Anxiety Self Help

Apr 27 2012, 4:28 am

Nice blog. Honestly sometimes not being able to go back to sleep simply means that our body got the amount of sleep it needed. Its just that it might not fit our schedule.

Usually if i have nothing else planed the next day i just lay in bed and let my mind wonder. If thats not very entertaining then i just log on to the site and read blogs. You should try it. Just get out of bed and read a few blogs and then go back to bed.

Apr 26 2012, 10:50 am

I agree with blewis. I have also been seeing a therapist who uses the "Mindful Acceptance" approach to dealing with anxiety and I have learned exactly what blewis is talking about...in regards to accepting it and flowing with it. My therapist puts it like this...is it easier to swim with the current or against the current? The answer is simple...it's easier to swim with the current...it takes much more emotional and physical energy to swim against. I also wake up at night with so many thoughts and then my heart starts to race. Now...I try to go to bed at night with the thought that "it is what it is". I know it's hard to believe but with this approach I have been able to do more and more often. I work full time, have three kids and am now attending functions. I had a hard time in crowds before, I still do, but I ask myself...what can happen...if I can't handle it, then I will just leave. I haven't had to leave yet. I come from a place when I used to start my groceries and have to leave a full grocery cart there and rush out of the store. Now, I go in, tell myself that I will flow with whatever comes my way. I also agree with blewis when he says that it sounds corny but it can make things better. Take care.

Apr 26 2012, 8:15 am

I've had the same problem for the last few months. If I try and can't get back to sleep I will do deep breathing to calm myself down and then read a book. I've been learning from my therapist about radical acceptance. The point being you have to accept the anxiety for what it is and not fight against it because fighting will only make it stronger. When you wake up just tell yourself this is your anxiety and you will deal with it. It is what it is. It sounds corny but the sleep problems have gotten much better.

Apr 26 2012, 6:11 am

OH ME,ME,ME- I have that problem too! I just accept i am up and play on the computer til i am exausted or if i have responsibilities i go my job or whatever and then nap when i get home. I take a sleep med but it never "keeps" me asleep. This has been going on forever. Shrink is starting me one a new sleep med so i hope it helps. Ive built up a tolerance to 3 and hey stopped working. I dont have many answers for you- just want you to know you are not alone.