Morning Anxiety

Hello @anniegk

You pose an interesting question, I'm looking forward to seeing how our Members respond. When do the uncomfortable feelings begin to lift for you? Have you noticed any correlations regarding meals, activity level or meds that you take?

Teresa

I find that when i first wake up or within a hour of waking that the Anxiety or Panicky feelings start. Usually by late afternoon, the symptoms of my Depression, Anxiety began to get better. This also is what happened with my Depression, Anxiety 9 years ago. My Psychiatrist 9 years ago told me that this is a very common finding in Depression, Anxiety/Panic disorder.

My mornings are definitely worse. Feelings lift as the day goes on. It would be awful to know I had to feel this way all day. Coffee and a good breakfast helps. Also I have to take my little dog out for a walk first thing. I believe the combination helps to lift me. 🙂

@liz223

Some great suggestions, Liz.

Teresa

Hello @anniegk

I hope that this forum has been helpful for you.

How are you doing?

Teresa

Iff i could get this morning anxiety i have when i wake up under control i would feel better. I also need more sleep. Iam surprised there arnt more people with this problem. Thank you for inqiring Teresa.

@anniegk

Thanks for checking in with us. If I may ask, what sort of activities have you tried to deal with the early morning anxiety? Have you tried anything that helps?

Teresa

I have tried doing breathing exercises using my diaphragm. I have tried to mentally analyze what is bothering me. When i try these things, i sometimes bring on more anxiety. My psychologist says you have to go through the fears in order to handle them. It is very uncomfortable and scary to do and i find myself trying to avoid the disturbing thoughts. When lying in bed in the morning, sometimes a smell or the way the morning light looks will trigger anxiety/panic.

I have been suffering from Anxiety and Depression for many years and find myself very "down" when I get up and it takes a lot to get me going, but must because I'm alone and no one else is going to do it! Prior to being diagnosed with Lyme Disease in the 90s I suffered Panic Attacks but they ended once I saw the psychiatrist and started on antidepressants --- which, by the way, I hate!!!

First thing in the am I take my hypothyroid meds; an hour later my antidepressants, i.e. Lexapro and Buproprion XL; then breakfast while watching my morning news programs. I then have to start on my "must do's" which can cause high anxiety but usually the depressed feeling lifts. I'm always cautious of going into a long depression.