Stress...

Is anybody else extremely stressed out? I am normally a calm person but due to issues, such as money, work, the house etc.. I am finding myself so much more stressed than normal. I am also having anxiety attacks (which I have NEVER had before). I am not quite sure how to handle it. MY dh tells me just to relax and be greatful for what we have (which is A LOT), but for some reason anxiety is getting the better of me. I am really not sure how to handle it. Any advice?

Re: Stress...

I've been there, and even currently, it comes and goes. I feel that counseling has helped me (some of my stress stems from my brother being injured so bad years ago and as he fights to recover, he is doing so well, but it gets the better of me sometimes) so the counseling helps. Mind you, he's the one IN it and he's always upbeat lol. But some people are better at managing then others.

I find that acupuncture helps me immensely. I go once every other week. A lot of people get scared, they think needles and associate it with pain. It is completely painless and has really made a difference. It's also very healthy for the baby and the uterus.

I find that exercising helps a lot too - it's a great outlet. Even if it is just walking or something like that. That really helps both DH and I. DH is a teacher and his employment is always a worry because of the economy - so, that adds to stress for both of us and we both cope with going to the gym or walking.

This may sound silly but I listen to Andrea Bocelli. That worked for my Grandmother when she was battling cancer so it should surely work for me when dealing with daily stresses.

Re: Stress...

For me, stress and anxiety are two different things. For the most part, I thrive in stress and it's something that just pushes me more.

Anxiety on the other hand is a freakin' PITA! It's not about being grateful or ungrateful for what I have. It's about taking a realistic fear (e.x., going into labor) and making it unrealistic. (going into labor while I'm at work and although I work 5 min. from a major hospital, no one is going to be able to help me. And my husband and mom are NEVER going to be able to make it to the hospital for some crazy reason.)

There were days early in my pregnancy when my anxiety got the best of me and I stayed home from work as a result. (which actually made it worse lol). Whether this is your 1st, 2nd, or 10th baby, your hormonal changes are naturally going to give you emotions that you typically never had. For me, normalizing this helps.

As the pp said, exercise also helps (yoga for me) as well as breathing/relaxation exercises and listening to relaxing music. I am also in counseling for this and just normalizing everything i'm feeling helps. As my therapist says, the more you stop trying to control anxiety, the more control you actually have over it.

As well intended as your husband is trying to be, try not to listen to him when he says to be grateful lol. Hearing that might make you feel even worse like something is ''wrong" with you which will then just make your anxiety attacks worse and more frequent.

HTH

Message edited 5/17/2013 3:20:34 PM.

Re: Stress...

I was stressed out at around 20 weeks. I am finishing my Master's Degree and around that time I was having a lot of datelines with papers, research, presentations etc. I got a little scared because I stopped felling the baby. Thankfully, I was having an appt around that time as well as my anatomy and all was well. I did talk to my doctor about it and she told me that if I was getting extremely stressed she could recommend to see a therapist. Please try to relax but know that you will always have options and help so long, as you are willing to be open and ask your doctor.

Good luck

Re: Stress...

I have been stressed more than ever due to no luck finding an apartment that's affordable and thinking I will have no days left for sick time or vacation time for maternity leave in September
My job doesn't help much keeping the stress level down because being a sales agent I need to meet numbers everyday
I am just hoping everything falls into place and I'm out of this tiny apartment by next month

I know it's hard but try to hang in there

Re: Stress...

Thanks ladies, I just had a bad day, work was particulary stressful as usually lol

Re: Stress...

It's a double edged sword. You are stressed, and trying to relax and knowing that stress isn't good for the baby makes you more stressed.

I am usually stressed out but since becoming pregnant I have just kind of forced myself not to be stressed. I just don't stress about stuff the way I used to. When I do get stressed I find myself more crampy and anxious and then it takes me forever to relax.

I also listen to some soft soothing music a few times a day to keep my mind in a good place.