Every day I wake up anxious then it passes

[morekidsthanhands1]

I know I’m not depressed but every day I wake up with anxiety, palpitations and a feeling of dread in the pit of my stomach. I worry and everything! I used to be so chilled and relaxed in my younger days. Now I worry worry worry and I’m also incredibly tearful. On holiday I didn’t have these feelings, it was bliss. I am not depressed I generally have a nice life. Once I’m up and dressed and start doing things the feeling passes and I can forget about it but I know it’s lurking. I do have some things to worry about, money of course, I am single mum and main earner. I feel I am the back bone of my family. My Ex has the children half time but does absolutely nothing else for them like all the school admin and anything that goes on in their lives is down to me. I’ve tried to delegate he just forgets or doesn’t do it. I have a DP and again and trying to parent his kids too. The children are all teens. This is my biggest cause of worry I think! Making sure they’re all ok, making sure they are doing well at school, trying to raise them to be decent, kind people and teach them life skills. I worry if I’m being a good enough mum. I work full time in 2 jobs and I think I just worry about coping and having enough time for everyone. I feel tearful just writing this. It was just so blindingly apparent when we were away for a week how relaxed i was and I woke up feeling great every day and now I’m back to waking up every day gripped with fear and anxiety and I have to really give myself a good talking to and make it go away and get up and get on with the day. Is this normal? Am I the only one?

I have been there, OP. I sometimes get like that now too, despite knowing what it means for me. I have a generalised anxiety disorder. It sounds like you’re suffering from anxiety too.

When my anxiety is bad, I wake up feeling nervous. (When I’ve spent a lot of time on my phone the day before it triggers it too for some reason!)

While I am not anxious for NO reason, I am over the top anxious about things. I have CBT and it’s great. I got the first round from my GP and now I pay.

I also do all the usual suspects: running, meditation, yoga, changed diet.

Together, these things make my anxiety manageable.

It sounds like there are personal changes you need to make too, though? So while the above will help you - perhaps some talking therapy too to help you sort through changes you could implement (force) when it comes to your ex P?

I think you can self refer for NHS therapy without having to go through your GP. Someone here might be able to provide a link or more info?

Anxiety in the morning is more common as your cortisol levels qre higher. How old are you OP? Any chance this could be perimenopause? I agree with the above poster that lifestyle changes can help a lot. Do you get enough good quality sleep? Poor sleep makes anxiety much worse for me as does any issues with my stomach.

Try saying our loud "I am safe, I am OK" when you first wake up.
Anxiety is a misery OP, I feel for you.

I'm in this situation too. I'm having work troubles so I know for me that the anxiety is mostly work related. I was on holiday the week before last and it was bliss to wake up with no worry.

Like @Titsywoo i wondered about perimenopause, although you don’t say how old you are. My anxiety levels increased steadily over the last two years (I’m about to turn 48), my sleep quality decreased (waking in the middle of the night horribly anxious), my moods were very up and down. Eventually the penny dropped and I realised it was hormonal. I started HRT at the end of last year and it’s been amazing - anxiety reduced to previous levels and my sleep is no longer disturbed. if you’re in your 40s (or older) it’s worth considering.

This video is really good for morning anxiety;

I’m 49 and I’ve noticed I’m def worse around my period. But it’s also there most days but I’ve def got worse in last few yrs. wasn’t sure if hormones or just lots bug life events like divorce and covid and teen kids going thru big exams! Etc

I’m not keen on HRT as lots 1st degree relatives with breast cancer. But I’ll consider it. Am just quite hard on myself I think and want everything to be perfect for everyone. I am super organised which is curse at times and have lists for everything! I know I prob need to make some life changes too as I probably do too much. Just feel overwhelmed and little lost at times

It's approved to have HRT transdermally if you have first degree relatives with breast cancer.
HRT can be really helpful for anxiety that has worsened with menopause.