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What's wrong with me?

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 6/1/2009 4:47 PM (GMT 0)
I am 29 years old, married and have two kids (4 1/2 yrs. and 4 months). I work part-time. I realize that being a busy mother of two is enough to stress anyone out, but it seems as though I am CONSTANTLY stressed. I am ALWAYS on edge. I feel as though I can never just sit and relax. There is always something that needs to be done. I am stressed out to the point that I take it out on the ones I love. My daughter will ask me for something and I snap at her. I don't want to be a "mean mommy". My husband tells me to take a deep breath and count to 10, but I snap and yell before I can take a deep breath and pause for a moment. I talked to my doctor about a year ago and he never told me what this was or why I was feeling this way. He simply prescribed Lexapro (10mg once daily), which didn't seem to do a whole lot. What is this and what can I do? 
Posted 6/1/2009 6:07 PM (GMT 0)
Hi there,
I tried Lexapro for a while too and didn't really care for it. If you stop taking it, make sure you taper off slowly. Those withdrawals can be very uncomfortable.

Why don't you schedule some relaxation time for yourself? I know your duties as a mother are demanding, but why not just go get a massage or some much needed pampering. Maybe get a babysitter and have a quiet dinner with your husband one night. It sounds like you put everyone else first a lot of the time, which is great for your family, but can really put a lot of pressure on you. So don't forget to take care of yourself as well. It can benefit you all, because as the saying goes..."if Mama ain't happy, nobody's happy"

Best of luck to you,
Roger
Posted 6/1/2009 6:16 PM (GMT 0)
Hey there,

Are you taking the Lexapro right now? If so, I am wondering if you need to talk to your doctor about upping your dose. Just a thought!

And welcome to Healingwell!

Hugs
Gail *Nanners*
Posted 6/1/2009 6:20 PM (GMT 0)
No, I am no longer taking Lexapro. I began taking it in January 2008, but discontinued use in May 2008 when I found out I was pregnant. I may schedule an appointment and question the dosage. Are there any other meds that may work better than Lexapro? I didn't really notice a change the short time I was taking it.
Posted 6/1/2009 6:43 PM (GMT 0)
There are various different anti-depressants you can take. We all react differently to meds, so I would talk to your doctor about other options if you weren't happy with the Lexapro.
Posted 6/1/2009 8:10 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, I know how hard it it to balance your time. I am 30, I alsos have 2 kids, one is 3 one is 5 months. It is so hard to get some "me" time. I don't work - my anxiety is to blame- but I stay busy because between my 2 kids,and my fiancee, my spoiled dog "me" time is impossible. I find myself being cranky with my 3yr old and I feel so bad when more of my time goes to my baby instead of him. My anxiety has gotten so bad now thwt I have 2 kids but I wouldn't change it for the world. I know its easier said than done but is there anyone who is nice enough to keep your kids maybe every other weekend so that you can have some "you" time. Maybe see if you can stick to a strict schedule and put the kids to bed at a certain time every nite so thatmaybe you can use this time to relax. Just some ideas I hope this helps and welcome to the forum.
Posted 6/1/2009 11:20 PM (GMT 0)

Hey georgia,

Welcome.  I think you have received some great advice and I would like to see you go back to the physician and tell him how your feeling now.

You have joined a great group and I look forward to getting to know you better.

Kitt

Posted 6/2/2009 12:13 AM (GMT 0)

Hi!

I have two  little ones, as well.  Until I had my second baby around  Thanksgiving, I just sort of dealt with my anxiety.  However, I just couldn't face going home with a newborn without some help, so I left the hospital on Prozac.  Like others have said, different meds work differently for everyone.  This is the first time I have tried anything for my anxiety, and I'm lucky that the Prozac has worked, and it's been life-changing. 

However, I am also seeing a therapist, which has been good for me too.  I know it's really hard to find the time - I stay home with my children and we don't have any daytime babysitters, so I schedule my appointments while my older child is at preschool and I bring the baby with me.  But it really has helped sort me out and I'm able to better recognize my triggers and try to deal with situations before they get the better of me.  I'm stressed out that my son is out of preschool for the summer so my appointments are put on hold until the fall.

Anyway, sometimes anxiety and/or depression can manifest as irritability and rage.  It doesn't make you a mean mommy, it just means that a different med might help you more than the Lexapro did.

Good luck!

Posted 6/2/2009 12:32 PM (GMT 0)
I plan on making an appointment with my doctor to discuss alternative medication or upping the dosage. I may also discuss seeing a therapist to see if that would be beneficial to me. Although finding "me" time seems to be a great solution, it is nearly impossible, but I do take advantage whenever it is feasible. Thanks so much to all who have posted suggestions. I feel better already knowing that I am not alone in this. Best wishes to everyone in the forum, I truly appreciate all who have taken the time from their busy schedules to give advice to me. Keep the suggestions coming!
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