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I keep waking up in the night terrified.

7 replies

TwoCatsSleeping · 03/04/2020 00:15

It's been getting worse as we continue with the lockdown. My anxiety has got quite a lot worse and I just don't know how to cope anymore. I keep waking up in the middle of the night not knowing where I am, or even who i am.. it's difficult to explain but so scary.

I increased my dose of sertraline and since then I've been feeling weak and faint, and very low.

I've already tried citalopram before which didn't work for me (a long time ago). Now I'm starting to get worried that there isnt a medication out there that is going to work for me.

Could anyone offer any hope? I'm sorry I'm rambling. I'm scared to go back to sleep.

OP posts:
3catsandcounting · 03/04/2020 00:18

No advice really, but sorry you're feeling this way. I'm on a low dose of Sertraline and my anxiety is pretty manageable, but I can't sleep tonight, which isn't like me at all.
Hoping someone more useful will come along ...

TwoCatsSleeping · 03/04/2020 00:41

@3catsandcounting I hope you manage to get to sleep. I never thought anxiety could be this bad.. think my GP is sick of hearing from me now..

OP posts:
7Days · 03/04/2020 00:46

So sorry to hear this.

I do know that when you increase your dose of sertraline it is common to feel weird and shakey for a time. That should pass though and you will feel better when you adjust.

Best of luck

BillysMyBunny · 03/04/2020 00:54

I’m sorry to hear this. How long ago did you increase your sertraline? I came off it a few years ago but went back on it around 3 weeks ago and for the first week or so I couldn’t sleep or would awaken in the night and I felt incredibly anxious and fatigued/ dizzy etc to the point I was signed off work but the symptoms have decreased now. When you change the dose of a medication sometimes you can get increased side effects, I definitely noticed this last time I took sertraline, so if your dosage change was very recent hopefully things will settle in a week or so. It can then still take a few more weeks for you to notice the positive change from the increased dosage so please don’t give up hope that the medication will work.

Has your GP prescribed anything to help with the anxiety? I was prescribed both diazepam and propranolol to help with my anxiety in those first few weeks so hopefully if you’re able to book an appointment and explain things they may be able to prescribe a short term medication to help with that.

lexiepuppy · 03/04/2020 00:54

Have you tried breathing exercises?
Breathe in for the count of 4 and then breathe out for the count of 4, also imagine your breath is like waves rolling in and out.

Another way to self soothe is to literally cross your arms and hug yourself and run your hands up and down your arms.

Another technique to self regulate is to put your right hand over your heart and left hand over your belly and hold this pose for a couple of minutes.

When trying to sleep, tighten your muscles, count to 3 and then relax. Start at your feet and work upto your head.

If all else fails, make yourself a hot drink, decaf, and read a book to distract yourself and then go back to bed.

Imagine your favourite place and think about it in depth.

I have depression and insomnia, I try all of these techniques!

These are crazy times and we are globally in the same boat!

I restrict myself watching the news and going on SM.

Sometimes I listen to something on Youtube until I fall asleep.
Solfeggio frequencies are good!

I am also watching reruns of Glee and Friends with my daughter.

Keep things lighthearted and easy going, hopefully then you will fall asleep.
Bach Rescue Remedy is good in emergencies and you can get a sleep one too!

Stay safe and well💐

lexiepuppy · 03/04/2020 01:17

Another thing that keeps me going at the moment and reduces my anxiety and panic is to take one day at a time!
I do not think into the future at the moment. I just keep going from one day to the next.💐

TwoCatsSleeping · 03/04/2020 09:14

Thanks all for the replies, it helps.

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