I have had a history with depression and anxiety. I remember my mother taking me to the doctor because I was having thoughts that scared her and myself. I was on meds for years until I decided to try to cope myself. I was doing wonderfully and I am now married with 2 boys and a girl on the way. All of a sudden I feel as if I am going crazy. Maybe it's because this pregnancy was not planned (my other children are only 2 1/2 and 9 months) but I feel like nothing going on around me is real. Like I am constantly in a drugged state like speed. It is very scary. I leave the house and I get so dizzy and scared that I almost pass out. I have scary thoughts all the time and my heart starts beating really fast even when I am trying to relax. I hardly eat and I am scared to sleep because if I wake up and it is still night I feel like something horrible will happen, like I am in a nightmare. I have even gotten to the point where I have scared myself into thinking maybe something is physically wrong with my brain or my heart. I feel like I am going crazy and I have no idea what to do. I talked to my doctor and after checking for all physical conditions she said it was anxiety but she did not want to presicribe anything because of the baby without me seeing a counselor. I guess my question is has anyone ever felt any of these things? I am scared to be alone with my children so my husband has been coming home from work and I feel as if I don't even want to be pregnant. Could this be the pregnancy that is doing all of this to me and if it is any words of advice?

Hi Mandi!

This sounds like anxiety to me. I have never been pregnant or had anxiety concurrently, so I am not sure if the pregnancy has sonething to do with it. From friends that have been pregnant, they said their hormones and chemicals changed and they too felt unusual at times. I have felt slowed down, almost a drunk like state, I have felt in fast forward, I felt like sleeping all day and not going anywhere, the thought raced and my heart was pounding, like a huge THUD, THUD, THUD. I have gotten dizzy and felt like I was going to pass out or fall, had the sweats, the shakes...it is anixety. DO not be afraid...the more you are afraid of it, the more adrenaline your body produces which keeps your body in a fight or flight (nervous) state. Anxiety never hurt me, I have never passed out, gone "crazy", had a heart issue. I kept my symptoms alive by beleiving they would do me in. If you do not have the program, I would highly suggest it. I know there are people here that have birthed children while having anxiety, depression or other disorders. You are not alone. Have you gone into chat yet? There are people there that have been through what you are experiencing and they are the sweetest people that are a plethora of knowledge and experience. Warm wishes. Take care of you and baby! It may not feel like it now, but you really are extremely blessed . LizB

Hi Mandi,
I had some anxiety while I was pregnant but it didn't get bad for me until three months after she was born. I think it was because I now had three children to take care of and it felt like everyone always wanted something from me. I had plenty of warning signs before I had a major panic attack. I thought I was losing my mind and that I would be institutionalized, that was my biggest fear. Thankfully that didn't happen and after finding the right doctor I was on my way to recovery, he put me on Zoloft and Ativan, plus I bought the program. Since you really can't take any medication because your pregnant here are some things that you might want to try. They really helped me alot, writing in my journal at least ten minutes a day, useing a relaxation tape, deep breathing, talking to loved ones about my feelings, cognitive behavioral therapy, going to a panic support group, hypnosis has worked wonders for me and also coming to this website and chatting with other people who suffer from the same thing that I do. I hope that this helps you. I couldn't leave my house for a month because everything scared me and now I go alot and I face my fears little bye little. I still feel some anxiety but I'm learning to not let it bother me as much. I also found that if I had problems sleeping at night I would go to my living room and talk to myself out loud and it always made me feel better. Just remember your not alone in this. I hope everything goes well with you and your new baby.

Best Wishes
Frida

Thanks guys, great advice. Like I said I have had some anxiety problems before but nothing to this extent. It's actually funny though because after reading this site I realized that I am anxious. What I thought were "quirks" like being scared to drive and being afraid that I would get sick or pass out in public, turned out to be anxiety. I never mentioned any of it to a doctor because I was always kind of embarrassed and always felt that it was just me. Who knew? I want the program but really can't afford it right now, my husband and I are going through some financial difficulties. If it was just an inconvenience I would purchase it but it's that the money isn't there. I will definately try everything else suggested though, thanks!

Mandi,

Lucinda Bassett has a book called "From Panic to Power". In this book you will get the same information the program outlines. If your financial situation is so tight that you can't afford the book, e-mail me and I would be gald to send you my copy.

I'm sorry you are experiencing anxiety and know all too well the fear and uncertainty it brings on. Liz B and FRida gave you some great tips. Another major skill to incorporate into your life is postive, loving self talk. Whenever you feel scared from one of your anxious thoughts, be sure to tell yourself "It's just anxiety" "these thoughts mean nothing and I am ok" Don't give those thoughts any attention. You are not your thoughts. I hope you find some comfort and peace. Try and use a relaxation tape 2 times a day. This will really help your mind and body heal. I hope the best for you on your journey towards recovery. Best wishes.

Mandif,

I too was really strapped for money, but I ordered it anyway. I read the entire book, took notes, and was able to get through week 4 before I had to send it back. Give it a try...the week 2 goes over panic attacks for you. Get as much out of it as you can.
Good Luck

Jodi- 5 mopars