Hello, @midnightcandle1. Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. As you've experienced depression, anxiety and panic, and have awakened with a racing heart, hurting chest, sweating and feeling as though you are choking in the morning, I'd like you to meet some others who may have some suggestions. Please meet @gailb @mamacita @parus @cheineck and @thankful.

Here is some Mayo Clinic information on panic that may be helpful, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/panic-attacks/symptoms-causes/syc-20376021

What has your doctor said about these morning episodes, @midnightcandle1?

Hello @midnightcandle1, I would like to add my welcome to Lisa's (@lisalucier) as you have recently joined Connect. Connect is a very supportive, encouraging online patient community.

You mention having had "an emotional upset 3 years ago." It is perfectly OK, that you did not specify the type of upset, however, we have several discussion groups that might help you work through this type of experience. For example, we have a Grief and Loss group if your problem was the loss of a significant relationship. We also have a discussion group on PTSD, if you were the victim of abuse, a crime, etc. We also have an ICU discussion group if your emotional upset was a health-related and/or hospitalization.

If you would like to categorize (no specific information need be divulged), I may be able to direct you to a discussion group where you can read what others have said about their recovery process.

I'm also wondering if you have sought the help of a counselor. If so, how did that go for you?

Good morning @midnightcandle1 Even though we may feel we are getting rest at night, sometimes our brain just does not shut down enough to get good rest. Have you looked at some hypnosis or meditation techniques that will help you fully relax at night time and clear your mind? What about writing down, at night before you go to bed, things that are on your mind or might be worrying you or situations that you have to address the following day,? That might help. Sometimes knowing that there is something planned for the next day will have us anxious before we even hit the floor in the morning. It may be something that you need to research how to let go of that anxiety. If the emotional upset that you had 3 years ago had anything to do with the morning hours that may also be a factor. Hoping you find answers to your dilemma,
Ginger

Hello,@midnightcandle, I am so happy you checked in with us here at Mayo Clinic Connect! This is the place where many, many people have come to find answers to what is going on in their lives.
My name here is Mamacita, and I too experience anxiety and even panic from time to time. I have difficulty from time to time in getting to sleep. When I do sleep, I may have deep, dark nightmares that I never forget.

I also am prone to being overwhelmed if I have been with a lot of people and have not had my quiet time and space. I tend to be extremely sensitive, I pick up on other's emotional states and my hearing is off the charts.

From what I have shared with you, I daresay you are beginning to suspect that I am either from another planet, or I am Neurodiverse. I am on the Autism Spectrum, actually, with ADHD and a large dash of OCD to the mix. Oddly enough, I am quite grateful for all my blessings. My PCP attributes my anxiety to the fact that I am hypervigilent.

He suggested this year that I take a small dose of anti anxiety medication. It helps somewhat. Let's just say I don't jump out of my seat when my husband drives on the interstate anymore!

I don't have all the answers, certainly. But it helps to know that we are all in this together. We all need answers and it helps to have a group to connect with. This is a good one, and I am glad you are here. I hope to "talk" with you again soon. We are better together!
Mamacita