Mums with anxiety?

[Shortstuff88]

I was just wondering if there are any other mums like me who suffer with anxiety?
I had it really bad a couple of years ago and through therapy managed to control it and in the end coped well. However 6 weeks after having LO I developed a body rash that no one could explain and it scared me so much that my anxiety came back full force. I now spend most of my time in a panic.
My main symptom is a tight feeling in my throat with causes me to have stress induced indigestion. Does anyone else suffer with this? I constantly worry it'll cause me to stop breathing even though I know that is completely ridiculous!
I will be seeing my dr today to discuss treatment (I refuse to take medication as I had a terrible reaction last time).
Anyone who suffers like I do, how do you cope?

 

[seoj]

I have anxiety- it's more social though. Even though I'm a very social person, I tend to let social interactions nag at me-- and have a hard time shutting down my brain sometimes. So not the same- but still.

I've had it midly most of my life- but after my Mom got sick it became more apparent (especially since my LO was born 2mos prior)- so I had a lot going on to say the least. Then after my Mom passed- I had this layer of stress/guilt/anger/sadness that I couldn't shake- and finally got medication. First time for that. I'd seen a therapist and that helped- but I decided that wasn't enough for me or my family and didn't want to keep feeling that way. Even though overall I felt Ok- in those moments it came bubbling up, it wasn't fun.

I'm not saying you *should* get medication- I do think therapy is great. But there are so many different kids of meds- there is no one size fits all. It's about finding what works best for you and discussing your options with your doc. I was lucky that I knew others on the same meds I take- and they highly recommended it to me. And so did my doc. And it worked well.

You might also consider other alternative things- like massage (for stress) or acupunture (I swear they have help for just about everything!) even a naturopathic doc to help- as with me, what I eat can really affect my mood and digestion. And the healthier you feel physically- well, it's all connected. If that makes sense?

Best of luck hun!

 

[Shortstuff88]

Thanks!
I did decide to take the medication in the end. I'm only on my 4th day so still working through the side effects at the moment but I really hope this helps. I'm so sick of panicking over silly things. Feel like I'm constantly on edge!

 

[seoj]

Thanks!
I did decide to take the medication in the end. I'm only on my 4th day so still working through the side effects at the moment but I really hope this helps. I'm so sick of panicking over silly things. Feel like I'm constantly on edge!

I absolutely get the "feel on edge" thing. That is exactly how I felt for months... and the meds did help a ton. Obviously it's not a magic cure- if only- but I feel more "even".

Really hope this one works for you! I remember it took about a week for me to get past any side affects- mine was issues getting to sleep! So yeah, that was fun. Lucky about 5-6 days in it got better and no more issues since

 

[Shortstuff88]

At the moment sleeping is a problem and I keep getting moments of really high anxiety. But I keep thinking it'll be worth it.
I'm referring myself for counselling too to try and work through the issues.

 

[seoj]

Best of luck hun- if things don't sort soon (not sure how long they recommend trying a new med for?) I'd at least chat with your doc for options...

I'm fairly sure they said 2-3wks for meds to give full affects/benefits?

 

[Shortstuff88]

Yeah she said that I should give it until at least the second week before I notice a difference.

 

[kbwebb]

I have social anxiety, I don't like meeting strangers, strange places, going on buses etc alone (but I only want my df with me if someone was with me) it got to a point where I wouldn't leave e house for months. Then I had my daughter, however I can feel my anxiety coming slowly back it's so horrible. I cry have panic attacks, a bad tummy and often feel sick

 

[noon_child]

I think I've had GAD my whole life although it was only diagnosed a few years ago. I find it difficult to assess how badly it affects me because I lowered my life expectations for so many years in order to avoid anxiety, so that I'm always in my comfort zone. Therapy taught me to challenge my comfort zones but having LO has given me little time for anything else so I think I've slipped back in to the rut again. Oddly I was too tired for the first two years of her life to be anxious. Since she started sleeping through I have found myself lying awake at night worrying about stuff!!

When I was younger I took beta blockers to control isolated instances of panic (it only happened when I was going out socially - so I knew when to take one) and the lack of symptoms in those situations helped break the association with panic and socialising so that after a few month I could socialise without taking a pill (although I kept them on me for about a year 'just in case').

Then I had depression for which I got Paroxetine. I was on that for years and still have mixed feelings. I think it helped but I don't think 6 years of repeat prescriptions should have been what happened.

I finally got a proper LONG course of CBT (24 sessions) that really helped me target what my fears were, what my triggers were, helped me challenge my avoidance behaviours etc. and I built up a blue print so that when I feel anxious I can return to some of the therapy we did and use the techniques to stop it escalating.

I do have bad reflux and indigestion but my doctors refuse to believe it is anxiety related. Gaviscon Advance is great although it can stop the absorption of some medicines so check that out first.

 

[Shortstuff88]

Yeah it was the stomach upsets that finally made me go see the dr. Been feeling really dizzy and faint today too. But i'm not sure if thats the medication or if its my anxiety.

 

[Citrine]

Anyone pregnant and suffering from anxiety?