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Posted 6/14/2014 6:16 AM (GMT 0)
Hi all, I haven't posted in a few years but lately I've been having a flair up of my PTSD and feeling overwhelmed with anxiety, can't seem to relax at all and I am petrified of the anxiety feeling. 6 years ago I had my little girl 14 weeks early as I developed pre-eclampsia and HELLP syndrome. She is doing brilliantly and is now 6 but I seem to be obsessing over everything that happened in the hospital with me (I almost died). The PTSD seemed to flair up just before her 6th birthday, went to the doctor and was put on 20 mg Citalopram (I had been on 40 mg 2 years before but was weaned off it). After my body acclimatised to being on the citalopram I started to feel a lot beter and managed to make the obsessional thoughts 'float' away. Unfortunately a few weeks ago I had to go for a smear at the doctors and then a few days later a mammogram at the hospital and this is when I felt so overwhelmed by my anxiety. I was particularly petrified of the hospital, remembering everything that happened there, etc. Both tests came back fine but I don't seem to be able to let go of the fear of the hospital and the anxiety surrounding it. Thank you so much for reading this and if you have any tips I would really appreciate it!
Posted 6/14/2014 5:07 PM (GMT 0)
Hi KK and welcome back!

Although I am sorry to hear that it is anxiety returning that brings you here again.:(

I too had severe high blood pressure with my first daughter, and she subsequently was induced early. I also believe that I developed health anxiety issues from being in the hospital for a week after her birth, and having the 'out of control' experience of my body's reaction to pregnancy.

I eventually sought therapy (CBT) to deal with the anxiety and panic disorder (that I later developed) and it was a great step toward my recovery.

I would recommend trying some of the self-help ideas here in ur Resources. There are informative articles, book recommendations and site specifically for health anxiety, and coping exercises to learn and practice:https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=9&m=104206

If you find that you need futher help, then talking with your doctor about a therapy referral could be a good next step.

Keep talking with us as well. We understand and are here to support anytime!

S.C.
Posted 6/14/2014 6:08 PM (GMT 0)
Dear Kiwi, How are things in NZ?  Welcome back to HealingWell; I'm sorry that your anxiety is so bad and really affecting you in a negative way. People who suffer from PTSD do so because they continue to re-experience the traumatic event or events in some way that affects them physically, mentally and emotionally.   I suspect your visits to the Drs. your tests and the birthday of your wonderful daughter have triggered you PTSD.  Remember your event can only happen once and that was 6 years ago.  What is happening now is your mind is being flooded by the memories and feelings you experienced years ago.   Do you have a therapist to talk with, one that can help you with exposure-based cognitive behavioral therapy ? Talk with your Dr. and see if He can recommend someone. Remember you are safe; keep talking with us as support is so important.   Gentle Hugs, Kitt    
Posted 6/14/2014 8:11 PM (GMT 0)
Hi SC and Kitt,

Thanks for your replies. When I went to the doctor in January I asked about being referred to a therapist but I can't under our public health system as the doctor said they won't see people unless they are at crisis point (i.e. Suicidal). I'm definitely not suicidal (my father killed himself when I was 9 so definitely couldn't do that to my daughter or hubby). I do feel stuck between a rock and a hard place though as we can't afford to pay for therapy (a year and a half ago we bought a house). It just feels exceptionally overwhelming
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