A mess at night updated

Amanda2011 · July 2012

I can't make it through the night with out having a panic attack. My daughter is a horrible sleeper and there is no telling how long it will take to get her to bed. We start her bath at 8 pm and it can we 2 am before she will finally go to bed for good. This just is too much for me right now. I am on an antidepressent and have Xanax but I still can't seem to make it through the night. About 6 pm the anxiety starts and builds until I just loose it. My husband has been great but is in med school and can't keep doing everything. I don't have any family near or really any friends. I know being isolated makes it so much worse. I have an apt with a psychologist on Thursday but I really don't know how I am going to do bedtime with her tonight. *i went to the apt with the psychologist. It really did not go how I thought it would. After asking generic questions he told me I had a panic disorder. He said treatment would be learning how to do self relaxation. He did it would take about five sessions I really know how I feel about that as a solution. I'm going to give it a try. My husband has been great. I give her a bath and he then takes over. It has really helped. Now I just feel so guilty that I am adding one more thing my husband has to do.

RedRose87 · July 2012

I know I won't be much help, but wanted to let you know you aren't alone. While I am not having panic attacks at night, every time it nears 8 o'clock I have a building sense of dread. My son is the same way as your daughter. 8 o'clock will roll around and it usually takes till at the earlier 12 or 1am before he finally goes to sleep. Then he is awake every hour until 4am before he finally goes down for a four hour stretch of sleep. Then he is awake from 8 am till around noon fussing and screaming. Then will sleep for a couple 2 hour stretches. Then around 6 o'clock goes down after his last feeding before all hell breaks loose at 8....... It's really hard! Plus my husband works nights so I am completely alone and have no one to hand him to when it gets to be too much. It scares me because I get so impatient. I'd never hurt him, but I have a short temper already, so I get so mad at him when he won't stop screaming. It's made bonding very difficult.

Maybe talk to your doctor about trying a different medication? Not all of them work for everyone. Also a psychologist is a great idea if you can afford to go to one, I know talking can help. I was going to keep how I was feeling a total secret, but decided to tell my husband, and it helped a bit getting it out there that I am struggling. Wishing you the best of luck tonight, I know we will both need it. Stay strong, and just remember, eventually she will go to sleep. I sometimes have to remind myself that he can't scream forever, even if it lasts 8 hours (as has happened before), eventually it does end.

winter-shock · July 2012

I am so sorry you are struggling with this. My anxiety at night is terrible. One thing I know is if I really let it get away on me both my girls have an almost impossible time falling asleep and are really restless the rest of the night. They really connect to your energy. So hopefully when you can get your anxiety a bit more under control the bedtime routine may improve.

amandafisher · July 2012

I remember feeling the exact same way with my first DD... I would absolutely dread nighttime as I was so sleep deprived and I knew the next night wouldn't be any better. Eventually there was light at the end of the tunnel and she started sleeping. Please know you are not alone you can do this!

Ardmhs83 · July 2012

Been there! I was hit with severe anxiety that caused severe insomnia when my son was 7 months old. Every evening I would feel the same way...it is awful!!!! I wasn't able to sleep AT ALL! Finally got into see a Dr and was put on 3 meds....Serequel to control mind racing, Trazodone as an anti depressant/anti anxiety/sleeplessness and Ativan: anti anxiety. I am no longer on the Ativan and I am weaning from 600mgs to 75 mgs on the Serequel, but now I am on 2mg of Klonopin every night before bed to help calm me down and knock me out. Klonopin is prescribed for panick attacks. It is a benzo and is in the same class of drugs as Xanax and Ativan. Klonopin works better for me than Ativan and it may work well for you too since it is actually made for panick attacks. Good luck, things will get better. It takes time...sometimes A LOT of time, but things will look up, just keep reaching out for help. Hugs!