I also posted this in the general disscussion forum:

Hello, I'm a noob. I began reading up on spirituality to cure my fear of the unknown, of death. And to cure me from that fact that i was beginning to go crazy.

I used to have, what i guess is called "panic attacks" at night. I'd be asleep and then this tremendous fear of hopelessness and loneliness, of knowing that one day I would not be here, would take over me and wake me out of my sleep with my heart racing, etc.

I did have the same vision everytime too. I visioned myself falling upwards, into this void, where i could see stars and such, so I'm assuming it was space that I was seeing, and I could see my arms stretch out in front of me like i was reaching to get of hold of something, anything, just so i wouldnt feel alone. then id wake up in a panic.

Has anyone ever expericienced this?

Since I've began reading on spirituality and looking inward, these attacks have gone away. Every now and then it tries to mildly sneak up on me in the day time, but i just calm myself and reassure myself that all is ok.

My theory is that perhaps my "higher self" was trying to tell me that i was void/empty and that I should begin to discover that maybe there's more to life than just physical death?

I used to believe that there was no god, i guess I was bitter from being raised catholic. now im beginning to believe that there is more. ive seen "signs" i guess if you want to call them that. just mild signs as a result of asking for higher help in desperation.

anyones input is highly appreciated.

thank you for your time.