Tired of feeling scared

Aww sorry to hear that Pauline it is horrible having to go through anxiety let alone it affecting your sleep. I find the first breath of deep breathing feels good but after I also feel no relief it makes me become to aware of my breathing. Have you tried any natural products such as kalms? Have you tried relaxing by watching tv or reading a good book? I find reading can make me feel sleepy sometimes however I know this is something you don't feel like doing when your dizzy. Have you been out for some fresh air even if its just sitting in your garden? I find when I do something that tires me out I sleep better because I am so tired I need to sleep. Have you also considered contacting your local mental health service to get involved and get support? I have spoken to my local rethink charity and they have workshops and coffee mornings for people like us who have depression and anxiety etc. Are you on any meds? If not have you considered a low dose of a beater blocker. I think I may be trying a low dose of propranalol if my blood tests I had today come back normal. I know how hard it is I still struggle daily and constantly feel unwell having these waves of nervousness.x

Nice to hear from you again Moo, I am restricted in the use of some treatments, because I take warfarin following a stroke 3+ years ago. That basically is when the anxiety started. I have seen a counsellor, but this is restricted to 8 visits on a referral. I have attended support  groups, but found they didn't want to talk about the stroke. They said they were there to get away from it!

I have tried some of the things you suggest, reading is not good for the dizziness (as you said) sitting in the garden, in the middle of the night, is not practical ( I feel the cold) I am taking betahistine, as prescribed by my Dr. Will persevere with that.

Hope you get your issues sorted, keep in touch.

Pauline

Pauline I know breathing can be hard. It takes practisem. I am just starting to learn now. Right now I breath in through my mouth and out through my mouth 10 times. Eventually I will be able to breath in through my nose and out through my mouth. I was told that it will feel odd and bring on some anxiety symptoms in the beginning but in time your body learns that these feelings are safe and the symptoms go away. Easier said then done I know! Sometimes i have to take a small amount of ativan to cope.

I should mention my counsellor wanted me to start off breathing this way cuz is a gradual process the body has to get used to