I need advice on nighttime panic and anxiety?

Question

I have been waking up in the middle of the night with acute anxiety and panic, and crying jags.
I have a history of depression and anxiety, and currently have no insurance to get any meds
I cannot sleep, even when I'm exhausted and try to take a nap during the day, I wake up feeling like my body is under attack
What can I do?

Answer 1

breathing in a paper bag is one thing you can do, besides you can see a social worker to get support or ask your doctor if they have samples, good luck

Answer 2

You need to understand the reason for your anxietyif you want to get control over it and that takes time and structured help. In the meantime try this; when you wake feeling anxious, set up beforehand a 'focus place', a bit like those Buddha or Mary Niches, you know what I mean but instead of any sort of Icon have a candle in a place where you can sit and look at it. Just have the candle as light and play some VERY soft music that you find relaxing. Let yourself drift for twenty minutes. Try It

Answer 3

I feel for you. I went through something similar and it makes facing the next day a nightmare. You have a lot good advice already but I can suggest one thing that no one has mentioned...it's a CD called the Delta Sleep System. It's hard to describe, it's not meditation exactly and not music exactly but soooo very soothing, comforting and gentle. I don't use it all the time but when I do, it lulls me to an effortless sleep and I wake with a profound feeling of well-being.

Answer 4

I have read some litterature about panic attacks. But they allways seem to have a more scientific approach and that is nothing I need in my struggle to survive those horrible panic attacks. This is a "hand on" and very practical book. I felt it was written to me. I am sure that you are going to feel the same.

Joe Barry writes exactly how I think. The examples are perfectly described. And the method is genius. I recommend this book and thanks Joe Barry for writing it. It changes your life

Answer 5

When you feel this way take long deep breaths. Breath in count to six and slowly let it go. At first you'll have a hard time just keeping the rhythm. After-wards you'll do better. Think of the love that God has, how He loves you and cares for you and you'll get a soothing feeling.

Answer 6

Warm Milk
Or tell your doc to give a Rx

3 Meds in Choices

Ativan, Trazadone, or Valium

Answer 7

Antidepressants kill your libido... it leads to health problems too. you should have considered something like 5-htp- natural and could help you, but no side effects. 21 year olds should have a ton of energy, naturally. marijuana will only make your situation a lot worse. i think you should reserach better about your health, the most impotant thing! also, stop antidepressants slowly! i can direct u to some links if u are interested. email me. i only read the first three sentances or so. sorry, it was a huge wall of text. lol.

Answer 8

If you cannot see a doctor, exercise. Exercise releases edorphines which helps relieve anxiety. If you drink alchohol, cut back or stop. Drink plenty of water and eat healthy.

Answer 9

CALL YOUR LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT, MAYBE THEY CAN HELP. IF YOU WAKE UP WITH PANIC ATTACKS HAVE A BROWN PAPER BAG CLOSE TO YOU AND BREATHE INTO IT UNTIL YOU CALM DOWN. IV'E HAD QUITE A FEW BEFORE AND THIS WORKS BEST FOR ME. GOOD LUCK AND TRY TO STAY AWAY FROM STRESS.

Answer 10

My heart breaks for you. I have felt exactly the same in the past and do still on occasions. I think you need a antidepressant such as paroxatine (Seroxat) which will help you greatly as it has me. Hope you get well soon.