Waking Up in a Panic

Often lately, I start to get panicky as I start to nod off, or I wake up and feel panicky. I only got about three hours of sleep yesterday. I am having a hard time staying awake right now, but I want to get some stuff done, and I'm afraid of waking up in a panic. Actually, saying I'm extremely anxious is more accurate...I haven't actually panicked yet. But I can't settle back down without feeling anxious as I try to go back to sleep after that happens. I often wake up overheated, but if I try to sleep without the blanket and sheet, I either can't because I'm too chilly, or I just feel too warm, anyway. I don't know how to explain everything I feel. I finally get up and go out to the living room and try to watch some TV, maybe have something to drink, to hopefully calm down.

The worst is that I'm usually alone in the house when this happens, and my bf is going away for the weekend, and right now, I don't want to be alone for several days.

I don't have a problem falling asleep, you see, but the panic makes me afraid to go to sleep. I had this happen when a doctor weaned me off Paxil too quickly years ago. It was awful.

I wish I had someone I could call to come over and stay with me until I calmed down, but I don't. While talking on the phone may help, I often feel like I need to have someone with me in person. I hate this feeling!!!

(((((Maven))))))) I'm sorry you're going through this. It happens to me too sometimes. Having to be alone when it happens definitely stinks. My only recourse is to come here and post -- it helps to get it out some. I don't know what else to suggest.

I hope this gets better for you soon.

Candy

Thanks, Candy. I do use this forum to relieve anxiety and anger often. When I wake up panicky, though, I tend to want to get out of the bedroom, and I don't want to take my computer out there, for fear of dropping it or having it bump something, because then I could lose it, in OCD terms.

Hi Maven,
I feel bad that you are going through this...I know the feeling. I have days when I wake up feeling panicky and anxious I have been doing that quite often these days and I know it will pass,Take Care. Have a safe & pleasant Holiday weekend.


" We are one, after all, you and I together we suffer, together exist, And we will recreate each other.
-Teilhard de Chardin

Thanks, moonlite.