mornings are still hard - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Message Board

irishmom1 · 06-04-2007, 07:52 AM

I wake up and go into a panic where my breathing becomes really fast. I tell myself there is no reason to panic. Doesn't help. It takes about a half hour from when I get out of bed and move around for me to calm down. Does anyone deal with this and how do you stop it or calm yourselves down? It feels as if I open my eyes, the panic starts. There is no reason for my panic, it just seems automatic. Any suggestions?

Psychobabble · 06-04-2007, 08:30 AM

Hi Irishmom1,

Mornings are bad for me too when I am going through an episode of OCD. I don't really experience panic, but as soon as I wake up, the anxiety begins. It is annoying because often I'll go to sleep feeling OK, but as soon as I wake up, I'm feeling anxious (even though I tell myself there is no reason to feel anxious). I'm not sure why this occurs (perhaps my medication wears off given that I take it in the morning?). Or maybe it is just a good time where the 'mind is idle' and the obsessions have a great opportunity to enter the mind. Who knows...but don't worry, you're not alone here. Mornings are hard for me too.

Post-It · 06-04-2007, 08:39 AM

I hear you both. Mornings are bad for me, as well, when I am in a bad OCD cycle. Even if I don't wake up with panic, I will still "check" to see if my obsession is still there and that usually brings on the anxiety. I usually feel my best in the evenings, after work is over and I can relax.

seriousperson · 06-04-2007, 05:24 PM

For 50 years I thought it was normal to wake up with feelings of anxiety. Risperdal has definitely changed all that for me. Even if I wake up with an idea or answer to something that I feel the need to act on immediately, my body is totally relaxed.

Christian73 · 06-04-2007, 09:14 PM

I was just talking to a friend about this and she also says mornings are rough too. I have found that once I get out of the house and to work or wherever I'm going I improve dramatically. And some mornings are harder than others. I find that if I have something important to do, I'm more focused on that and not so susceptible to the anxieties and obsessive thoughts.