panic attacks after weaning

xctrybride

I was wondering if anyone else has experienced what I'm going through? My daughter just turned 1 & I weaned her completely about a week ago. My period this month came almost a full week early & since just before then I've been having severe anxiety & several full-on panic attacks. This is nothing brand-new to me, but the intensity & duration has increased ever since I started the weaning process (over 2 months ago). I don't think the majority of this is emotional (maybe some aspect, though). I'm thinking it's a hormonal thing because the feelings always increase from mid-cycle til my period arrives. 

Anyone else going through this? I didn't want to go on meds because I was still bf'ing, but am going to call my dr tomorrow & perhaps start...... : (

Stilts

I didn't nurse but I've had panic attacks and they absolutely suck so I'm sorry you're going through that. I don't know if they're hormone-related but it's definitely odd timing. Do you have any concerns about weaning, like subconscious guilt about it or something? That could possibly trigger it. Definitely speak to your dr, you'll want to nip it in the bud ASAP. GL!

exhausted_bride

I stopped breastfeeding after a few months, but got severe post partum anxiety about 5 months pp. This is also nothing new to me, but it was very severe, the worse it has ever been. I was put on meds and that has helped significantly.

rachieannie

I literally could have written this post.  My supply tanked so I ended up weaning my LO earlier than I planned.  As soon as I started to drop feedings, my anxiety level went through the roof.  I have had panic attacks in the past, but I hadn't had one in probably 5 years.  All of a sudden, I can't sleep, I'm having panic attacks daily - it is truly, truly awful.  He is completely weaned now, and my anxiety is still pretty bad.  My acne came back (gone away since I got pregnant) so I presume all of this is hormonal.  I am a therapist and tried every technique I know to allay my anxiety, but I couldn't seem to relax.  I finally ended up calling my Dr and she gave me a script for Xanax.  I hate to take it, but I have to do something.  I am going to see her again next week and ask for an SSRI because I don't want to continue to take Xanax.

I hope you feel better.  I know that it's absolutely miserable to deal with anxiety.