I’m jolted awake in the early morning

[Irishisme]

I recently got texts/ phone calls informing me that my adult child was in the hospital after an attempted suicide. The 2 weeks that followed were consisting of running back and forth to hospital, depositing money in her account and paying bills so she didn’t fall behind. I also slept in the hospital room with her because she would become combative when she would wake and not know where she was. Now I’m back at work and finding every little thing causes me anxiety and I’m jolted out of sleep to the sound of my phone ringing but when I check it I find I must’ve dreamed it. Has anyone else experienced anything similar?

[ACE135]

I'm sorry to read what you and your daughter are going through. To me, being woken up by imaginary ringing are signs of exhaustion and trauma, which completely makes sense given what you're experiencing. When I'm severely stressed and exhausted, I have experienced similar. I would suggest writing in a journal to help you come to terms with what your daughter did and to make sense of everything and anything that is troubling you. Drinking camomile tea and learning to meditate may help you sleep more soundly. I'm also doing breathing exercises before bed, which also help. I wish your daughter a full recovery and for you to have peace of mind and sweet dreams.

[Irishisme in reply to ACE135]

Thank you so much!

[Jeff1943]

What you have gone through with your daughter is truly traumatic but you have responded in a magnificent way and given yourself completely to the task of saving her life and helping to restore the balance of her mind.Is it any wonder that you have exhausted so much nervous energy that you are now experiencing high anxiety? You would be less than human if you did not.

Although you will continue to support your daughter you should now begin to support yourself too - with rest, sleep and the company of good friends. Do not neglect yourself: you have the right to switch off from your daughter's troubles from time to time. Distraction can be therapeutic. There is more to life than non-stop worry about a family member, you have a life to lead too.

I am sure that with good medical care your daughter will begin her recovery and the burden you carry on your broad shoulders will be lifted.

[Irishisme in reply to Jeff1943]

Thank you for the supportive words 🙂

[Hidden in reply to Jeff1943]

Beautiful Jeff

[Dolphin14]

Irishisme

Your reaction makes sense to me. The anxiety and fear with that phone call can trigger those dreams or thoughts of it happening again. I have this phone fear. When the phone rings I panic,

You've done a lot of leg work to secure things for her. Try and let the team help her get well. You know she is in a safe place.

Get some rest

🐬

[Irishisme in reply to Dolphin14]

Thanks I’m trying but my body and mind are still on high alert. I did change my ringtone to a harp sound now just in case 🙂

[Dolphin14]

Of course, this is a frightening thing and your fear is connected to that phone call.

Good idea on the ring tone.

[Midori]

I think you have become hyperaware, because of all the stress you have recently been through,

Best bet is to see your doc, but I can appreciate that It may be getting expensive for you.

I think when you're asleep, you are so stressed that you think the phone rings, but it is a dream, basically you are so stressed you are waiting for the other shoe to drop!

could you try drinking a herbal team such as Chamomile before bed?

Cheers, Midori

[fauxartist]

I'm sorry your going through this, no parent should ever have to worry about losing a child. You certainly would be unnerved and exhausted. I don't know if you do therapy, but you deserve to be helped through this truama too.