I'm not me anymore

[Sandy1710]

Woke up today after a terrible nights sleep with terrible dreams.. I was so scared this morning I don't feel myself anymore I feel like I'm in my own bubble and I can't see things or touch things or speak to people no more. Is this normal? I AM PETRIFIED THAT I AM LOSING MY MIND

[Jeff1943]

Sandy, this was clearly an anxiety attack, whatever caused it doesn't matter, but do be reassured that you are not going to lose your mind, so many people on this forum have exoerienced this too, you are not alone. To escape from your fears you have withdrawn into a protective bubble, your nervous system is exhausted by fear and you must break the vicious circle of fear by simply accepting your feelings knowing they can do you no permanent harm. When fear comes just relax every muscle in your body, let it sweep over you and pass, this way you will not add second fear to first fear. So I suggest that for the time being just Accept the fear and eventually it will lose its power to frighten you and peace and tranquility will return to you.

First thing in the morning is a peak time for anxiety because levels if cortisol are at their highest in your body, this is the hormone which in excess can cause anxiety. You will benefit by drinking a mug of green tea on waking as this contains a natural substance called thianine that counteracts the cortisol. Also when you feel the fear coming use the technique of taking some slow deep breaths: breath in slowly while you count to 4, then pause, breathe out slowly whilst you count to 6, pause and repeat.

A talk with you doctor will be helpful and reassuring too, he/she may prescribe a short cause of tranquillisers, there is nothing wrong with taking meds for a short time but do continue to practice Accepting the bad feelings and breaking the vicious circle of anxiety.