal panic attacks, feelings of complete dread, doom and sometimes like I'm going to die. I barely sleep and wake up afraid of being in my own mind. Why am I suffering this even when I'm switching off? How can I fix myself? I have kids that love me to bits I need to get control and not suffer this.

[blackcat64013]

Nocturnal panic attacks (NPAs) occur when night and fear combine to produce immensely stressful events. It's a terrifying experience and in my opinion worse than a daytime panic attack because unlike regular panic attacks, you can't even see it coming.

They occur between a half-hour to three and a half hours after falling asleep

The first panic attack may seem to appear "out of the blue,". It usually comes during an extended period of stress. This stress is not caused by a few days of tension, but extends over several months.You simply cannot wait hoping they go away on their own. You need to do something now to cure yourself of these panic attacks which tend to lead to insomnia.

The most successful treatment from a mental health professional, usually a psychologist includes a combination of behavior therapy and cognitive therapy. Medication if required, should be accompanied by other therapy as I found out - when I was treated with drugs only I relapsed once the medication was stopped.

We are here as your support group if you cannot find a group in your local area.