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Original poster

Anyone there?

13 replies

Spoo · 24/05/2011 01:00

I'm struggling. I have an issue with my sleep, I have had it for a number of years and I am trying to come to terms with it. I have panic attacks when falling asleep. They normally happen when I am away from home. I recently started seeing a CB therapist but its seems to have got worse and now this occurs at home. Tonight it has happened again. I have lots of hidden issues from my childhood but have a lovely husband and great kids and I am worried that this is affecting my life too much. I have tried some medication but find it doesn't make the symptoms go away but makes me more tired which is worse in a way.
I seem to have developed anxiety along with it though the panic attacks came first. Please can you tell me it will get better and I do not have to live the rest of my life like this.
Thanks for listening.

OP posts:
bleedingstill · 24/05/2011 01:04

do you think seeing the CB therapist may have MADE it worse?

bleedingstill · 24/05/2011 01:08

I have just googled "panic attacks when falling asleep".

(You have probably done this )

There is quite a lot out there.

I need to go to bed shortly.
I hope you get a good sleep tonight

Please add to this thread in the morning and you will get more of a response

Original poster
Spoo · 24/05/2011 01:10

Thank you. I think it has made it worse. It happens at home now rather than just when I am away. I know I will get a better response during the day but I feel bad now.

OP posts:
bleedingstill · 24/05/2011 01:28

Yes, I can see how CBT might make it worse. Did the counsellor acknowledge this might happen?

Original poster
Spoo · 24/05/2011 01:28

Just looked this up!

â– To overcome anxiety, you need to confront it. This may lead you to feel more anxious for a short time.

OP posts:
madmouse · 24/05/2011 08:24

If you have underlying childhood issues they may need dealing with and CBT is not helpful for this. You may need more traditional talking therapy to come to terms with your childhood before tackling the symptoms with CBT.

betterwhenthesunshines · 24/05/2011 12:36

Having had both (!) I think you might find that talking therapy could help you more. CBT is really just a way of tackling the symptoms. A talking therapy will take longer, but is more likely to help you get to the root of what you are feeling.
Can you afford to pay for the therapy? I searched for a local therapist and started seeing her the following day. It was tricky to justify the cost each week, but I figured it was the rest of my life and I couldn't afford NOT to do it.

Original poster
Spoo · 24/05/2011 17:41

Thank you for your messages of support. I have a good therapist who specialises in CBT but we have been working on some childhood issues. Shes not cheap but as you said betterwhenthesunshines it is the rest of my life I need to sort.
I need to tackle the ong term but hope that CBT might help short term with the sleep panic attacks.

Has anyone else suffered this? I feel that the future is so far away right now and I need someone to tell me this will get better.

OP posts:
bleedingstill · 24/05/2011 19:09

I have not had this. I have had other mental health issues ( depression ) adn know how debilitating it is. You have my utmost sympathy

Original poster
Spoo · 24/05/2011 19:17

thankyou bleedingstill. I appreciate your help and your support last night. I eventually got off to sleep about 2.30 ish so I didn't do to bad, but today I have felt awful again with a horrible feeling in the pit of my stomach. I am worried that I am not going to sleep tonight and that I will exhaust myself. I have tried to eat and have done better than in the past but it has been a struggle. I have some pills from the doctors who gave me them when I was going on holiday last but I am relunctant to take them as I don't know 1 whether they'll work or 2 whether they will work too well and I'll be out of action for days. I've tried to organise a revisit back to my lovely GP but she isn't free for 2 weeks.

hubbie is off out tonight and I am testing his patience with the whole thing. He has picked up the reins in almost every area of our life and I can understand why he might not be very receptive to me in the middle of the night when I am feeling crsp.

Thanks for listening.
xx

OP posts:
bleedingstill · 26/05/2011 00:03

That's what husbands (and wives ) are for.
Thick and thin , sickness and health and all that stuff.

Original poster
Spoo · 26/05/2011 18:36

Just to let you know I am feeling loads better. THanks for your support.
Spoo
x

OP posts:
bleedingstill · 26/05/2011 22:26

Aw, that is great news.
I try to remember when I am feeling very low , chances are things will get better!

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