I have some problems with anxiety. I have a few different triggers but one of the worst ones is when I get overwhelmed and I feel like a million things need to get done and I can't get myself to calm down to figure out where to start. I really like everything to be in it's place and organized so when there is too much to tackle at once sometimes I freak out a little. I tend to handle it OK for the most part, and when things get too bad I have Xanax to take. However, you can't take Xanax while pregnant or nursing. And I know there are a lot of things about being pregnant/having a little one that are likely to set me off. Has anyone else dealt with this? How do you calm down without using meds?
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I've struggled with anxiety. I had great luck using autogenics, which is basically a series of relaxation exercises:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autogenic_trainingThese scripts were huge for me!
http://www.innerhealthstudio.com/autogenics.htmlHave you looked into CBT? I know a lot of anxiety sufferers who had great relief from that as well:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_behavioral_therapy -
@mrbee: Thanks Mr Bee! I'll look into these resources!
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I suffer from anxiety and depression. Odd combination
I actually take Lexapro, and because of how bad I am, I have to take it during pregnancy and breastfeeding. When DS was born, they advised against it, but it wasn't a big deal. Now they have those commercials on TV about "if your baby suffered from a birth defect and you took Lexapro...." but, I know that I can't go off. DS has had no issues despite me being on it the whole time. I sometimes feel bad about not being able to stop it, but with the combination of pregnancy hormones, plus my own disorder, it is best that I stay on it.
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I suffer from anxiety and PTSD. I used to be on meds for depression as well, but I weaned myself off them. Now I keep my symptoms in check by doing breathing and tapping exercises, and talking regularly to my therapist. I find just writing a big list when I am really stressed or drawing a picture to isolate what Im anxious about helps sometimes. It helps me to see that things are not as overwhelming as they feel, and that I can get through them step by step.
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I'm not pregnant, but I made a decision to go off my anxiety meds a few years ago, and I've found that you have to have a "safe zone." For me, writing is my safe zone. If I'm having a lot of feelings at once and feel overwhelmed, I grab a sheet of paper and write them all down, and why I feel them. By the time I get to the end...I'm better. Not 100%, but I'm much calmer and good to go. I think this has fueled my "Type A" organized personality a lot, but there are worse things for me than being organized!
Good luck finding whatever works for you. You're not alone.
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Thanks Ladies. It's nice to know others have dealt with these issues and have found solutions that work!
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@AmeliaBedelia: I second the writing. I have "journals" all over the place! It really helps get all my thoughts and emotions out, and then I feel better once they are. That way I don't walk around with them all bottled up and ready to explode!
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I have generalized anxiety disorder and panic attacks.
The biggest trigger for my GAD is being in a crowded place especially if its people I don't know. Sometimes I can handle it fine, usually if I'm distracted (like, if I were to go to a concert - yes, it would be crowded, but I would be focused on the concert not the people around me). I've learned to withdraw quickly from situations if I feel anxiety kicking in because it just isn't worth it blowing into a full panic attack.
My panic attacks can be completely random or they can be set off by things that would make anyone stressed but instead of just getting "stressed" I feel like I'm having a heart attack and can sometimes black out for up to a half hour. I have klonopin to take if this happens but I wouldn't take it while I'm pregnant (personal preference) I'd just ride it out. Shit, I can't count the number of panic attacks I had in high school without medication, I know I could survive it if it did happen.
I've found that my dog helps more than anything. She can tell when my anxiety is rising and she'll just come sit with her head on my lap and let me pet her. And the more I exercise the less I notice any anxiety in general; endorphins are better than prescriptions in my book!
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I have social anxiety disorder and generalized anxiety, accompanied by depression. I am on Prozac for now, a low enough dose that its not considered harmful if I do get pregnant, but I know that I would stop taking it once I get a BFP. I also have stronger meds for when I have a panic attack, but I know for sure that those aren't pregnancy-safe, so I rarely bring those out anymore.
I find that writing really helps calm me down; whether its journalling, list making or novelling, I can pour out everything in my head onto a page, and calm down a little.
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i suffer from generalized anxiety disorder and depression, but it has been better the past couple of years. i went off lexapro just before getting pregnant with charlie, but there are lots of nonmed stuff you can do. though if you decide to stay on meds, an ssri like lexapro or prozac is the safest bet.
the stuff mr. bee mentioned is great. cognitive behavioral therapy helped me a lot. exercising really helped a lot (kickboxing was the best). yoga and meditation is also supposed to be a big help. my mom meets with a meditation group at like 5am every morning and says it's changed her life. i also love blogging. there are soooo many personal posts i've written but never published. just getting it out is cathartic.
i think just being cognizant and constantly evaluating your mental status can have a big impact. be proactive before it becomes too bad. all these combined can help you avoid medication and keep your anxiety under control.
stay strong and good luck!
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I worked as a depression researcher prior to getting married and moving away, so I'll throw in my 2 cents. Depression and anxiety are often seen together and are closely linked. I have to 3rd CBT. It's a HUGE help for both depression and anxiety. The study I worked on was actually working to find out if CBT is better at preventing relapses than meds. (early results say yes!) You can check http://www.abct.org to find a cognitive therapist near you.
CBT is actually the first line treatment here in the UK. You can also check out mindfulness therapy.
Good job being proactive and taking care of yourself! Being aware of your triggers is a big help.
I actually take Lexapro, and because of how bad I am, I have to take it during pregnancy and breastfeeding. When DS was born, they advised against it, but it wasn't a big deal. Now they have those commercials on TV about "if your baby suffered from a birth defect and you took Lexapro...." but, I know that I can't go off. DS has had no issues despite me being on it the whole time. I sometimes feel bad about not being able to stop it, but with the combination of pregnancy hormones, plus my own disorder, it is best that I stay on it.
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