To feel scared if I sleep I’ll die

[Holdupman]

I’ll start with saying I have anxiety
in the last few months my dog died my mum nearly died both very sudden
life has really changed
currently my dd is away in another country I’m so anxious
I had a few drunks and smoked cigarettes last night now I keep worrying I’m not breathing properly (feel the cigs may impact my breathing) and I keep thinking iv stopped breathing and am scare to sleep

Oh love, the kindest possible way - sleep. Your body needs it, and you're more likely to suffer ill health by avoiding it. I'd also suggest speaking to your GP about your anxiety, it doesn't have to be this way. Close your eyes, rest, your eyes will open again tomorrow.

I think I've read this is a known fear. I would recommend you see your GP and get counselling or pay privately if you can afford it. It is an irrational fear brought on by anxiety and circumstances. Hope you get it sorted out.

I had this with Covid - I put something on to watch and forced myself not to think about going to sleep.

A few cigarettes aren't going to harm you - if they were, it would have happened straight away. Millions of people smoke and they're fine.

You need a good distraction and a sleep.

I suffered with this too, due to a lot of stress, anxiety and grief. I know what you are going through. But as other people have said your body needs to rest.

What helped me was exercise to wear me out physically and a sleep routine. I did some guided meditations before bed which helped but now I read or listen to the radio. Control stress book by Paul McKenna helped me. The book isn't great but the cd with it is. It takes time to get yourself back to normal but it will happen.