This is a hard thing for me to post. Please be nice.
I have had anxiety for as long as I can remember. I have always been able to keep it under control, High School it became really bad due to bullying but I got through it. I have never been to counselling or been on medication. I've never felt the need to as I've always been able to control it. However, as I go on I am finding it increasingly difficult to control. The last few years have been really bad for me personally and this year has just been awful. I feel like I cannot catch a break. My life could quite easily be turned into an award winning soap opera. I am under a lot of stress. When I say a lot, I mean so much you cannot imagine. I cannot even begin to say how much stress I am under.
Speaking with my Husband recently (who has noticed a big change in me and my anxiety) I am considering asking my doctor for help. I have already made a doctors appointment.
The last few months I am increasingly having anxiety/panic attacks. They happen out of the blue. Last time I was washing dishes and I had a anxiety/panic attack. Its really annoying. My anxiety level through a normal day is high and the slightest bit of stress is all that is needed to set me off. My anxiety comes out as anger. I don't mean it to and I do my best to control it but I cant always. Its like a whole different person comes out and rational me is put in the background.
Does anxiety medication really work? Does it really help stop or at least decrease panic/anxiety attacks? I am also pregnant and I have a toddler. How will this affect my baby? Will I have people coming to check up on me after the baby is born and during the rest of my pregnancy? Will they be checking on my toddler? I cannot handle the thought of people thinking that my toddler and baby are in danger (Which they aren't)
I am in Western Australia if that makes any difference.
Thankyou
6 Replies
It is quite possible that for the pregnancy they will not put you on medication (because it is new to you), however they will offer you support via a midwife, maternal health nurse and checkups to help you cope. They certainly won't be "patrolling" you when your baby is here or have you on a watchlist type thing, the maternal health nurse will just make sure you are coping okay. For the time being, it may be that they offer you a mental health plan including counselling and begin medication once you have given birth. You will certainly notice a huge difference with medication!!!!
Well done for seeking help when it is needed and good luck :)
If they patrolled every woman on anxiety medication, we would all be watched 😂😂😂 I wish you the best with treatment, I think you will notice a difference with medication.
For me medication was a total game changer! I also underwent Cognitive Behaviour Therapy with a psychologist. I haven't needed medication in years but I return for therapy top ups regularly.
Medication really does help, therapy really does help (if you do the homework). The combo together can be marvellous.
For you what will happen will depend on finding a medication you can take while pregnant.
They will NOT be checking on your toddler. In fact they will be applauding you for seeking treatment. I've never ever had my son checked on. They don't check on your children just because you've sought help. In a doctors eyes it's the same as if you came in with a broken leg.
Firstly, remove the stigma. Being strong, brave, resilient, etc is about seeking help and support.
Life becomes more complicated and difficult as we age, we have more responsibilities and we accumulate trauma. The panic attacks is your body's way of communicating, and it's telling you it's time to change.
Get a good psychologist. Try meds if you want, but it can take up to 6 weeks to feel the benefits. I can usually manage my depression and anxiety with exercise, a good diet and regular counselling. When I had more going on and couldn't seem to do these things, I tried Zoloft for 6 months. I didn't feel any better so stopped. But a friend who recently started taking anti anxiety meds feels amazing, she realises now how difficult her earlier years were.
A good psychologist will help you get to the root of the problem and give you coping strategies, relaxation strategies and just overall, help you feel supported, validated and heard.
Oh and PS child services do not remove or 'check on' children when a mum seeks help for mental health issues, otherwise they'd be in every second household! Also, I'd mention this fear to your therapist, he/she can help you get to the source of this as well.
I have been medicated for anxiety for many years including through two pregnancies - YES Meds definitely help. NO, the right med will not harm the children. NO, you will only have the normal midwife visits after the bubs is born. They may ask you about mental health, they always do, but you may be more susceptible so they will want to keep an eye on you. It's not intrusive at all.
I do recommend asking your GP and seeing a psychologist that specializes on CBT (Cognitive behavioral Therapy). They teach techniques for coping with a panic attack, spotting an attack before it starts and learning your triggers and how to avoid/change your thinking to help stop the attacks. It really is worth while and totally changed my life.
I worked out my anxiety come from being deficient in Vitamins and Minerals. One time I also had an experience of doom, not sure if it's a panic attack but it was awful, it felt as though every cell in my body told me I was about to drop dead. Also I found out my deficiencies come from being Copper toxic. Have you looked into a naturopath? Find someone that's specialises in Heavy Metals and Deficiencies. There is also some free information on Sound cloud if your open minded, check out Medical Medium Anxiety podcast