Hi Cyrano,

I really feel for you and I can definitely relate to this. It is pretty baffling to wake up from sleep and immediately feel those intense physical feelings of anxiety, even before any conscious thought takes place, and even when you know you didn't just have a nightmare. I go through periods where this happens to me. And I also have phases where I get unpleasant physical feelings of anxiety, such as the ones you describe here, when I get into bed at night. Some of the worst panic attacks I've ever had have happened in my own bed when I wake up suddenly in the middle of the night feeling like I'm about to die. Then again, panic can strike me at pretty much any random time of day or night.

With the anxiety on waking, I find that it usually helps if I get up right away, rather than lying there dwelling on how unpleasant the feelings are. Even though the feelings don't necessarily go away when I get up, at least I'm more distracted. The worst situation for me is when I get up, but I feel really ill. That makes it very hard to continue with my day, but, on the other hand, the last place I want to go is back to bed because there's no peace to be found there.

I just try and ride it out as best I can. And remind myself that the worst of it will pass. Part of my problem has always been that I react to the unpleasant feelings with more panic. I'm really working hard on that. The physical symptoms of anxiety are bad enough without me adding fuel to the fire with my thoughts.

For me it's important to try and reduce my overall level of stress and anxiety. My nervous system is out of whack so I need to do things that switch off my overactive stress response and restore some calm to my system.

I'm very interested in mindfulness and meditation practice and I do find this helpful. But it's hard!

I'm also seeing a naturopath and taking some herbal remedies (in addition to an anti-depressant, which I also take). And I make sure to exercise every day and I'm careful to avoid stimulants like caffeine etc etc.

Are you able to do any self-care like that? Is there anything you do during the day that brings you some relief? I really enjoy hiking with my dogs. And that's usually the time I feel most relaxed.

Sorry this became such a long and rambling response. I'm thinking of you and sending you peaceful thoughts!