Anxious today....

Hi Park - Lately, my anxiety has been staying with me all day, so I know how you're feeling and it's not fun. Do you think the anxiousness is mainly stemming from your husband going back to work? Knowing that your meds work and that you will be back on them eventually is something to remind yourself of a lot, too! You're going to be back to that place soon! Plus with another beautiful little face to look at. :)

When I'm feeling overly anxious, I try to do this common deep breathing exercise: Breathe in for a count of 4, hold for a count of 7 and breathe out for a count of 8. I do this about 3 or 4 times in a row to get myself to calm down some.

Sending you lots of encouragement and calm!

Can you take your son out somewhere where you can be involved in some activity? Not like a park where you wind up just sitting by while they play, but maybe walk through a museum or bookstore? My worst was during the summer so at least I could walk around the zoo. Bookstores & shopping (even without buying) help take my attention out of my head and to something external.

Side note, another example of why anxiety is just a big jerk: my first pregnancy was really a disaster anxiety wise. The worry and depression were just soul crushing. Then with my second pregnancy, @ 20 weeks I developed a condition that put me on bed rest for the remaining 20 weeks until my 8lb15oz son w a ginormous head was born. And wouldn't you know, the second pregNancy was 'easier' to deal with because I actually had something 'real' to worry about instead of the free floating random sense of doom.

And if medication makes you be the best mom you can be, then go for it :) it's too precious of a time to be needlessly suffering.

p.s. I have a 6yo daughter & a 3 yo son. Although I don't miss being pregnant, I can feel my estrogen go on overdrive anytime I hold a baby :)

Hi Park!
Welcome home! I like to call this period of time...the holiday detox. Late Oct- Jan 1 is major family time, there's not one second alone, there's an overdose of food, cheer, **anxiety**, and then all of a sudden that Monday rolls around after the holidays and its back to work, and back to the same old schedule until next late October. I totally get it. This time gives me anxiety. My girlfriend was just away for twelve days for Christmas with her family, and she's going away again for another eight days on vacation and I can't go because of work. So I'll (yet again) be stuck at home, forced to get out of my own way in order to not let the anxiety take over. But I can do it. And I know you can do it, too.

Are you still coloring? Is there a project you can start? Maybe something for the new baby?

You got this, girl.

I hope today is better for you.

I really hope you feel 100% better soon. ):

Dear Park, glad you made it home ok, you have so many people here who care for you and do pray for you. Peace

Larry ***

I get panic at the hair salon as well. It really makes me mad.

It should be a relaxing, fun experience. Some "me time", but it always stresses me out.

My stylist is an old friend. I used to play pool with her, just hang out. She's great. We always have a lot to talk about when we get together. I look forward to the appointment all week when I book it. Then, when I get there, I'm uneasy and shaky. I find myself stiffening up in the chair. Ugh1

Maybe it's just that our bodies have trouble recognizing the difference between happy excitement, and nervous excitement. Anxiety isn't fair at all.

P.,

Sending thoughts and prayers for you..

...you have had some increase of anxious situations lately for sure.:(

I have trouble relaxing in the typical ways with consideration to decompressing activities. Massages and mani's just aren't therapeutic for me...

...have you considered instead of volunteer opportunities? For me, it's the ticket...I can't tell you specifically why...maybe it has to do with the distraction of getting outside myself...and working on something that is bigger than anxiety...IDK...

Just throwing ideas around and sharing my experience. You will find what works for you...keep searching and be encouraged.

We are here, so keep talking with us...we'll help you through this rough spot.:)

S.C.

Another example of how much of a jerk anxiety is...went to the hair salon today and just kept of playing over and over in my mind this thread and knowing that someone had a panic attack while getting their hair done...so OF COURSE maybe I'LL have a panic attack...I didn't, but was really wound up. Our thoughts are just not our friends sometimes.

I have a hair dresser appointment tomorrow morning, you guys are freaking me out, hahaha!

I think the salon is a normal place to panic. I mean, you are confined to the chair with that cape on you and wet hair. I mean, you can't really run outside to breathe...or you can, as I did. I had a terrible panic attack getting my hair done when I was bad off. Luckily, my stylist has known me for like 15 years and also suffers from panic attacks. She finished cutting my hair outside and by then, I was ready to go back in for her to dry my hair.

Park, I really hope you start feeling better tomorrow. Hugs and positive thoughts coming your way.

OH PARK, tell me about it! I HATE when my husband is not home, the minute he leaves my mind starts working itself and the anxiety begins and that sense of doom is all so familiar.

Why don't you take your boy out with some friends or maybe to a community pool (that is what I have been doing with my daughter) it has really helped me. Sometimes seeing other people gives me some sort of relief I don't know what it is.

But like you said SECOND PREGNANCY DOES NOT FLY BY, I will be 23 weeks on Sunday and I feel like I have been pregnant foreverl All these body changes (especially breast changes) are giving me so much anxiety. BUt like I said, sometimes just going for a ride outside really calms my nerves. I hope you feel better!!

Park,
I hope today is better for you. Thinking of you!