Still feeling the physical effects of GAD – help?
Question:
I suffered for a few years from what I think was a Generalised Anxiety Disorder. I am now much better, both through practicing CBT and also by altering my life to avoid many of the things that used to make me anxious. I am very happy at the moment, and don’t often become anxious. However, I am finding that I still experience physical symptoms of anxiety (i.e. butterflies in my stomach) when I’m lying in bed. It’s very strange as it only happens in bed, and normally in the morning when I wake up. As soon as I get out of bed, the feeling disappears. I have no idea why this is, I get the physical feeling even though I don’t have any anxious thoughts. The only thing I can think of is that maybe somewhere in the back of my mind I associate being in bed with feeling anxious. Does anyone have any ideas on how I can address this? Thanks, Tony — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Response:
I suffered for a few years from what I think was a Generalised Anxiety Disorder. I am now much better, both through practicing CBT and also by altering my life to avoid many of the things that used to make me anxious. I am very happy at the moment, and don’t often become anxious. However, I am finding that I still experience physical symptoms of anxiety (i.e. butterflies in my stomach) when I’m lying in bed. It’s very strange as it only happens in bed, and normally in the morning when I wake up.
Are you thinking about the day ahead? Are you starting to worry about it? I have no idea why this is, I get the physical feeling even though I don’t have any anxious thoughts.
Are you sure you don’t have any anxious thoughts? Does anyone have any ideas on how I can address this?
Look for any anxious thoughts you have when you wake up in the morning. And then challenge them using CBT. Chip — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
