Feeling really 'panicky' and nightmares

**DillyDally** · 07-03-2012, 11:51am

Over the last week or so, I have had a horrible panicky, stomach-churning feeling. It's not all the time, just for an hour or so at a time

But it's horrible, it makes me feel restless and not able to settle to anything

I've also been waking up with a start, trying to scream, after having nightmares about being attacked - last night I dreamt my DH was attacking me.

How can I calm myself down?

I am a little bit stressed - mainly over my course - it's been much harder studying with DS1 away at college than I thought it would be - due to the college holidays coinciding with assignment writing/deadlines. And I am not enjoying the course as much as I'd hoped, and just want to get it over, so I get my degree. I am a bit of a perfectionist, too, and want to get high marks, so I put pressure on myself. Gah no wonder I feel like this - but what can I do about it?!

**Fiz** · 07-03-2012, 12:12pm

PMT makes me a bit stomach-churny - I seem to worry about things more for a week then I'm fine! Are you in the final year of your course?

**DillyDally** · 07-03-2012, 12:18pm

Thanks Fiz - I hadn't considered PMT - I've never had it before! But I will be 48 in a couple of months, so maybe my hormones are shifting around a bit

It could be that

the timing is right.

I'm studying with the OU and I'm doing my last course

**Roseyposey** · 07-03-2012, 12:24pm

Hi Dilly

What is your course out of interest?

I think its usual to have some anxiety over study, especially if you are nearing the end, and also not enjoying it that much!

Are you able to get out of the house when these feelings arise? If so, I do find just switching what you are doing for a while quite useful, even if its a quick trip to somewhere you like, quick walk. Perspective really helps sometimes. If not, then alter the activity you are doing in the house. This doesn't mean to avoid these feelings, just not let them rise to a peak, so that you can revisit how you are feeling in a more calm way.

I also found it really helpful a couple of weeks ago (i mentioned on here somewhere), when I was having daily nightmares (think it was on an alzheimers thread) to speak to someone about it. For me, it was the lady who does my reflexology, know her for years, we are good friends and I trust her, but we don't see each other outside of that treatment. I told her about my dreams and cried for about an hour! I didn't have any more for a while, although they are coming back a bit now. If you have someone you can confide in about them and also what's stressing you, that might help. If not, then maybe a diary to see your feelings written down?

**DillyDally** · 07-03-2012, 12:30pm

Thanks Rosey - my course is DD308 Making Social Worlds. It's very 'conceptual' and some of the books aren't particularly easy reading, which doesn't help!

I was wondering about a natural therapy - I might book in with my reflexologist - she's lovely, I trust her, and I always come out feeling really relaxed. And yes, I think I do need to tell someone about the nightmares

- I am normally very chilled and not easily scared, but I woke up with a start, absolutely petrified, last night.

**Roseyposey** · 07-03-2012, 12:33pm

I think that's a really good idea then. Go and see her and explain, I'm sure she'll be very understanding and I think you'll notice that they lift when you've got it off your chest. I too woke up petrified (and screaming) when I had the nightmares, and even though I'm a fairly anxious type, I'm not a screamer! Mine did happen about a week before my period, not sure if that had anything to do with it!