Overwhelmed/Anxious

[sugarpop]

I have been a bit quieter lately, I have been around and reading and staying up with people and what is going on...but just trying to relax. I am struggling.

It seems the anxiety is back. I was doing good for the past several months...but now I am back in it. I only recently, during this pregancy, was able to figure out what this feeling was. So I guess I self diagnosed, I might be wrong...but it fits so perfectly, in an unperfect kind of way I guess.

Everytime I read anything about the baby/pregnancy/birth or try to prepare, I get this feeling of waves almost crashing over my head and pushing me down. I feel like things are closing in and breathing becomes more difficult! This is not how I want to feel. I hope it goes away after the birth!

[cymbeline]

You would think that, this being my fourth, I am so over the anxiety. But the truth is that it is totally normal. Sometimes I think about that sudden transition, suddenly having a baby in arms, or I get totally freaked out about the labor and delivery, and I find myself panicking!

I find it helps to breathe deeply and find some kind of distraction (watch a comedy dvd, read a trashy magazine, do dishes, anything but think about labor or being a mama).

For me, I found that the first six weeks post-partum after my first was born were the hardest. It took me almost a year to admit that I had PTSD from the whole labor/delivery/first 6 wks experience. No one told me how hard it would be! Just remember that you aren't alone, and it is totally okay to feel this way. And all of us are here for you for ANY questions or fears or bad feelings you have!!

[mkksmom]

(((Hugs))) When I feel stressed, I have been using the meditations that another momma on here recommended. Meditation Oasis. You can download the podcasts for free, and that is how I fall asleep. One is about rolling with changes in your life. I fell asleep to that the other day.

[sugarpop]

Originally Posted by cymbeline

You would think that, this being my fourth, I am so over the anxiety. But the truth is that it is totally normal. Sometimes I think about that sudden transition, suddenly having a baby in arms, or I get totally freaked out about the labor and delivery, and I find myself panicking!


For me, I found that the first six weeks post-partum after my first was born were the hardest. It took me almost a year to admit that I had PTSD from the whole labor/delivery/first 6 wks experience. No one told me how hard it would be! Just remember that you aren't alone, and it is totally okay to feel this way. And all of us are here for you for ANY questions or fears or bad feelings you have!!

Okay, it makes me feel better to know I am not alone, I mean I wish noone else was feeling this way but at least I know I am not crazy. I have wondered lately about Post Partum, hadn't thought about PTSD. I wonder if people having a harder time know emotionally will have a harder time later. And how will I know if what I am feeling after the baby is normal or depression?? I guess one step at a time, get through the next 3-4 weeks, calmly and then see what the next thing is...can't worry about it all now!

Thanks ladies, I know I can count on you for a hug and comforting words.

[turtlemamameg]

A very close friend of mine gets panick attacks, which sound a great deal like what you describe with the waves over your head and difficulty breathing. They began for her during her pregnancy as well. She says that what helps her get through them the most is hold on to something grounding, especially if there is another grounded person available. If not, she finds something else grounded and hold on and breathes deeply and tries to change her thought pattern. I know this can be very difficult for her, and for you and any other mama. Try to keep yourself occupied with other thoughts and don't be afraid to seek help, especially after the birth if things feel too overwhelming. I will be thinking of you and wishing you grounded vibes.

[rebeccajm]

You poor thing! I'm sorry you feel that way. I hope the advice you got above helps.

I have the exact same feeling every time I ride in the car with someone else. I HAVE to drive. Period. Not sure how that's going to work when I'm in labor. I guess I'll be too occupied to be anxious. My car anxiety (and anxiety in general) started when I was pregnant the first time and pops up once in awhile. I agree with the needing something or someone "grounded" around. When I'm in a car, me driving is more grounded than being a passenger.

[HarperCait]

That sucks. THe hormonal ups and downs of pregnancy- especially this far in- can be rough on anxiety/depression levels in many people. If you are still able to get a bit of physical activity do so, cause it may help a lot. Otherwise, I second the meditation suggestion.

If you can't control it with relaxation, exercise, balanced diet, etc, do please seek help (even if it means meds for a short while until your hormones balance out and you get on top of it again). There is NO shame in it, and will allow you to be all you can be for yourself and your little one.