As many of my sisters here know my family has been going through a lot of awful things lately.Well,my anxiety was under control but now is back.I woke up with a head cold yesterday,so this morning I thought I would lie down and rest after taking the kids to school.I had only been asleep about 30 minutes when I woke up feeling horrible-my body felt like it was having an anxiety attack while I was asleep.I felt shaky,terrified,heart beating fast,sick to my stomach.I kept telling myself "GOD is in control"and finally went back to sleep,but it happened again at least two more times.I finally got up and here I am .My period is due next week,so I know that is probably part of it-but most is caused by the awful situation my brother in law has put us in.I do not know what to do.Should I go see my dr?I really can't afford the price of a visit right now with Christmas coming.What do you do when you wake up in a panic?Are there any natural things to fight this?What about magnesium-I have not been taking mine like I should.I know I am a bit scattered-please forgive me.I am trying so hard to not fall apart,it is a daily struggle.I cannot make things better-the situation is out of my control,but there has to be a way to stop this constant sick shaky feeling.I am not depressed-My body is dealing with a stressful situation-is there a medicine for times like this?I have taken xanax before-.25mg,I need to be able to function and really do not want to have to rely on a drug.Oh what should I do?Thanks and GOD-bless

I forgot to add I am having trouble eating.For some reason the thought of eating makes me feel sick.I need to eat to take care of my kids.Oh ladies-this makes me so upset.

With all that's going on, it's not surprising that anxiety has reared it's ugly head. My advice is to definitely take your magneisum. I know it helps me.

Also, have a cup of hot camomile tea. I find it really takes the edge off. It has a pleasant taste, just add a little sugar. Just drinking a cup of hot tea is calming to me. It's caffeine free, so you can drink as much as you like.

Watch a feel-good movie. It won't cure anything, but it might make you feel better for a while.

Also, if you aren't doing any exercise, start now. It really helps me. I like to walk. There is even TV Exercise. We get Comcast for our cable, and you can go to the On Demand channel and pick out exercise programs whenever you want. It's free.

When I'm under stress, some good hard house cleaning helps me. Like vacumming or scrubbing floors or cleaning out a closet or raking leaves. I get satisfaction out of cleaning out a cupboard or drawer. And it takes your mind off other things.

With all your stress, now is the time to be good to yourself. If you do, you will be stronger.

And in my opinion, wills usually hold up in court. I wouldn't worry about your bro-in-law getting his hands on things. You have the side of the law on you.

Good luck,
WriterMom

Thank you so much for replying.I have moments when I feel strong,then I feel like I am hanging on by a thread.I wish I could clean my whole house-but my head feels stuffed with cotton,I just took an antihistimine-GOD willing it will work.I keep telling myself that my husband and I have done nothing wrong,that we will be ok.It is just the waiting to find out that is hard.A lawyer was supposed to call us yesterday,still no word.I have heard that that is how lawyers are,but come on-just a little good news would do wonders for me.Thanks again and I will go take my magnesium.GOD-bless

Wow, it sounds like you're under a tremendous amount of stress. You probably remember my story by now that I have those waking from a sound sleep panic attacks. I haven't taken a nap in almost a year because I'm afraid of how I'll feel when I wake up, which is horrible because I used to LOVE sleep. It seems like when our hormones are wonky and we're under so much stress our bodies go crazy with the adrenaline while we sleep. I wish I had a wonderful suggestion, but I go straight for the meds. I understand how you feel about having to be functional. I ended up on ativan because the drowsiness wore off after a week or so and I could still work, unfortunately, I'm going to have to get off of it someday and am not looking forward to it.

Two things I did find helpful:

If I woke up in a panic, deep breathing exercises helped keep it from blossoming into a full blown panic attack.

A bath with lavender oil. Maybe a sachet of lavender by your pillow? I never tried that.

Thanks,I may take a walk today,then a warm bath at bedtime-I appreciate it.GOD-bless

Hi,
You could also try to buy some Valerian. It is an herb that helps relax and that you can take at bedtime. I have it in tincture form and take it with water. I am sure you can buy it as an herbal tea but not sure.
take care of yourself
MrsBuff

I just wanted to come here before bed and thank all of my sisters.This has been a hard year,and every time I come on here to vent,cry,worry,ask a question--you guys have been here.I appreciate each and every answer,pm,and most of all -the prayers.I grew up with one brother,now I have all of you wonderful sisters.I am going to keep hanging on-GOD is with me,and he has sent me some wonderful friends.I am going to take a warm bath,down my vitamins,read my bible and hit the sack.Love you all--GOD bless!!!

