My anxiety is so scary. I can survive daytime, but at night itgets so bad i feel like i am going Crazy and dying. Heart racing, racing

[scaredlin]

Thoughts, no sleep. I have been to Dr, put on .5 mg of ativan twice daily.My problem? I am scared of getting hooked on this stuff. But it is the only thing that makes me feel normal. Help please?

[Hidden]

Hi scaredlin.

Welcome to the site. I know how you feel if the medication works then stay on it your GP can take you off it gradually if need be. Try doing breathing exercise breathe in slowly counting to four, then hold your breath for another count of four and then breathe out slowly as if you are blowing out a candle I found that this helps to slow down your heart rate. Please keep posting on here you will find lots of advice and support.

Kenny-w

[scaredlin]

Thank u for responding. I feel so alone, im glad i found this site. Noone seems to understand. This is réal and scary. I guess i just dont understand why?? I dont know why médication is the only thing that helps. I just want to feel normal ahain.

[Hidden]

Afternoon Scaredlin.

Sorry to hear you are struggling at night time.

It's not nice when are mind goes into over drive and sets are heart racing etc. can I ask you when this fear of night time started? Are you getting any other support from your doctor?

I am sure your doctor will keep an eye on your meds so you don't get hooked on them. If they help in the mean time that's good.

[scaredlin in reply to Hidden]

Thank u gardenertwo. I responded, not sûre i did it in the right place. Its nice to know I am not alone.

[Hidden]

If you keep posting on here you will find an abundance of friendly like minded people ready to help. We all are or have suffered with anxiety in many different forms so can emphasise with you. It is hard but you will get relief.

Kenny-w

[scaredlin in reply to Hidden]

Thank u kenny. I already feel à little better knowing and seeing How many others add suffering too.

[scaredlin]

My fear of night happened shortly after the death of à good friend. I believe this is what triggered it. I was having bad dreams about my friend, and so I got really nervous at night. Now its just out of control. My Dr has recommended therapy. I have always been an extrême worrier, it just seems à little out of control now. I just feel on edge always.

[Hidden in reply to scaredlin]

I agree with Kenny, with regards therapy it has helped loads of people on here.

[scaredlin in reply to Hidden]

Thanks.i just get anxious at the thought of à Dr. Not good at expressing myself face to face. Ive always been kindof nervous around drs. The one i have now is the only one i have ever felt comfortable with.

[Hidden]

Don't be scared of therapy it has helped so many of us to understand what is going on and I believe you would benefit from it.

[scaredlin]

Thank you. This helps to know I am not alone. My group of friends and family do not understand so this is nice to not feel completely alone.

[mallet-head]

Hi scaredin,

Sorry to hear you are suffering so at the moment! The cause of the racing heart is most likely the adrenalin released into the body as part of the "fight or flight" response we have to what the mind perceives to be a threatening situation of some sort. The slow deep breathing that Lenny suggests can really help, as it kicks off the "para-sympathetic" nervous system to counteract the initial adrenalin rush.

Counselling will certainly help too! "A problem shared is a problem halved" is an old saying, but never more true when it comes to having the opportunity to tell someone exactly how you feel without them sitting in judgement.

The Ativan will help short term but your GP should monitor the length of time and dose you take to avoid any problems with dependency. A lot more is known about these drugs today compared to when they were first introduced, so those problems are avoided.

I too am severely stressed at the moment. I am due to have some keyhole heart surgery in a couple of weeks and need to work up my courage to get to the hospital! It is a bit of a catch22! I am using deep diaphragmatic breathing and progressive muscle relaxation techniques to get me off to sleep at night, and again in the morning before getting up. Thus I start my day as relaxed as I can be, then I try to stay "present" i.e. Concentrating on what is actually happening around me rather than letting my mind run riot on what MIGHT happen. Sometimes easier said than done!

Hopefully you have a little "food for thought" here and maybe things you could discuss with your counsellor. Very best of luck and stay well,

Mallet-head