Really bad night

[Gillyflower18]

I’ve been awake since 4:30 am. Constant anxiety. Went to cardiologist yesterday due to frequent palpitations. They have me starting on an event monitor this morning and I have to get and ultrasound done. I liked her very much and it is a women’s heart center but the whole thing is making my anxiety worse. It’s driving me up the walls. I’m so tense my body aches all over. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Nights are the absolute worst.

[Jeff1943]

You did the right thing going to see your doctor and having the monitor and the scan. But if you've been experiencing anxiety for some time it's highly likely that your palpitations are down to anxiety - it is a very common symptom of anxiety.

I have it occasionally buy I can always link it to some stressful event. I also had the monitor check some years ago. So I know it's anxiety and because I feel no fear it soon goes.

There's no need for you to worry and be anxious about this, you can be almost sure this is a symptom of anxiety. But by stressing about it you produce more fear hormones and therefore more palpitations.

So calm yourself and accept the palpitations for the moment. Accept them without fear. Use the breathing exercise to release natural calming hormones: breathe in through your nose slowly, hold your breathe for 5 seconds and breathe out slowly through pursed lips. And keep repeating.

Most of us here have experienced what you are experiencing. Your heart is the largest and strongest muscle in your body, you are in no danger. This will pass when you stop obsessing about it, it is the constant fear you are generating that is keeping it alive. So I say again: accept the palpitations temporarily, don't keep checking to feel if they're still there, let them come, agree to live with them for the moment.

There is no need for you to worry, everything is under control.

[Gillyflower18 in reply to Jeff1943]

Jeff thanks so much. I have a lot going on now with my SAD and my upcoming foot surgery. I got these tests so I could be more confident about the surgery instead of constantly living in a cycle of fear. I really need my foot done. It’s hard to walk a lot of the time and I don’t want to have to go thru it like I am now. I’m really trying but it’s very hard. I do find certain meditations helpful. I especially like ones with wind in the trees. I’m still working on accepting at the first flash. My poor mind goes skittering of in all directions. I think you’re right, the new Doc listed her diagnosis as chronic anxiety☹️. I can’t ever remember not being anxious, depressed or both at the same time since I was a little girl.

[Jeff1943 in reply to Gillyflower18]

Forgive me, I don't know if I have mentioned to you before that the Acceptance method on which I base my posts was first expressed by Doctor Claire Weekes in her first book 'Self help for your nerves'. Weekes claimed that everybody could recover from their anxiety if they practiced her Acceptance method no matter how long or how deeply they have suffered. Her method has helped "tens of millions" to recover since the book was first published 50 years ago and it continues to be bought and read today.

The above mentioned book can be bought new or used for just a few pounds/dollars on Amazon and eBay. The same book is also published in the U.S. under the title 'Hope and Help for your nerves." I think you will find understanding, reassurance and a path to recovery if you read and practice what is in this book.

[Gillyflower18 in reply to Jeff1943]

Yes Jeff I bought it because I read one of your replies to someone else. I guess what I’m saying is I still have problems just accepting that first flash of anxiety without letting it cascade.

[Jeff1943 in reply to Gillyflower18]

Acceptance is simple but nobody has claimed it is easy. One has to practice it with persistence and to begin with you may only achieve acceptance for a minute or two. This is called 'glimpsing', you can build on this.

Achieving acceptance may not be easy - but it is still so much easier than putting up with anxiety disorder. I wish you well.