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Original poster

Hangover and anxiety

62 replies

Wishgad · 26/08/2019 19:14

Last night I got drunk (myself and DH at home). I'm not a big drinker but last night just went a bit OTT. Mixed my drinks and was just a bit foolish.

I woke up at 1am feeling utter terror. I had to wake up DH who sat with me until 3am. I've never experienced anything like it in my life before. Just an overwhelming feeling of doom and a feeling of total loss of control. I was absolutely terrified even to the point I thought I was going to die Sad

Finally fell asleep. Woke up with a hangover but mentally feeling much better. The 'episode' had thankfully passed, whatever it was.

I've now been feeling a constant low-level anxiety/panic all day today as well as physically a bit dodgy which I think is the hangover.

I'm late 30s and have never had anything like this happen before. DH was really concerned and it's left me really shaken up.

OP posts:
Rinoa · 26/08/2019 19:21

I actually used to get a feeling of anxiety and even guilt sometimes after getting drunk. I thought it was just a me thing! I'd even have to smoke a bit of weed to mellow out (also helped with nausea) But it definitely was a sign for me to lay off it. I came from a culture and family of very heavy drinkers so it was hard, but after a while i didn't miss feeling that way anymore and now rarely drink.

ScreamingValenta · 26/08/2019 19:28

It's an effect of alcohol that seems to get worse and worse as you age. There's nothing like the terror when you wake, and then lurking anxiety for the rest of the day combined with a sort of grubby, guilty feeling. The only way to avoid it is to be very careful about what you drink - drink slowly - and don't stay up late drinking.

Original poster
Wishgad · 26/08/2019 19:28

Maybe it's a thing!

I'm never drinking again (not a big drinker anyway but still). It's really put me off.

OP posts:
ScreamingValenta · 26/08/2019 19:29

Yes, definitely a thing. Usually referred to as The Fear by those who've had it.

Original poster
Wishgad · 26/08/2019 19:29

Sorry screaming, x posted.

I've never heard of it before. God, it was horrific. DH said at one point I asked him to call 999 because I actually thought I was going to die. I was also hyperventilating. Christ.

OP posts:
Drogosnextwife · 26/08/2019 19:31

Yes, I get terrible anxiety, guilt and generally despair and sadness feeling for a few days after I've drank, that's why I hardly drink. I'm a very independent person but after a night of heavy drinking I become very needy, I get upset if dp goes out and leaves me alone. Its a horrible feeling.

mooncuplanding · 26/08/2019 19:31

www.thedailymash.co.uk/news/health/hangovers-now-include-terrifying-existential-dread-discover-over-35s-20160608109398

It’s a real thing....something the Daily Mash has covered brilliantly. It’ll pass 😃😃

ScreamingValenta · 26/08/2019 19:32

Flowers You'll feel fine after a good night's sleep tonight.

MN on a Saturday/Sunday morning often has lots of The Fear threads.

Original poster
Wishgad · 26/08/2019 19:32

Same drog. I've been clinging to DH all day, constantly asking him for reassurance that I'm going to be ok.

OP posts:
Heymummee · 26/08/2019 19:32

I’ve had this before and rarely drink anymore.
The last time I drank was a month ago and I had awful anxiety for 4 days afterwards, felt guilty, couldn’t remember a portion of the night and was wondering what I’ve said or done despite not doing anything embarrassing or bad. It’s called the fear and it’s horrendous.

threeamclub · 26/08/2019 19:34

I had the same this morning just without the alcohol the night before! Woke up straight into an anxiety attack absolutely terrified for no reason! Not funSad

Original poster
Wishgad · 26/08/2019 19:37

Interesting reading in the Daily Mash.

Well I've learned something new. The Fear. Glad in a way that it's a 'thing'. Poor DH thought I'd actually lost the plot.

By far one of the most terrifying experiences of my life.

OP posts:
mooncuplanding · 26/08/2019 19:39

The Daily Mash is satire....just in case you thought....you know 😬

Original poster
Wishgad · 26/08/2019 19:41

I know Wink I'm an avid reader.

OP posts:
Catmar · 26/08/2019 19:41

The Fear aka Hangxiety. Definitely a thing.

BethanyGilbert · 26/08/2019 19:41

Ah “The Fear”. It gets much worse as you get older. I always wake up after a drink feeling guilty and anxious and sure I’ve done something to wreck my own life. I’m always sure I’ve lost my purse/phone/keys etc even if I’m just a bit tipsy.

Original poster
Wishgad · 26/08/2019 19:48

Great - another perk of growing older!

On a serious note, I'm ready to knock the booze on its head altogether. Never in my life want to go through that again Confused

OP posts:
Skittlenommer · 26/08/2019 20:00

I get extremely severe hangxiety to the point I have almost stopped drinking entirely! It’s not worth it!

lastqueenofscotland · 26/08/2019 20:01

The Fear!! It’s horrible. Last time I got drunk I was convinced I had done something awful even though everyone there said I was fine

Original poster
Wishgad · 26/08/2019 20:02

Agree Skittle.

There seriously needs to be some sort of NHS warning pamphlet on this type of thing Grin

OP posts:
Original poster
Wishgad · 26/08/2019 20:04

I think what scared me the most was I had no idea what was happening to me. I honestly thought I was having a heart attack.

OP posts:
JapaneseBirdPainting · 26/08/2019 20:06

Yes- it's one reason why I rarely drink nowadays- and when I 'forget' (like last night) I am reminded in a brutal way. To add to the sadness, the anxiety, the worry that i have done something terrible I also get such a racing heart that I feel like I am having a heart attack.

I also find it makes me feel low, irritable and weepy the next day.

It's not worth it. I just wish i could remember this every few weeks or so when I think a drink is a good idea.

HappyGirl86 · 26/08/2019 20:10

The Fear.....it's HORRIBLE. Sometimes I get it even after having 2 drinks.
When I was 18 I could drink anything and it would never affect me. Now I'm 33....it just seems to get worse.
I drink less and less now and actually don't want to drink anymore because I don't want an evening and following day full of anxiety.
You will hopefully feel much better tomorrow, try and get a good sleep.

Original poster
Wishgad · 26/08/2019 20:14

Thanks all, and Flowers to fellow sufferers. It really is an awful experience.

OP posts:
shivbo2014 · 26/08/2019 20:14

I ended up in A&E with the fear. The main reason I haven't drunk for 5 years was the horrid anxiety!