HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

New Here

Support Forums
>
Anxiety & Panic Disorders
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 10/31/2012 9:00 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone, I just joined the forum today, and am looking forward to talking with you all. I'm 27, married with 4 kids, the youngest being only 15 weeks :) I have been married to my husband for 10 years now, and I am a stay at home mom. I have been suffering from an anxiety disorder since I was 19, although really I have been kind of a nervous person my whole life. I guess I can probably blame my not so great childhood for that. My dad was an alcoholic and very abusive mentally. I had to grow up really fast. My parents are no longer together, and actually i had my first panic attack when they were going through their divorce. I think my anxiety stems from always having so much on my plate. I've spent my whole life feeling as if I have to take care of everyone, and not getting much help at all in return. I went through a phase when i was 19 and 20 when the anxiety was really bad. I constantly had to fight off panic attacks, and was prescribed Ativan. I took it on a daily basis for about 4 months before I decided medication wasn't for me. I struggled keeping my nerves under control for a while, but I started getting better. In the last 2 years I have added two little boys to our family, and I have noticed since my last delivery my feelings of anxiety have returned. I really think that the change in hormones is working against me, and also just all the extra stress of a newborn plus a toddler to deal with. Not to mention a 9 and 7 year old. My family doesn't ever give me a break, so there are days I just feel completely mentally exhausted. I'm glad i found this site so i can talk with other people with the same disorder as me :)
Posted 10/31/2012 9:42 PM (GMT 0)
Dawn, Welcome to HealingWell and the A & P Forum. This is the place to come if you have questions or concerns about anxiety/panic, related medications and their side effects and recovery. Some of our members have been living with anxiety and related disorders for years, while others are new to this disorder.     First of all congratulations on your addition to your family.  Many of us know of someone that has experienced postpartum depression.  Unfortunately most women are not educated concerning the lesser-known condition of  postpartum anxiety. I strongly urge any postpartum women who have feelings of anxiety rather than depression to ask their doctor about treatment for postpartum anxiety. Medical science is slowly beginning to recognize this disorder as being just as important as postpartum depression.   I will step down off my platform now and see what I can do to help you as it feels to me like you have some components of postpartum anxiety.  When I had my babies ( yes 4  just like you ) postpartum depression was not given much thought either and when you finally saw your Dr. in tears you were dx as having the "baby blues".  That was it - not to worry - with time you would be fine.    I am going to post a link for you that speaks right to the issue of postpartum anxiety and I hope you find it helpful.   This is a time in your life that you have to pull back and find some free time just for you.  As long as the children are safe and taken care of don't worry about having a spotless house.  Cut a deal with your hubby to watch the children so you can take time for a nice soak in the tub, a nap with the door closeed and perhaps the kids off to the park with your hubby.  Utilize any family or friends that have offered to help as people really do want to help - so when they ask tell them what you need right now - "less stress" and "more  me time".    Come here and vent your feelings as we will listen, we do not judge but we do care and will support you.  So let it all out here and know we are open 24/7 so if you cannot sleep - put what is bothering you   all down in a  post  and go back to bed to get your rest.  Leave the problem in the forum and remember your bed is for rest, not for worry.   Again, a warm welcome and stick with us.   Kindly, Kitt    
Posted 10/31/2012 10:15 PM (GMT 0)
Kitt,
Thank you. I really hadn't thought too much about post partum anxiety. All you ever hear about is ppd. But I will look into that. My husband is usually pretty good about giving me a little break, although he works 50 hours or more a week, so he is pretty tired by the time he comes home. But he usually doesn't complain if I say I want to go with a friend or something, and watches the kids for me. I wish my mom would be a little more interested in her grandkids, but sadly she isn't . I do have a pretty good group of friends I can talk to and vent. I think I will talk to my dr though and see what he might recommend I do, without taking medication.
Posted 11/1/2012 4:32 PM (GMT 0)
Hi dawn!:)

Great to see you write such a wonderful introduction!

Again, welcome to the A/P...looking forward to getting to know you better....post often.:)

S.C.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply