desertsong

I'm almost 4 months sober and out of the blue I'm now having nighttime bouts of anxiety/near panic attacks where I wake up and feel like I'm about to come out of my skin. Deep breathing helps me to calm down but this is just weird. I haven't had this since I first got sober. I know my body has been going through a lot of changes since I stopped drowning it in alcohol every day, but this is kind of crazy after so much sober time. I think. I don't know. Could this be PAWS?

Sapling

I don't know if I ever had PAWS DS.....But when I got funky I upped the spiritual part of the program..That would usually turn it around for me...Maybe someone else has more experience with PAWS.

2granddaughters

I believe you mentioned lately that you are having other unsettling issues in your life. That's probably the cause.

All the best.

Bob R

Anna

I don't know DS, but the deep-breathing is probably the best thing to do. I used to get those middle of the night panic attacks too, for no apparent reason. You might want to try meditating, if you don't do that - just some quiet time to see if there is something on your mind.

hypochondriac

I've had a similar thing Desertsong. I used to get anxiety attacks all the time when I was sleeping in my drinking days. And it has happened twice recently too. I almost feel like this is a second wave of withdrawals for me. I'm 4 months sober too, and it has taken this long to feel physically better and for the fog to lift. Now I feel like the reality of giving up drinking is hitting me a bit more and it's sent me into a bit of a panic. It may be something completely different for you, but in my experience of panic attacks, although they seem completely random there is usually a pretty good reason for them. They just might not appear reactive is all. Don't worry about it too much but maybe chat to your doctor if your concerned x

nel68

Desertsong, it probably is stress sometimes it can come out in wicked ways. I hope you get feeling better soon, I agree with the deep breathing or if you have some soothing music to listen to that you can keep close to your bed, it may help.... I was just wondering how you was doing... I was thinking about some of the people from when I first started SR. Sadly I don't see to many.....Take care girlie and congrats on your 4 months

Fandy

i've had them too, usually after a disturbing day and sometimes the aftermath of a nightmare brings them on.

try to relax and remember what you are grateful for.

Dee74

I'm kinda with Bob on this one DS - you have a lot going on in your life and your mind right now.

Panic attacks are awful - I hope you find a way to deal with them.

This site helped me:
Calm Clinic

D

GiGi13

DS..i dont know if you have a laptop you can place on your bed, or a head set or not...but...at times when i have a hard time sleeping (trying to avoid using xanax as a sleep aide mind you) or when i feel anxious...i open my laptop, pop on the headsets and listen to this..all night

RainyMood.com: Rain makes everything better.

its a 24 hour stream of rain, light thunder storms...its very very relaxing...give it a try! its very high quality and works wonders for me..its also good for breathing exercises and deep meditation... best of luck and dont worry...you will be fine!!!

desertsong

I LOVE the Calm Clinic, Dee. Thank you. I've been visiting there regularly for the last few months. I do have an appointment with my doctor on Thursday, though. Thought it best. I don't want to go on drugs but I don't want to be incapacitated by anxiety either. At least I'm smart enough to know that I don't want a prolonged course of benzos either. If I need them for the short term, that's fine if they help, but I don't want a long-term course of them either.

auden67

This is not medical advice, but I take 5-HTP supplements every night to help sleep and avoid irritability. It's tryptophan, an amino acid that is a precursor to serotonin. I used to take anti depressants for anxiety, but they have such rotten side effects. I've had no problems with the 5-HTP and I buy it at Costco or Target. Helps me balance out the anxiety. Also, I try to follow a low glycemic diet as much as possible. I would love to chow down on sweets, but the low-gly seems to help avoid anxiety spikes. Good luck, regardless if PAWS or just life stresses, or both.

Change4good

Cutting out refined sugar and drinking valerin tea help me loads.

Elisabeth888

Definitely stress. I have had them over the couple of nights. Knowing that I am having one freaks me out even more. I hope you get some peace! I am going to try deep breathing next time.