overwhelming anxiety during preg.

[mamaflutter]

I know there was another post on this b4 but I just don't know what to do! I have had anxiety attacks for about 6years now and have been struggling with depression for about 13 yrs now. No meds have worked for me and its not like I could take any now anyway.
Anyway I am under so much stress right now. I cried and couldn't eat today at breakfast because I am so nervous about having to go away for 10days. I have to go home for court stuff because my sons father which is another stressor. I am convinced that the worst possible outcome will happen and I get nausius even thinking about it. I'm affraide something horrible will happen to my daughter /husband/car/house wile I'm gone that I can't even think of seeing my son and friends and family who I haven't seen in almost a year! Taking a train alone is a whole other issue the people the germs the what ifs... What if I get a blood clot what if the stress causes me to go into early labor wile I'm away and dh is so far away. There are so many things right now its unreal. I just can't seem to get the anxiety to stop! Its not only this trip though I have trouble sleeping and even just hanging out with my kid untill after 5pm because I am terrified cps will show up and take her away. Why idk I'm not doing anything wrong I'm a good mom and am with her all the time so it shouldn't even be a thought but I can't help it it just never stops. There has to be something I can do. I just want it to stop so badly so I can breath again. The depression sux but I can deal with that I've been for so long its the overwhelming anxiety I can't stand. Any advice? Anyone else? Help befor I lose it please!

[vocalise]

Oh, mama, I'm sorry you're having such a hard go of it.

You have a lot that you're dealing with right now, and it's little wonder that you're experiencing anxiety! It sounds like you're stuck in fight or flight mode, for what it's worth. When you're repeatedly being flooded with adrenaline, your calm, thinking, problem-solving parts of your brain pretty much shut down, and your fear and survival centers take over. I read, though, that you can do one simple thing to help yourself switch out of fight or flight mode: breathe. Apparently, just breathing deeply can trigger a relax response. I know you feel like you can't breathe right now, but there is a way to trick yourself; start with counting one second in, one out. Then count two in, two out. Then try three. See if you can stay at three for ten ins and outs, and then see how you're feeling. You might have to repeat this 50 times a day at first, but it should help in the immediate future.

As for everything beyond today... It sounds to me like you could really benefit from some counseling. Can you access a professional counselor? They're trained to help provide strategies for dealing with those runaway thoughts.

Also, I have a friend who suffers from anxiety who swears by acupuncture. If you can afford it, it might be worth a try.

Hugs to you, mama. You'll make it through this.