Post Partum?

Does anyone suffer from Post Partum anxiety? If so, how do you deal with it?

My dr gave me breathing technics but those don't really work. I have been taking Magnesium, Calcium, and Kava Kava. She doesn't really want to put me on medication and I agree as I would rather not since I was on so many different ones for my headaches and IF I were to get pregnant again I am wouldn't want to have to stop them.

Re: Post Partum?

I had post partum anxiety after DS. I did go on medicine which helped a lot and I didn't have to stay on too long. I was off after a few months. I also went to the St. Catherine's PPD support group. HUGE HELP. I believe Good Sam or St. Charles has one too. You can call around and see if any of them are taking place right now. Just know it will get better. It is good you are aware something is off.

Re: Post Partum?

Post Partum?

I suffered from severe PP anxiety after my DD was born. Non stop panic attacks, worrying, OCD...you name it. It was so bad I went to therapy twice a week, and went to three different drs till I found one I liked. They all recommended medication and I resisted it for a long time and was very against it. Finally 7 months PP I couldn't take feeling that way anymore so I gave in and took Zoloft. It made a TREMENDOUS difference in my life and my only regret is that I didn't start it sooner.

I'm pregnant again now and was able to wean off the Zoloft just fine. I plan on starting it again right after this baby is born so that I can actually enjoy the experience this time around. I feel like I missed out on so much the 1st 7 months of DD's life. I'm just thankful my DD won't remember me being like that. I still go to therapy every week and it makes a big difference.

I hope you find relief bc I know how horrible it is to feel that way and have a baby that's depending on you to take care of him or her. Let me know if you decide to try medication and want a referral of a terrific psychiatrist located in Garden City. Good luck!

Re: Post Partum?

I did! I went on Xanax and lexipro (stoped xanax when lexipro kicked in at 30days). It was a HUGE help. I weaned off the lexipro when my DS was 5 months old. My PCP prescribed it and also recommended post partum counseling, but for me the meds were enough. Definitely seek help!

Re: Post Partum?

Re: Post Partum?

I didn't have post partum anxiety but had terrible anxiety after starting my first job that resulted in panic attacks, inability to eat, and almost full blown agoraphobia at times. For me medication (lexapro/klonopin) actually ended up making me worse as I had a lot of side effects from the meds that then became difficult to tease out from my actual anxiety issues. I found weekly counseling sessions with the right person to be the most helpful along with reading self help books that normalized and explained the feelings/sensations I was having (Hope and Help for your nerves by Claire Weekes really really helped me and I still use this book when I feel the anxiety creeping back in). It's kind of oldstyle but the author really gets where you are coming from and has a laid back approach to dealing with the physical and mental symptoms you get with panic or anxiety disorders. I'm sure there are also books specific to post partum anxiety though no matter the timing of it an anxiety issue sucks! I hope you get some relief soon, try to be gentle on yourself and KNOW that you will feel better; it may just take some time. Feel free to FM me with any specific questions

Edited to add: I also took a mindful based meditation class and tried to take a long walk daily. I found breathing techniques did not help me (in fact it was worse as part of my anxiety symptoms was a feeling of being short of breath)

Message edited 2/20/2014 2:43:23 PM.

Re: Post Partum?

I did and do. I had it after DS, who is now 4.5. I tried to deal with it on my own but it took until he was over one for me to truly get a handle on it. I got it again after DD, who is now 9 months. This time I said eff it and went to a psychiatrist after 2 months. I went on meds and they started working within 2 weeks. I feel totally different now than after I had DS. I wish I had done it after DS but I can't regret it now. When you know better, you do better. Going on the meds was a life changer for me. I know that therapy for me wouldn't have worked. It was a chemical, hormonal imbalance for me. I am going to wean off of them slowly and be off them by the time she is one. I know how awful you feel right now. Anxiety is a terrible thing to suffer through. Let me know if you do go the med route. I would recommend my psych.

Re: Post Partum?

I was also going to add in to check with the ped's office. When we would go sit in the mother's room when my son was an infant (so we wouldn't be waiting in the general waiting room), there was a flyer about post partum support groups. Sorry I can't remember the name as I haven't been in that room in awhile. But your ped may have info too.

Re: Post Partum?

Therapy and support groups. I went on medication because I was prior to pregnancy and then midway through pregnancy I started on it again. But if you don't want meds therapy and support groups. I joined a new moms group which was really helpful.