How Many Times A Day Do You Experience An Attack? - Anxiety Message Board

anxietysucks · 09-12-2005, 10:08 AM

Personally, I've never had one day without an attack. Obviously some days are worse than others, but within 5-10 minutes of being awake, I start feeling it coming on. In general, I feel it coming on an average of 3 -4 times a day. No matter if its the prettiest day of the year and life is beautiful, I can't escape them.

Derangea · 09-12-2005, 10:24 AM

I used to have this SAME problem. No matter what as soon as I woke up I would feel such dread. It didn't even matter if I had a good day ahead of me or had a peaceful sleep. So I was explaining this to my therapist and he explained to me how since I felt this way for so long, instead of it just dissipating on its own, I basically self-hypnotized myself into feeling that way every morning. So we had a couple of sessions of EMDR where I would feel differently when I woke up. And the sessions weren't that long so I was quite skeptical of it working because I've been having this problem for so long. But within five days it went away. And it has continued to stay away. But after rapidly going from these terrible mornings everyday to having normal mornings, I am pretty convinced that that was what it was. It was happening so long that I subconsciously made it happen. I dont know if this helps but maybe talk to a therapist about it and see what they can do. Hope this helps.

anxietysucks · 09-12-2005, 10:36 AM

Thanks Derangea! I am going to a therapist tomorrow, after being treated for this the past 3 years from my GP who has tried his best. I'm trying to arm myself with some questions before I go.

mjewell · 09-12-2005, 11:11 AM

anxietysucks, let us know how it goes at your therapist. I too made an appointment with a therapist but I don't see her til october. I am really looking forward to it but nervous at the same time because I can't stand the thought of another wasted effort.

To answer your question, I don't have full blown attacks every day but I experience intense anxiety and nervousness at least once a day most days. The only time I really don't is if I am at home all day with nothing to do or worry about, but even on occasion then I still get that feeling. This morning i was thinking about how I routinely will realize oh, I feel good today and I haven't even had a Xanax or anyhting, then the minute I think that thought its like I have sabotaged myself because I immediately start feeling anxious...its like I don't want to let myself feel good because being anxious is so programmed in me. I realyl wish I could shut my stupid brain off!! I am so ready to change, no matter what I have to do, i am ready.

layla= · 09-12-2005, 11:46 AM

I really do know how you feel, for the last 6 years at least i have anxiety as soon as i open my eyes, i been trying to deal with it myself but to no avail, i been to see my gp, who has given me some ad, lets hope they work!!
I did discuss the possibility that because i felt so rotten so long that now it has just become routine, anyway, good luck with the therapy and hope it makes the morning easier for you!!