Hey Brain,
Look, I know we've had a rough last.... well, about 50 days. And I know that yes, historically speaking it has been Not Awesome to lay awake in bed, in pain, for hours every night.
But this thing with throwing a panic attack every time I lay down in bed? Not so cool. Yes, I know, you got all conditioned. Please, please knock it off.
(Suggestion for how to decondition my stupid brain are welcome.)
Sleep on the couch for a while?
ReplyDeleteHah. Definitely an option.
DeleteArgh. This is going to sound very wishy-washy, but have you considered acupuncture, or perhaps meditation? (Feel free to ignore, obviously) I found both very helpful when trying to get some rest without panic attacks after the twins died, and when I was trying to get pregnant again. I tried a private acupuncturist recommended through my GP first, but didn't like her. Then a community acupuncture center, which was wonderful. The two women were lovey and caring - and didn't tell me how I should completely change my life to get better. Just listening to my problems, put needles, and let me rest. If nothing else, it could be 30-60min lying somewhere without the kids interrupting you ;)
ReplyDeleteMeditation! I need to get back to that. Once the stabby headache is gone.
DeleteLay down occasionally on the bed during the day, and do five minutes of relaxation breathing? (deep with the diaphragm, in for six, hold for two, out for six). So you disassociate from the lying-in-pain, but don't trigger panic because it's not night time? I know you absolutely have time in your day to lie down and breathe.... ha.
ReplyDeleteThis. (It's a form of CBT.) You can also do progressive muscle relaxation.
DeleteI ended up doing a variation of this called "too unwell to get out of bed/ vertical for one hour, horizontal for another"; it was quite effective. Thanks! Now no longer full of panic. Also not well enough to really function but that's a separate problem!
DeleteI think I forgot Step 0: Get Rid of Stabbing Pain in Head. Gaaah.
ReplyDeleteI have been having anxiety at night leading to insomnia. My panic attacks come in the wee hours of the morning when a wake to roll over at 5am and a wave of panic washes over me.
ReplyDeleteFor the nighttime anxiety I take on OTC sleep aid (like Zzzquil) and read my book until my eyes droop and I cannot stay awake. Keeps my brain focused so I don't think about what will make me anxious.
Now trying to think of something for the 5am anxiety wake up calls.
Hope you get rest.