Do any of you tend to have panic attacks at night?

Usually that's when I have mine. At least, I used to have them a lot more at night when I didn't know what they were and thought I was dying or having mini heart attacks. It was harrowing to have to go through that alone...once at college, I was so afraid I thought I was having an allergic reaction so I called 911 and went to the hospital...in an ambulance.

I guess I just get tired, and all the odd or extreme thoughts my daytime mind would have discarded just began flowing uncontrollably. Or I'd just be panicked because I tend to be unable to sleep on nights when it's most important for me to get up early the next day well rested.

The worst thing is when there's no one to help you. I wonder what I'll do when I move out of my parents house? At college I was helpless. At least now I know what's happening...but what do you all do to stop the panic attack? And how do you calm down after?

[lpstaub31]

When I am having a panic attack, I have to keep reminding myself that it is JUST a panic attack - it almost becomes a meditative mantra that I say over and over. I also keep reminding myself that it WILL pass...because it always does. If it doesn't go away as fast as you want it to, don't get mad at yourself because your panic will only increase. Let the panic attack take the time that it is going to take - just keep reminding yourself that in the grand scheme of things it doesn't last very long.

I found that just doing this decreases how often I actually have panic attacks. By decreasing my anxiety during panic attacks, my anxiety about HAVING panic attacks decreases, and so the amount of panic attacks I actually do have decreases. It's kind of funny how that works out...

[ManOfConstantSorrow]

Yes, I had a very similar thing, but when I first left home, and indeed I had to see the doctor who gave me some pills. They did not work very well but that was 40 years ago so things have come on since.

It passes and you learn to live with the natural and completely understandable anxieties of living your own life, away from the nest and being aware of your own mortality. Don't let it interfere with the freedom and energy of your one and only youth! Hope this helps.

[CosmicRose]

Yeah for some reason my anxiety heightens at night. I think this is due to the fact that everything is quieter at night and we have more time to contemplate or think about our past and future. During the day we're busy doing things, or have other things on our mind that are preoccupying us, but at night everything sort of crashes down on us. Anxieties about the next day, or having trouble sleeping, or waking up in a cold sweat at night are all things that happen at night because the brain is trying to relax when you're stressed out.
My first panic attack happened at night and I also had to call 911. I was convinced I was having an allergic reaction too.

[mannasat81]

Night is the worst for panic attacks...I think it's because there's less distractions. During the day I think I am comforted more. Night is when I have too much time to think. And it doesn't help that I have been having trouble sleeping. Bought some sleep aid pills, but they make me have restless leg syndrome so I can't even take those.
So when I feel my panic taking over, I remind myself that it is a panic attack. I have to distract myself from it. I do that by getting on the computer, playing games, drawing, coloring, or talking to a friend (usually through text). My husband is great at talking me down if they get too intense. If they get to where I want to go to the ER, I take an Ativan, remind myself it is going to take time to kick in, and proceed to try to distract myself.
Once it is over, and I have to say it's been at night recently, then I have to keep with my distraction until I am too tired to think anymore. And since my hubby has to sleep with the tv on, I make sure there is something I find funny on, that way I am falling asleep with comedy on the brain.
In time you will learn what helps you cope and distract. I strongly recommend seeing a doctor and a therapist if you aren't already.