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Pregnancy and Anxiety
By MsTigre » Posted Mar. 12, 2015 12:30am - 414 views - 4 comments

I have a mental disorder. I know I can't be the only one. I have a crappy combo of anxiety, OCD, panic disorder, and depression. I have been struggling with anxiety and depression since I was a kid, the panic and OCD for around 5 years now. I opted out of medication those years ago after trying it for a week or so because I wasn't "me", and have learned to cope. It got easier over the years, albeit constantly a battle. Tonight, I experienced (and am currently experiencing) my very first full blown panic attack in a year at least. I don't remember the last time I felt one this strong. My brain keeps flashing back to a week-long stint of panic I had around 3 years ago. Maybe that's the last time. It unfortunately couldn't have happened at a less convenient time. Everything in my life was starting to look better! My DH and I are getting our lives together, baby number one is on the way, and everything else is otherwise well. Hell, I woke up in the best mood I've been in in a LONG LONG time this morning. Then tonight, it hit me... Seemingly out of nowhere. I couldn't find a lot of information online about a pre-existing anxiety disorder and pregnancy and what to do, so I am trying to just ride it out, like I always do and have done the past 5 years. Do any of you have the same issues? What did you do? What did your doctor suggest? Any insight would be helpful.

Comments for this Journal Entry

	Comment from mogchi » Posted Mar. 12, 2015 8:40pm I suffer from depression and anxiety as well. I always wonder if I might have post postpartum after baby is born....hope not though. I dont know if there is much you can do while pregnant but do know you are not alone! When I had severe anxiety attacks I spoke with a psychologist and that helped me a little. Hugs!
	Comment from MsTigre » Posted Mar. 12, 2015 5:36pm I wrote out a whole reply and it froze and closed out.... So I will just say thank you for your kind and caring words, and thank you for reaching out.
	Comment from ericalee » Posted Mar. 12, 2015 8:43am Pregnancy can really play with your mood because of all the hormonal shifts. Some now and for sure after you give birth and all the "happy hormones" that get flushed out with the placenta, which can really have an effect on some people. Even for me, knowing I am at risk given my family history and mild anxiety I am trying placenta encapsulation so I can try to level out my hormones and mood after birth. I'm really sorry you're going through this. I think a lot of women do, but are scared to admit it or are scared nothing can help when they're pregnant. Are there any doctors in your network you could talk to that you feel comfortable with? I really think you will be so much happier and able to enjoy your pregnancy more if you can hear what options there are and some of the clinical reason behind why it is happening to you. ***HUGS***
	Comment from ericalee » Posted Mar. 12, 2015 8:38am I'm so sorry you're going through this. :( I definitely have some mild anxiety, but not the panic attacks or extent of symptoms that you are describing so I can't FULLY relate, BUT I have watched numerous close family members try to cope with combos of anxiety, depression, panic attacks, bipolar, etc. My best friend struggled a lot with anxiety and depression during her first pregnancy and shortly after the birth of her child. There ARE meds that you can take during pregnancy that are safe for you and the baby. My friend struggled for a very long time before asking for help from a doctor and once she did she was SO much happier. The medications have changed, even in the past 5 years so I would highly suggest talking with a medical professional. I have another friend who was previously on anxiety meds and when she got pregnant they needed to up her dose a little bit because of all the extra blood now in her system that required more medication to be at the same level. (cont)