History of Anxiety and TTC (sorry v. long!)

Hi. I guess I'm looking for some personal experiences and encouragement (or discouragement if you feel that it's more useful). I have been dealing with anxiety issues (panic attacks/generalized anxiety/lots of physical symptoms) that began approx. 2 years ago and thus delayed any thoughts of starting a family.
I tried medications but found they didn't really agree with me and would prefer not to go that route again as it was v. difficult for me to wean from them and try to go on them. I am definitely not 100% better but am not sure if that will actually ever happen for me. Some days can still be quite difficult.
At this point I am debating whether or not to even try to have a family as I am so paralyzed over fear that my anxiety will be as bad as it was 2 years ago and I wont be able to function as a pregnant person or new mom(it was really bad at first). That being said both my husband and I would really like to try and have a family if it is at all possible and we are not sure how long to wait to see if I am ever "cured" or if this is just something I will need to work with the rest of my life.
I guess I would just love to hear any personal experiences of triumph or warnings that this may not be a good idea :(
Feel free to FM me privately if you are more comfortable with that.
Sorry for the long post I am just so torn on what to do

Message edited 1/30/2011 1:34:45 PM.

Re: History of Anxiety and TTC (sorry v. long!)

sent you fm

Re: History of Anxiety and TTC (sorry v. long!)

Thank you, PS your DD is adorable!

Re: History of Anxiety and TTC (sorry v. long!)

If you do a search for my name, I've been very vocal about my anxiety issues, postpartum depression, my medication, ttc, etc. Can I ask what medication you were on?
I had to go through a few medications to find the right one, but that's besides the point.
My first pregnancy, I was not on any medication and my anxiety was through the roof. Absolutely awful, but I made it through with support from my husband. My second, I was taking Zoloft and it was a completely different experience. It was fantastic.
I guess all I can say is that you should probably seek therapy and alternative ways of coping in order to deal with the anxiety because it will be hard to deal with when pregnant. But it can be done and I would not discourage you from having children because of it.
If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask and I will answer as best I can

Re: History of Anxiety and TTC (sorry v. long!)

Posted by BaroqueMama

If you do a search for my name, I've been very vocal about my anxiety issues, postpartum depression, my medication, ttc, etc. Can I ask what medication you were on?
I had to go through a few medications to find the right one, but that's besides the point.
My first pregnancy, I was not on any medication and my anxiety was through the roof. Absolutely awful, but I made it through with support from my husband. My second, I was taking Zoloft and it was a completely different experience. It was fantastic.
I guess all I can say is that you should probably seek therapy and alternative ways of coping in order to deal with the anxiety because it will be hard to deal with when pregnant. But it can be done and I would not discourage you from having children because of it.
If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask and I will answer as best I can

Re: History of Anxiety and TTC (sorry v. long!)

Oh- I could write a book!

I will FM you after DD goes to bed.

Re: History of Anxiety and TTC (sorry v. long!)

Thanks for all of your replies. BaroqueMama- I took Lexapro but had tons of side effects going on it..Stayed on for approx 1 year if you include the 7mo's it took to wean myself off of it. I never even made it to the typical therapeutic dose (10mg) b/c I started twitching uncontrollably at that dose. Also tried Klonopin (Couldn't function on this) and Alprazolam (xanax). Now to top off my anxiety I think I have PTSD about any psychiatric medications after my experience. I just seem particularly sensitive to medications. I do go to therapy and it has helped somewhat as does exercise.
Prior to my anxiety issues I was so excited to start a family and now whenever I think about it I just get depressed that everything is going to be so difficult now. It's like all of the shinyness and excitement got rubbed off and replaced with doubt and anxiety. Anyway just wanted to thank you all again for sharing your experiences and thoughts!

Re: History of Anxiety and TTC (sorry v. long!)

First off....big hugs to you.

Anxiety/Depression is such a horrible disease. I have battled it for years and was on a few different medications before having kids. I was not on anything during my first pregnancy and I did fine, the hormoned actually seemed to help my anxiety. However, after my first son was born, I had TERRIBLE PPD. No lie, it was horrible. I was put on Zoloft and it wasn't until they increased my dose to 200 mg a day, did it finally kick in. I was on it for 7 months then slowly weaned off of it with no side effects. When I became pregnant with my 2nd child, I was fine until I was 14 weeks. That is when the anxiety hit me out of the blue. I went back on Zoloft (50 mg) and after a few days, I was feeling better. I stayed on it the rest of my pregnancy and I just weaned myself off again (DS is almost a year) If you really want to have children, I wouldn't discourage you from TTC. My kids actually make me feel calmer. When you become a Mother you will see that all of your focus is on them and your issues seem not to matter as much (at least in my case, not sure about others) And remember, there are so many medications available now. Even if one doesn't work, I am sure your doctor will find the right one. Feel free to ask me any other questions that I haven't answered.

Audrey