Traumatic Causes

Q: Last week I went to a Therapist. She thinks I have a anxiety problem. Scary. I knew I had a problem when I started having very bad nightmares and would not sleep it got to the point I wouldn't sleep at all maybe 3-4 hours. Then one night I woke up and couldn't breath I had sweat dripping off of me. I could not scream, I could not breath. A lot of traumatic things have occurred in the past year: I lost 3 close friends and relatives to suicide. And my brothers Girlfriend died in a terrible car accident. I lost my job, and a long 1 year relationship.  Is this the cause of my anxiety? My paranoid thoughts? Are drugs the only way to help me feel "normal" again? And last is it common to start Having anxiety after traumatic episodes in life? Your Site is great! It has helped me a lot! Just wondering if my questions could be answered it would be great.

A: Yes many Anxiety Disorders do begin after a traumatic episode and from the sound of it you certainly have had more than one. After a traumatic event it is not unusual for people to have nightmares. It is quite common. From what we can gather from your email you may have had what is called a nocturnal panic attack. Not being able to move, breath or speak can be part of the attack although the feeling of being 'paralyzed' is part of REM sleep and people without an Anxiety Disorder may experience it . The secret is not to panic! Easier said than done in the initial stages, but if it happens again simply say to yourself quite firmly....'I can move' and you will be able to do so.

Not having enough sleep does make you more vulnerable to having panic attacks and/or anxiety. Medication can be very helpful as it can give you relief from the anxiety and any depression but by itself it may not give you long term results and you may remain symptomatic.

It important you do work with a psychotherapist who will be able to help you with all the emotions you would be feeling as a result of everything which has happened to you.

It is also important you know there is nothing physically wrong with you. If your therapist is unable to make a full diagnosis could you ask them to refer you to an Anxiety Disorder specialist. They would be able to make a definitive diagnosis and from this they would be able to assist you with a specific Cognitive Behavioral Program which would assist you in dealing with the nocturnal attacks and the anxiety symptoms.

Many universities, through their Dept of Psychology, do have CBT Programs for Anxiety Disorders. You could also go into our 'links' page and contact the USA National Institute of Mental Health. They would be able to assist you in finding a CBT therapist for the attacks and anxiety.

To recap:

1. Ensure you have a definitive diagnosis
2. Medication can assist you
3. If you have an Anxiety Disorder work with a CBT therapist who will be able to assist you with this.
4. Work with a psychotherapist who will be able to assist you with the trauma you have experienced.

It may seem daunting but this is the 'path' many of us need to take. It does work and you can get your life back.

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