Anxiety in the morning

[nana902]

I am really struggling to sleep past 4:00 in the morning.  I don't need a alarm clock ....my eyes just open at that time and there is no going back to sleep.  My stomack is in a knot and the anxiety starts.  I am trying to get of Effexor because did not see much help and getting back on Paxil.  Sure hope something works.  This is terrible.  Nana

[Hope75]

You're welcome!  Anxiety and depression go hand in hand, often.  SSRIs (like Zoloft) help your serotonin levels - the feel good stuff:)  Benzodiazepines like valium, xanax, ativan are central nervous system depressants and help to calm anxiety down, but only while they are in your system.  Personally, I'm much rather take an SSRI and use benzo's only when absolutely necessary, as they can be addictive and can start being less effective after taking them for so long.  SSRIs are not addictive, but you can feel withdrawal symptoms if you cold turkey them, but I just don't ever cold turkey them, so there!  Yoga and meditation are supposed to help but I haven't tried it wholeheartedly yet.  I really should since my symptoms are kicking up under some stress right now.  Take care:)

[nana902]

I have always thought that everything out there was mostly for depression.  I sure hope that you are right....that anxiety is the most treatable.  Thanks for the "uplift"  I need that.  Nana

[Hope75]

Me too.  I hate hate hate mornings.  I have my ups and downs as well.  I have done better in the last few years.  I have had severe panic disorder five years ago and couldn't even work for a while.  But, with good therapy and meds, I have been working full time and even obtained another degree, while going through some very stressful family situations.  I have my issues, but I function.  I have changed meds before, but sometimes it can be hard during the transition to a new med.  Zoloft worked for a while, currently I'm on Cymbalta.  I used to take Ativan for sleep - b/c I will go through spells of just waking up at 4am too.  In those moments of anxiety - I do much better if I exercise hard enough to break a sweat (and I hate exercise), but it does help.  Anxiety is the most treatable of "psychological disorders".  Keep your hopes up, it will go up and down.  You have to get a good counselor.  Take care:)

[CaliGirl48]

Yes actually you will hear that all of the time. And yes it DOES get better. I personally have my ups and downs but for the most part my axiety has gotten a whole lot better.

There are a couple people here that have had this alot longer than I have and they are great people to look to for supoort. Their stories and comments really lift your spirt...

JS Geare
MMomma
kalmkid

try adding those people and then doing a search to see their posts. They have got me through alot already and are really terrific people :)

~Crystal

[nana902]

Do you ever find people on this site with positive ways that they have recovered?  Does anyone ever say...things will get better....you will find what works for you.  Your life will not be this way forever?  Nana

[CaliGirl48]

Ugh I have the same. Morning are hell for me. It seems to go away later in the mornin g though, so I dont get why I am so bad in the morning :(