Morning panic attacks?

Question

Recently, I have been experiencing mild panic attacks when I wake up in the morning. My mind races through all the things that are giving me anxiety; i.e - my job, finances, time, etc and I just lie there, half awake and my heart starts pounding. It's a very sick feeling and I want to get rid of my anxiety, but I don't know where to begin. And please don't suggest medication because I can't afford it.

Answer 1

I use to have panic attacks, some severe. I think I went two years that I had them everyday, some days it seemed like I would have them all day long.

I never did see a doctor, but I read up on them, what can cause them and what you can do to help re-leave symptoms.
They can be hereditary.

The things I did were:

Take deep breaths to slow heart rate.

Take calcium & magnesium. Both help calm nerves and relax muscles.

Exercise, take a walk, it help use up the extra adrenaline.

Try to be positive. I know that I would be going along fine and think, I haven't had a panic attack today, and then I would have one because I thought about it.

Try to keep busy and not dwell on things that make you anxious.

If you think it maybe hormonal, take Evening Primrose Oil, it helps balance out your hormones. One symptom of severe PMS is Panic Attacks.

Even certain foods can trigger a panic attack. If you are allergic, your heart will beat faster usually within 15 minutes of eating something if your allergic.

If your a spiritual person, prayer also will help calm you. Throw all your anxiety on Jehovah.

Hope this helps.

edit: watch your caffeine intake.

Answer 2

Morning Panic Attacks

Answer 3

I've had panic attacks since I was 15 yrs old (I'm 22 now, and actually I was diagnosed with panic disorder), and I had one the other day (at the meeting, actually). That's the first one I've had in a long time. I just shake and get really cold. There are some over-the-counter capsules that one sister was telling me about called Stress Tabs. I can't swallow pills so she told me to squeeze 2 in some juice or something and it'll still work. You should be able to find these at any pharmacy, and they shouldn't cost much being that they aren't Rx. Hope that helps a little. But, for the record, I've never taken any meds for mine. I just let them pass and they only come when I'm really stressed out. So calm down and try to take one day at a time! And above all, PRAY!

Answer 4

You need to learn to relax, and don't worry about things, it's okay to let things go, what is the worst that will happen? Go for a nice walk in the evening and get some fresh air. Tackle only one problem at a time. Cut down on sugar and caffeine.

Stress produces negative chemicals that affect our bodies, that is why the bible tells you not to worry. I had a couple of panic attacks in my life, and I know they are not fun. I was under a lot of stress at the time and dealing with some health issues. If you can afford it, get yourself a good natural mult-vitamin, they go on sale all the time at the drug stores. Best wishes and hope you feel better.

Answer 5

I think talking to a physician would be best, but if you are unwilling to, have you tried keeping a notebook by your bed?

When you start having these thoughts, write them down. Just a short note, like "finishing report at work on time" or "pay bills". At the end of the day, check off what you have accomplished. Before you go to bed, start a new page listing what you are anxious about and what you can do. Then next morning, start the procedure over again. Over a week or two, you should see a pattern -- probably that many of your worries are about short term issues that you are fully capable of handling. More chronic worries, like an inability to pay your bills, will show you where you really need to focus your efforts and look for solutions. When we are anxious about a big issue, our minds can be very good at having us worry about a bunch of little things and neglect the big ones.

If you do go to the doctor, don't just let them give you drugs; try therapy first. You might just need to be taught some coping strategies.

Good luck.

Answer 6

I am so happy, it was only a 35 minute drive ( 70 minutes total) but absolutely no sign of anxiety or panic i shopped till I dropped - brilliant! I will now go for the next stage DUAL CARRIAGE way, probably at the weekend, with my husband accompanying me first then the solo drive, if successful the final stage of driving on motorway

Beat Anxiety And Panic Attacks Naturally?

Answer 7

Hi, sorry to hear you are feeling so bad. The following steps will eliminate (or at least significantly reduce) your panic attacks:

1.Breathe properly - if you control your breathing, you control panic. As soon as you notice the signs of anxiety, check your breathing: breathe in slowly through your nose pushing your tummy out (to the count of 5 or so). Breathe out slowly and for a bit longer (to the count of 7 or so) through your mouth. Do not breathe rapidly or shallowly (in the chest area). This will soon restore the balance of oxygen and you will feel a lot better.

2. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy! CBT is proven to be the most effective thing for panic attacks, OCD and anxiety etc. It takes a bit of work, but it is super effective. (After 15 years of panic attacks, mine stopped completely). You can speak to your doctor about taking a course or you can take a course for free online at: www.livinglifetothefull.com

3. Try relaxation exercise tapes (progressive muscular relaxation). They really help if you practise often enough. You can get free downloads in you put "progressive muscle relaxation" into Google (e.g. lots of universities have them as free downloads)

With each step practise makes perfect. (i.e. practise the steps every day, not just when you are feeling bad). I hope you feel better soon. Best of luck!

Answer 8

I definitely empathize with you. I'd suggest getting a meditation CD. "Meditation for beginners" by Jack Kornfield is excellent. It will help you relax and visualize being internally calm. Yoga classes in the morning might also be useful. And to try and organize those swarming thoughts, I'd suggest writing everything down that's bothering you and make a checklist. Go after the things that are easy to take care of so everything doesn't seem so daunting. Hope this helps!

Answer 9

Before you go to sleep, make a list of all the things you want to get done or are on your mind. If you wake in the night and think of something new, keep the list by your bed and write the new thought or idea down fast. Review the list in the morning, even take it with you during your day. It may take a couple of days to get used to it but it should help within a week. Good luck.

Answer 10

I can not give you any suggestions for eatting, but, I will tell you, this too shall pass. I had 2 children and had serious nausea for the first 3 months, trust me, its worth it. Just take one day at a time, its all you can do. Also, a Dr. can give you something for nausea. Please realize the panic attacks will not hurt you even though they feel like it.