Sudden extreme depressoin and anxiety

Hello everyone,

I’m new to this page, and recently posted about my situation in the Anxiety forums, but I thought here might be appropriate too. I’m open to any advice or suggestions you might have.

Three weeks ago I had a miscarriage. I went to a regular prenatal appointment and sadly, there was no heartbeat. I was 11 weeks along. Obviously this situation left me feeling sad and disappointed, but I was coping well and working on healing.

about a week after, however, I fell into what I consider a crisis situation. Over the course of two days I started having extreme anxiety and depression. I have been anxious and depressed before in my life, but never to this debilitating state. I have had a very difficult time eating and have lost 10 pounds in a week. My stomach feels like it is constantly in a knot with very little relief. I am functioning, but just barely. I work just a few hours a week, and have barely been able to keep it together without panicking. I take care of my 4 year old daughter the rest of the time, and having a hard time with that. I am not finding enjoyment in anything, and I feel very hopeless. I’m having negative intrusive thoughts that send me almost into a panic.

I’m not sure why this occurred so suddenly when I thought I was doing fairly well. I imagine hormones are playing a part? It’s all very disturbing to me and I fear I’ll never get better.

I have an appointment with my therapist – but the earliest I could get in is next Wednesday. I had a follow-up appointment with the OB doc on Tuesday and told her how I was feeling. She prescribed Buspar/buspirone 5mg three times per day and wanted me to follow up with my primary care doc. I met with my primary this morning. She suggested starting with the buspirone, and then touch base with her early next week to see how I’m feeling, and if I’m still doing poorly, we can discuss adding other medications if I want.

I’m mostly struggling because I still feel like I’m in crisis – I’m not finding any joy or happiness in my day and still extremely anxious. How long is normal to feel like this? It’s so sad not to find enjoyment anywhere when I used to.

I’m so lucky to have a supportive husband. He’s been working from home/taking time off for this week to help me through. I’d be in even worse shape without his support.

I just want to feel somewhat normal again, even if full recovery is a ways off. Any suggestions or ideas on how to break free of this “crisis” feeling?

Thanks for listening and any suggestions you may have.

When I was 31 I lost my 1st and only pregnancy.

I validate all your feelings.

Docs call this situational depression.

It does pass, once the grieving stage eases off.

Identify the feelings you have, don't push them away, welcome them, know it is ok to have them, then you can let them go.

You will also be a little sad over this, it gets better with time.

Try hard not to marinate in the muck this causes. You have a full life ahead of you, this is not the end of it. Just a huge U-turn.

Dont be afraid to talk to your obgyn or your gp.

Peace and gentle hugs
Trina