I've been trying to become lucid for maybe over a month now, using RC's every day to ensure I at least recognize that I'm dreaming some time.

Now, this has happened at least three times by now, but I had a dream that in it, I DID realize I was dreaming (however, not due to RC's but just because I KNEW that I was in bed and asleep and that the things happening around me were so surreal and unrealistic that I absolutely MUST be dreaming).

However, once I realized this in my dream, my heart started pounding, and I got really scared, and then force myself to wake up (this usually takes a while, because I'm so deeply sleeping, which in turn makes me even more afraid).

I don't know why this happens! I've been trying to get lucid for so long, and it frustrates me so much that every time I HAVE the opportunity I mess it up, and I mentally kick myself once I do wake up. I feel like I can't control my dream once I do realize I'm dreaming and I just freak out.

Any tips on how to actual attain a stabile lucidity? And how can I make myself not be scared in my dream, just as I am when I know that I want to get lucid when I'm awake??