Panic Attacks In Bed

I haven't experienced any panic attacks in many, many months. But they have decided to revisit me this past week or so.

I wake up in the middle of the night, terrified. My eyes fly open. And I do not know where I am or *who* I am. I don't even know that I'm human. All I am is a consciousness with eyes. And it is terrifying.

Little tidbits of information filter into my brain, and I begin to realize where and who I am. And because I am on Inderal LA, I guess that prevents me from having the "heart attack" that one usually feels during a panic attack. But I don't really know....because I'm just a consciousness when it happens, and I'm not aware of my form or shape.

I'm not sure why this has been occuring. Do any of you have this type of panic attack? When my eyes fly open, I could be a cat for all I know!! I'm just a consciousness.....a soul....with the ability to look out. And I don't know where I am, who I am, what I am......I just AM. It is terrifying to wake up in such a state.

Have you found anything to help prevent waking up in this type of state. a panic attack already in progress??

Thank you.

Hugs,
Sandy

I have never had that happen to me - and it could be very frightening. But it also could be your subconscious mind letting you experience yourself as pure energy. Sounds hokey, I know, but, for me, I think I would like to see what it would be like - to be just there - not anyone or anything - just there. Try to relax into it, take a look around (inside the space) and let yourself just be - that might allow the panic to subside. Trying to fight panic is useless - flowing with it, looking at it, realizing that you are not in any danger can help (sometimes). Knowing the WHY can also help but if you are asleep first it would be hard to know what the trigger was. Probably a dream or a memory from the past coming back up to be released and free you from something that happened a long time ago.

<font color="blue"> Hi Mars,

The problem with "relaxing into" the experience is that I wake up already in a panic. That is why my eyes fly open....because I'm scared before I even open them. And usually when you open your eyes, you try to balance yourself by looking at your surroundings and just calming yourself down. But already being in a panic, and then not even knowing anything about person, place, time, being.....it just compounds the terror. Interesting, yes....but scary upon scary.

I had another panic attack last night, but it was the "normal" kind....woke up scared already, but I was perfectly aware of person/place. The Inderal LA helps to keep the physical symptoms to a minimum....but it does nothing for me psychologically.

I *think* I know why I'm having the panic attacks lately. I'm scheduled to go into our local food/clothing bank this week for an interview so that I can volunteer there. I had to cancel last week because I got too nervous. And again this week, I'm thinking that I can't do this. I was sooooo looking forward to being able to give of myself and my time, but I seem to be turning my mental health upside down by even attempting a reintegration back into society. *sigh* I don't want to spend the rest of my days sitting at home, but I can't even seem to be able to handle even a few hours per week of volunteer work.

Oh well, such is life.

Take care!

Hugs,
Sandy </font>

I just read yesterday that panic attacks can occur during sleep without involving any dreaming - so what has happened to you is "normal" for panic attacks. I wish you the best of luck in recovering from them. I had a major one yesterday and called my T who talked me through it and brought me safely back down to the ground. I think I am going to have my Xanax dose increased. I am also going to a pdoc this week for anti-depressants to see if they can help me. Now I have to "talk" to 2 people about this stuff and not just my T. Fortunately, I know the pdoc from where I work (he comes into where I work each week) and he and my T are good freinds and I have given them each permission to confer with the other. Again - GOOD LUCK

<font color="red"> Well, I had another one last night. I'm not really sure why they are starting up again. But at least this time it was your run-of-the-mill panic attack (fear), and not the out-of-body ones!!

You are so blessed to have xanax. I don't have anything to take for a panic attack. The doctors around here are scared they'll get their patients addicted! *sigh* They don't have much say until they've walked in somebody else's shoes, right? But...they have all the power. Such is life.

I have an appointment today for a volunteer position at the food/clothing bank. I've been trying to back out of it for a week....scared to death....but I think I'm actually going to be able to make it over there today. WooHoo! I can empathize with people who don't have enough food or clothing, and I think it's an absolutely wonderful place to volunteer. Now I have to screw up my courage to the sticking point!!

I won my daughter 4 tickets to see the new SpongeBob Squarepants movie!!! We have to go and pick those up today. More nerve required to get outside and actually do it!!

How are you doing today? Were you able to get your xanax dose increased? If that's what it takes to have a better quality of life, then go for it! We only have this one life...we don't get a second chance...and if that requires us to use medications, so be it. I want to enjoy this one life I have, not always be nervous.

Hugging you!!

Sandy

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My heart beats, my hands shake, my knees tremble and I am unable to react to what caused the anxiety attack. These attacks last for hours when triggered. It leaves me helpless, unable to respond to the stiuation comeing at me.

I have overcome my attacks by the help of a Labrador. She stays close to me all the time. I know she is watching and will respond to anything near me. I sleep well now, and without lights on (after years of leaving them on). There have been times that she has awaken me in the middle of the night at something going on. I am able to pull from sleep without having to fight the anxiety attack first. I now can respond with strength to the situation.

I hope this helps you cope with the anxiety in some way. Each person showing the signs a little differently to anxiety, and each one having a soultion.

Time helps a lot of people thru it, therapy helps others. Talking is another way people deal with anxiety attacks. For me it was the help of a beautiful Labrador.

So please dont think it will last forever. There is a right solution for yours too.

Wishing you the best.

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