Evening Anxiety

[samson]

Hello everyone. I am 6 months into therapy with emdr. I am noticing some big changes for the good. However, no matter how good my day may be, the anxiety and sadness creep in during the evening hours. Does this happen to anyone else? Why?

 

[Innordinate]

Happens to me. Mostly because a lot of my abuse happened in the evenings. Also because generally in the evenings I'm not really doing anything productive or anything that really needs brain power and so, without the distraction, the anxiety takes over.

I usually come on here and read and stuff in the evenings just for the extra distraction until I'm almost about to fall asleep. It helps sometimes.

 

[Shellbell]

I have more anxiety in the evenings, but I put this down to having children and around dinner time is when my husband comes home, the kids are excited to see Dad, the kids are hungry and tired and their behaviour is often worse.

So, by the time dinner and baths are done, my anxiety levels are often sky high and I will be more snappy or likely to not cope with little things. I think my cup (PTSD Cup Theory) has well and truly runneth over!

So, once the boys are in bed and my husband has gone to bed - he goes early - I can start calming down.

 

[kers]

My anxiety begins rising steadily once I get home from work. For me, I think it's partly because night triggers fears in me (I am terrified of an intruder and I can't visually check the outside perimeter of the house at night) and partly because work keeps my mind busy--occupied. When I get home it can dwell on things more and there is more room for the anxiety.

 

[samson]

Thanks for the replies. All of that makes sense. I am usually home alone with nothing but the tv and before therapy I could successfully shut my emotions down at the drop of a hat. Now that I'm dealing with my emotions, it's much harder to do that and I find myself getting really wound up at night. Usually I have to cry to relieve the pressure.

 

[Red Feather]

I have more anxiety in the evenings. At the moment I am only attributing my medication to be the reason. It works immediately and since I take every night before I go to bed, it is strongest in the mornings and wears off in the evenings. That is the only explanation I have at the moment. Lately I have been so anxious, anything can make me feel really uneasy.

 

[Deleted member 12723]

I hate and loathe anxiety. I was having morning anxiety. My doctor put me on zannax and it has made all the difference in the world. I do not know what the root of anxiety is. If I knew I could get a handle on it. I understand that my anxiety is not related to my ptsd but my life situation which is very crazymaking and high drama.

What helped me in the mornings before the zannax was taking my time waking up. Previously I had been doing chores as soon as I woke up. I did not realizie that this was causing me anxiety. I wish you the best with yours. I hope for you that you can plan distractions and diversions to help to take your mind off of it. Take care of yourself you are worth it.

 

[samson]

Thanks Gizmo. I do have some Xanax, but I usually only take it if I just can't get to sleep. My therapist gave me a list of suggestions to help relax at night time. Fortunately, sleep is one of my escape mechanisms, so usually by bed time I'm more than ready to fall asleep. When I'm really processing stuff at night I usually wake up weepy or anxious. I allow myself to feel whatever that is until I get to work and usually I can focus on work and forget about it for the day. Until the drive home. I am making good progress with the emdr. Therapy is a big roller coaster.

 

[Ludders]

Hello. I'm new. I have lows when I come home and my wife starts to criticise me. I feel I want to stay at work. I have had PTSD for a long time since my son died. Does anyone feel tirrible when they are made to feel they are to blame?

 

[Deleted member 12723]

Ludders I am so sad about the loss of your son. I lost my son 4 years ago to a motorcycle accident. I have a husband with dementia and he blames me for all kinds of things which plays havoc with my ptsd. I have made a commitment recently to myself to be positive when the negative thoughts hit. I have been having good results with it.

It hurts to be blamed when you are innocent and cannot get the message acrross. I am learning that remaining calm produces better results. I know easier said than done. But my husband is looking for calm and reassurances. I will continue to practice this until it becomes a life saving habit. I wish you the best.

 

[Ludders]

Thanks Gizmo. I am so sorry for your loss. I do try as you do and know it is difficult. You are doing really well.

Your message has made me feel better. Thank you.

Learning to be calm and balanced and to not stressful things impact on you is something
my therapist kept saying. We shall keep working and both feel better. All the best.

 

[lisamarie]

I too have anxiety in the evening. I mean, I have it all day. But many days it gets worse as soon as I pull out of the parking lot at work. I attribute it to lack of distraction and also feeling overwhelmed with having to cook and clean when I get home.