Im constantly plauged with anxiety while trying to sleep at night. I have it during the day but it gets really annoying when I am trying to sleep? I would like to stay away from doctors that dont have a clue or sleeping pills that are addictive do you have any suggestions?
2007-01-03 00:39:01 · 12 answers · asked by renew69 2 in Health ➔ Mental Health
I know how you feel, I went through a REALLY bad spell of this a few months back. It's much better now. Worrying about things makes it worse. I would find as soon as I put my head down and shut my eyes I would get a wave of nausea and panic. I find leaving the curtain cracked open a little bit to let some light in helps. I don't know why! Also make sure the room isn't too hot. This makes it worse for me. I try to concentrate on things that I enjoy and have to concentrate on if I feel it starting to happen. I play the piano so in my head I will go over the tune and keys and it distracts me from the bad thoughts. If you like certain music try to play it in your head or if you have a favorite film, think about that. Anything that distracts you really! I didn't want to see a doctor about it either because I don't like the thought of taking medication. The problem is still there when you stop taking the medication so why not find a different solution!
2007-01-03 00:49:27 · answer #1 · answered by claire 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have a number of options.
1. The most popular (but damaging) option is to get drugs like Prozac. I suggest you read http://www.antidepressantsfacts.com/ first before taking this option.
2. If you have a issue or problem with a certain event or situation or person, see a therapist and work through it, learning new coping skills. If seeing a therapist isn't an option, self-help books might put you in a better frame of mind. Plus, there are many books on panic/anxiety and also a free online course that you take over a period of weeks at http://www.paniccenter.net
3. If you have irrational phobias in an otherwise balanced life, try self-hypnosis-type programs like http://www.panic-anxiety.com
4. Calming herbs like valerian, kava-kava or special formulas might help to take the edge off, but don't seem to eliminate the problem completely. Valerian is good for sleep. A change in diet might help (avoid coffee, soda, sugars).
5. Exercises like tai chi or yoga (many libraries have DVDs you can rent) are helpful to calm the breathing and mind. You can do these, and other things like walking no matter what treatment you decide on.
A combination of the above is probably going to be most effective.
2007-01-03 12:09:19 · answer #2 · answered by Violet Pearl 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, try to figure out the source of the anxiety. Once you know what it is, you can do something about it. Then, take a few deep breaths and close your eyes to begin your meditation for at least 30 minutes. I would suggest buying some meditation tapes- they really help. I would also suggest talking to someone (a friend) about why you feel so anxious. I would not suggest any medication, except St. John's Wort. It is not addictive at all and it does work - I've tried it myself. However, it does not work right away. It may take a few weeks to really notice a difference, but it's worth it in the long run.
2007-01-03 08:58:34 · answer #3 · answered by Rockyb 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had anxiety bad at one point and refused to take medication cause some made it worse. For me it was trying to focus on things before i went to try and sleep like having a cartoon on the TV, or thinking about fishing something that was comforting. Baking and cooking helped, just keeping busy to focus for longer periods of time. It took me a full year to get better.
2007-01-03 08:46:17 · answer #4 · answered by HungryCalgarian 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. While laying in bed, begin with relaxing your toes, then your ankles, calves, all the way up to your scalp. As you focus on working your way up your body, make sure that you are physically and mentally letting the specific body parts relax. This should put you in a nice, calming state, perfect for falling asleep. If this doesn't work, you can try Advil or Tylenol pm. I don't think they are addictive.
2007-01-03 08:48:15 · answer #5 · answered by Summer 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I also suffered from anxiety attacks, especially at night. I read in a magazine to count backwards from 100 by 3's example 100, 97, 94 and so on. I finally got too good at it so I started spelling names, and words backwards. I also believe in prayer, so at the start of my little game I would say "God I am in you hands" and guess what?? Yes it worked. Try it, what do you have to loose?Anxiety!!
2007-01-03 10:10:54 · answer #6 · answered by Jo Anne M 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know how old you are but when I was a teenager I had pretty bad anxiety. The best thing that helped me was trying to forget the bad stuff, and only think about good stuff like cartoons and the Matrix.
2007-01-03 08:41:52 · answer #7 · answered by Hammy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe anyone who has anxiety should read but in your case, i would say you should try relaxing,is there something distrubing you, in school,at home, or a promotion you need badly, i believe you shouldn't get so worked up about it, try things that would make you relax a bit, or read some motivational books, and if it still persists, go to some one elderly around to help you out.
2007-01-03 08:54:54 · answer #8 · answered by monel001 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Prayer, meditation, massage. Ask this question in the Alternative Medicine category, maybe someone can suggest some herbal remedies. Best wishes.
2007-01-03 08:48:45 · answer #9 · answered by margarita 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You can try meditation but there really is nothing wrong with seeing a dr about anxiety.
2007-01-03 08:41:42 · answer #10 · answered by nease174 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