I don't know what's up now, you guys are probably sick of hearing from me by now.
I didn't sleep dang near at all last night. Probably from the lexapro or my anxiety, but I'm now trying to relax and take a nap and everytime I close my eyes or start to finally get to relax I start getting bad anxiety. Makes my eyes shoot open and its starting to freak me out. Its almost like I'm scared of my own thoughts or closing my eyes. I know it sounds ridiculous but I really don't know at this point. I could always take an ativan but I feel like that might make it worse, don't ask how.. it's probably just my anxiety again. Has anyone else ever felt this way?
There was someone on this forum earlier talking about a similar thing when trying to sleep. Have a look at the recent threads and you'll find it.
Hi Lockerby.....Good on you for satrting the Meds...I can relate to what you are saying... I am terrified of my thoughts to the point that I struggle to relax...If i get a thought it triggers a panic attack. A few weekks ago I would try to sleep and would be jolting awake after 10 minutes pancking...it was awful. Take the Ativan if it calms you and helps you sleep...it wont make you feel worse...you have took them before...it worth it just to help you sleep....because am sure that lack of sleep makes the Anxiety worse.
Take Care x
Hello Lockerby.
I don't take any anti-anxiety medication, but I do suffer from diabetes.
Night time sleep is a hit and miss matter for me. Sometimes I can be wide awake all night.
At one point this became a very anxious and serious issue with me, to the point when I had to find a solution or drive myself around the bend.
Basically what I did was to realise that if this was going to be my permanent sleep pattern from now on, then I would occupy my time well, and that is precisely what I now do.
I sleep during the day when I want to, and at night I do useful jobs such as writing letters, reading, painting, or whatever takes my fancy.
I also took-on a part-time voluntary night time job helping people in crisis, which uses the time well.
I think the secret with sleeping problems is not to let it get you down, and if you are going to be awake when others are sleeping, then find a way of using the time/ peace and quiet, well.
Hi Lockerby
I suffer with sleep problems too!!! My problem is vivid dreams that make me scared to sleep. I have attended a local Charity Centre called The Sandeville Self Help Centre and they offer help to people suffering all sorts of problems in a very relaxed and Happy Atmosphere. They offer alrenative therapies such as Reiki and also teach self hypnosis which I have found helps me relax enough to get to sleep. Check out your area and see if they have anything similar close to you.
I hope they do as it really does help to control things not all the time obviously but any respite is good as I don't think the Propanalol 80mg I take doesn't seem to work.
Cheers and take care Xx
Yes I get this.
I often get this way when I have been meditating, analyzing myself throughout the day or attempting to meditate to get myself to sleep.
It's as though once I realize my mind has wandered and my attention isn't focused (like I am ALWAYS trying to watch it) I jolt myself awake (unintentionally).
What I have found that has helped for me is allowing myself to go whereever the thoughts take me, even if it I feel it isn't a pleasant place to go, because sleep is soooooo important for anxiety sufferers.
Maybe hopefully that helps? Allowing yourself to go wherever your thoughts take you, just letting yourself be, even if your find the thoughts unproductive.