I've tried it all, Lavender, Valerian, Melatonin..walks, baths, anti-anxiety pills..........................................and now I "HAVE" to go on a plane trip...and I'm in a panic worrying if the pills will work for me while on the plane.....I actually worry I'll sit in the plane and just when it's in the air, I'll start freaking out..

Honestly, I don't know what to do (I have a doc appt to talk to him about it) tho, he's an idiot of a doc (IMO)...

I'm sooooooooooooooooo sick of this menopause!

I just read somewhere that if you start feeling like this to try to remind yourself over and over that you are safe and to concentrate on your breathing-I am going to try that.I am sorry you are feeling bad too.We will get through this,GOD is in control.Write and let me know how your flight goes.GOD-bless

Does your body feel like you need to strech? All your muscles vibrating and aching?

No my muscles are ok,it is just a near constant state of sickness in my stomach and anxiety.Today I feel like I am in better control,it is a daily fight.I am hesitant to call the dr,as I do not want to end up on pills for a long time.I truly hope this legal situation is taken care of soon so that I do not have to think about it anymore.GOD-bless

Unfortunately, my flight isn't until Dec 10th...I wish it was here and overwith!

Typically, when I was stressed/anxious, I would walk for hours...since my accident last fall I can't walk more than 10 mins...that's why I have so much built up stress..Grrrrr

I am sorry about that!I hate waiting!I really do.Right now waiting for our situation to be over is really hard for me.I am learning though.I keep trusting,and praying.Pm me if you want and we can talk more.GOD-bless

Lady E, I read your profile and it seems we have alot in common. I have a GSD and my brother in law has put us through hell also. What did yours do? My embezzled thousands of $ from a business that my husband GAVE him stock in. We went through 2 years of pure hell in court before a settlement was reached. My husband and I were completely stressed and depressed, so a settlement was the best thing we could do for ourselves. We have now paid off the lying, theiving b****** , so it's behind us. We no longer have any relationship with his entire side of the family, which I don't understand, we sued him in civil court and did not press criminal charges. I wonder if the massive anxiety I feel now is a result of what we went through then. I didn't have anxiety at the time, but now that the hormones are involved it's all consuming. I get the upset stomach also. I find OLC acid reducers help when it gets really bad. I hope your situation ends better than ours. Hang in there. They say god doesn't give you anything you can't handle, but it doesn't always feel that way.

your mind might tell you your not depressed
but your body is telling you different !!! id at least try an anti-depressiate like lexapro
it couldnt hurt, and it just might help...... and im the kind of person that if its gonna help
i take it !!! quality of life out weighs all.....good luck

Dear 'Lady E'
With all that you are going through my dear,you have the full right to be anxious.
I honestly feel no harm in taking a low dose of Xanax as needed.
That is how I use it and am not addicted.Weeks may go by then when am faced with a particularly difficult emotional situation I have no hesitation in taking a dose.
Anxiety does affect the digestive system and you need all your strength
God Bless
Elizabeth

Dear Lady E,

All of the suggestions were really good; however, this time, I would suggest that you break-down (no pun intended!) and see your doctor. Perhaps you could call the nurse and ask for a script., letting her know your financial situation. Sometimes your doc will prescribe over the phone for a small fee. ??? Try that first.

Get something to take for anxiety & stress. Sometimes you can go into a stress-type cycle and it just does not stop. You are never at rest. If you take something for 1-2 days, it stops this. Then you can look at life another way.

I hate drugs, but sometimes, they can be good. In your case, I would say, do them for a few days. (Not long term)

Christmas can be a bit smaller and will better with a happy person, rather than a stressed out mess.


I bet your family and friends would agree.

Shebee

(I can't believe I suggested that anybody do drugs. LOL! But, I did.)

If I do not feel better in the next few days I will call my dr.Thank you ladies.GOD-bless