Anxiety anyone?

millieb14

Hi ladies. I struggled with anxiety pre pregnancy. Went away while pregnant. Now I've cut down breastfeeding to 3 or 4x a day (from 8) and we are supplementing now that I'm back at work. Anxiety is rearing its ugly head again pretty bad. I have consulted my pediatrician about taking Buspar but I still worry to take anything while still breastfeeding and pumping. Anyone else struggling with anxiety? Anyone else taking any meds?

 I worry over everything to the point of almost panic. It doesn't help that my daughter was diagnosed with hip dysplasia at 7 weeks and has been in a Pavlik harness ever since. 

kdoak2015

I feel for you, I've never been diagnosed or medicated but have always been anxious. My axiety stems from being a planner and always having to have things in order. I often had anxiety when we travelled with her as a young baby, or far distances. I had anxiety at restaurant and still when we have a bad day and she's not napping it makes me anxious. I personally don't want to medicate myself because it's not to the severity of taking over my life or having panic attacks but it does suck. Know we are here to listen and provide support when needed. If you can hold off until 6m I would then get Meds and stop bfing completely. I know there is BF safe meds and some ladies have discussed this before on here so someone might have better input

Mizuiro007

I've always struggled with OCD and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Meds didn't ever help. I did therapy for years and recently have been working really hard at keeping up with relaxation exercises. I'm constantly having to work at it and have had to give a lot of things up that were triggers.

My husband is always reminding me that you can't change it when a lot of these things happen but you can change how you react. All the worrying isn't going to "fix" anything.  All it does is make you feel worse getting through it.

mltarrio

I have had anxiety problems for most of my life. There are times it has been so bad that I needed medication. Pregnancy was the period of time that my anxiety was at an all-time low. Hormones have a lot to do with it for me, and post partum my hormones are all over the place. I understand your struggle.

The thing that has been most effective for me is regular exercise. For me, running, swimming and yoga are better than therapy or drugs. There are a lot of studies that back this up showing that exercise is an effective treatment for depression and anxiety. I think part of it is the chemicals your brain releases when you work out, and part of it is the investment you make in yourself when you make time to do something for yourself. Especially as a new mom, making time to work out every day is really rewarding for me. 

jenEP

Research shows that therapy is just as effective as meds for postpartum mood disorders, so that could be an option if you don't want meds. However, there are many safe antidepressant medications that can be used while breastfeeding. 

momotheflyinglemur

I am on a very small dose of Lexapro for my anxiety. Some days are definitely easier than others. When I was a teenager I had really bad anxiety and depression but wasn't taken seriously and eventually I found a stable place in my life where I didn't feel that way anymore, but after Oliver came I have been more happy and stable then ever, but was still having really bad days where I would be inconsolably worried and angry at people for being helpful and supportive. I finally talked to my doctor and she said that seeking treatment was the strongest thing I could do. I have been on medication for almost a month and feel a million times better and happier. I actually appreciate the support I have instead of seeing it as people invading my space.

misamima

I've been suffering PPA since DD was born almost 3 yrs ago. It's an ugly beast I've been fighting on and off. I'm sorry. It really sucks. I feel it's doubly worse for me since LO was born because I now have 2 little humans to worry about nonstop. I'm terrified of getting on meds. I get anxiety attacks at the thought of going on anxiety meds. Pretty messed up, right? I fear I'll become dependent on them. I did talk therapy when DD was born and I feel it helped a lot. My therapist did mention meds may help but that we can see how I do without it. Life got busy and I haven't seen my therapist in a while. I learned to manage when anxiety surfaces but I feel like it's getting worse lately. So I may look into seeing someone again. And I wouldn't be opposed to meds if it comes down to it now. I just want to breathe.

misamima

https://thenestednomad.com/2016/04/05/anxiety/

This is a good read. I'm focusing on #5 as that is my worst enemy - thinking of the worst case scenario.

chodge29

Thanks for the link! Number five is an enemy of mine and I've been struggling with anxiety as well.

I stopped breastfeeding a few weeks ago and got on wellbutrin to help with ppd/anxiety but as others have said there are some safe medications you can take while breastfeeding. I'm thinking about increasing the dose since I am on the lowest amount but not sure if a few weeks is enough to tell a difference. I took what was supposed to be a stress free job just to get the needed extra money and out of the house( until I find a new job in my field) but that just made it worse. I quit today and feel pretty low since they were hateful and tried to get me to work the weekend as a notice (even though I have only been there four days). I was also supposed to be 9-5 and just got the new schedule yesterday and I'm scheduled for five evening shifts (1-9)...yeah that's not happening with my husband working 7-3:30. So now it's back to feeling anxious about money as well as everything else. I try to stay positive but I honestly feel like I am at an all time low I have a therapist that I have seen on and off during my husband's illness and actually went once when I was seven months pregnant to vent about quitting my job (long story but my dream job and bosses were doing illegal stuff). For some reason I feel embarrassed about making an appointment with him which I know is probably ridiculous.

Has anyone else been on Wellbutrin for ppd/anxiety? We have had so much happen since I was around 7 months pregnant that I don't really know if it is ppd/anxiety or just all the stress my husband and I have been through lately. Probably a combination of both.

millieb14

I am starting buspar again which is a sort of one off anti anxiety medication. I talked with my doctor and her pediatrician and they were both comfortable with this. But of course then I have anxiety about taking medicine and nursing. It's exhausting to try to make an effort to relax and to sleep! Thanks to others for their comments to know I'm not alone.