I think I'm having an anxiety attack...

[Pinksands1]

I dropped off to sleep at 10pm eeling quite happy and like i had accomplished a lot today and jolted awake 20 mins later. I now feel all weird and tingly all over my body and like my whole body is shaking. Everyone here is asleep and I feel so scared and alone. Does anyone else get these kind of symptoms?

How old are you?

My heart feels like it might burst out of my chest, my fitbit says my heart beat is 70...Is this normal?

I'm 33

I yes, I do get this. I have anxiety and it's not uncommon for me to wake up into a panic attack which starts of with the shivers. I can't say obviously whether you're having the same situation as I do have often but it sounds similar!

I have only had this a couple of times, I felt really scared. I thought I MUST have been woken by an unusual noise & I was terrified someone might have broken in. Eventually I calmed down & went and stood at the back door getting some fresh air. I didn’t really settle again either night, but I’ve not had it since. I put it down to some brain disturbance when going from one type of sleep to another 🤷🏻‍♀️

You have all my sympathy though, it’s bloody scary at the time. Do whatever it takes to calm you down. Nice cup of tea standing at the back door helps me.

Thank you for responding Hopl, can I ask do you take medication for your anxiety. I have been trying to cope but lately feel like i might need to see a doctor as it is taking over my life....intrusive thoughts and waiting for something bad to happen

Of course! I don't, and I was prescribed something to take for my anxiety and depression about 5 years ago however I decided not to take it as I personally don't like medication etc effecting me. I was on the pill (I know completely different) a few years ago and it changed me completely, and that's what I'm scared of. My DP used to take medication for anxiety and it did help him but changed his personality, however I know his mum takes it and it really helps her.

If that's the route you would like to look at taking then you'd have to test and try how it makes you feel as everyone reacts differently! I still am anxious but I have found ways to not fix, but help me cope slightly better with my anxiety over time. I still have bad days with intrusive thoughts and overthinking though unfortunately

You need to stop being afraid of your anxiety. It's nothing more than a rush of cortisol hormones and they won't hurt you. Believe me, I know exactly how you feel. Please get the book "DARE. The New Way to End Anxiety and Stop Panic Attacks" by Barry McDonagh. This book changed everything for me. It taught me to embrace my anxiety and to stop trying to run from it. It's a game changer.