Night time anxiety? someone help

mysterywolf and advicequeen08,

     I honestly cannot think of any possible causes for the anxiety, and that makes me worry even more.  I am very happy in my family and life right now, and the attacks seem to come out of nowhere and from nothing.     The new baby is  not a contributing factor at all, she's an angel, hardly ever cries, and sleeps 8 hours a  night.    This has been happening over the last year, usually only a couple times a month...but this week it has happened the last 3 nights in a row.     I have tried cleaning house or working on a hobby to get my mind off it and relax, hot baths, massages,  to no evail.     

Do you think my next step would be to call for professional help?

Can you enlighten me with possible causes for this anxiety. Did something happen at 9pm in the past that perhaps in subconsciously disturbing you? How long has this been happening? Is the baby a contributing factor?

I think it wouldn’t hurt to ask for a professional opinion. Because other than that, I can only advise you to try other options like taking up yoga and meditation classes.

I’ve done a lil bit of reading and it sounds like you’re suffering from panic attacks:

Panic attacks- These episodes of anxiety can occur for no apparent reason. With a panic attack, a person has sudden and intense physical symptoms that can include a pounding heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, numbness, or tingling feelings causes by overactivity of the body’s normal fear response. Agoraphobia is an intense fear of panic attacks that causes a person to avoid going anywhere a panic attack could possibly occur.

What to Do:

Getting the problem treated can help a person feel like himself or herself again — relaxed and ready for the good things in life. Someone who might be dealing with an anxiety disorder should:

• Tell a parent or other adult about physical sensations, worries, or fears. Because anxiety disorders don’t go away unless they are treated, it’s important to tell someone who can help. If a parent doesn’t seem to understand right away, talk to a school counselor, religious leader, or other trusted adult.

• Get a checkup. See a doctor to make sure there are no physical conditions that could be causing symptoms.

• Work with a mental health professional. Ask a doctor, nurse, or school counselor for a referral to someone who treats anxiety problems. Finding out what’s causing the symptoms can be a great relief.

• Get regular exercise, good nutrition, and sleep. These provide your body and brain with the right fuel and time to recharge.

You can read about the other kinds of anxiety disorders there are, and other information regarding it in these links:

http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/mental_health/anxiety.html

http://www.healthnetwork.com.au/diseases-conditions/anxiety-attack.asp

http://www.patrickriley.ca/anxiety-attacks-and-you/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panic_attack