Nighttime panic habit?

[babybell4]

Hi there,

So I've been suffering from panic attacks and anxiety since I was a child, and recently started getting help last year in the form of CBT, lexapro, and the occasional ativan when I have a panic attack. I'm not in counseling anymore because I got pretty stable. Most of the time I feel like I can control my anxiety.

However, I feel like I have a habit I can't break, which is nighttime panic and nervousness. It is especially awful when my boyfriend goes out of town for business and I realize I am alone and he's not there. No matter how good I feel during the day, at some point after dinner I start to get all the symptoms of anxiety, including sweatiness, nausea, diarrhea, crying, etc. Does anyone have any experience breaking an anxiety habit?

I had such a tough time last night that I thought about driving 11 hours to be where he is. Help, please!

[boundndetermined]

Once my daytime anxiety was under control, the night time flared up. The good news is that it is now under control as well. :) My husband works out of town often too. Find something to do in the evenings...a class, hobby, exercise, etc. to keep your mind occupied. Did you learn diaphragm breahting? Do it as soon as you begin to think/feel anxiety. Mostly, it just takes a little time to work through. Also try journaling your distorted thoughts and counter them with facts and a plan. It helps! :) Best wishes!!

[champion]

Well I want to stat out with saying..I never in my life thought I had an anxiety problem.  Looking back I realized I had several and didn't know what they were. However, I have been OK or so I thought until recently. My boyfriend although he is not my husband we have been together for 6 years so when he started college in August of 2009 I was heartbroken..but eventually I got used to only seeing him on weekends.. It has been that way for over a year well I had to go to the doctor last week because I haven't been able to sleep in weeks..Even though I KNOW he has so many classes and is in school, I constantly would worry and text and call. I would be at work and started experiencing the physical symptoms of anxiety. I read what others say but all I could tell the doctor was I felt like I was in trouble. My heart would race and I would get that ucky feeling. It was going on for awhile, I had finally had enough...I couldn't sleep...I thought up crazy stuff....and my heart and body would act crazy at work all day for now reason..well I am taking cymbalta and a beta blocker..I have noticed that my adrenaline doesn't do what its been doing..but I just started taking it last week...So..I know how you feel about your husband going out of town and you feeling like that....maybe your doctor could prescribe you something if you tell him all those symptoms..my friend had same symptoms as you and doctor put her on Prozac and she feels so much better..I hope you the best..sorry if I write in lay mans terms ..God Bless

[DepressedGamer]

Have very similar issue. In the end Ambien (Zolpidem) works wonders for me... but you have to be VERY careful when taking it, follow directions and talk it over thoroughly with your doc and pharmacist. I will say that it is NOT for everyone and that there may be better options out there...
Hope this finds you well!

[ainteazy68]

for some reason I have a time frame in which i get a panic attack. First off thinking that there's a certain time I'm going to get a panic attack is probably one of the worst things to do.  I still find it difficult faling asleep at night, but I would take Klonopin to help me fall asleep.