Panic Attacks

EAMommy · November 2012

Anyone else getting them but didn't have them pre-pregnancy?

The past 2 nights I've woken up in a full-blown panic attack. It starts because I'm so congested and cannot breathe through my nose and I feel like I can't get enough air. Last night, after the worst of it subsided, the feeling of panic returned every time I closed my eyes. So I sat in bed, with my eyes open, trying to regain control. DH was no help... He was frustrated (granted it was 3:30 in the morning and I woke him from a dead sleep in my panic). I finally fell back to sleep around 5:30...

Any advice?

jessalared · November 2012

I was suffering from anxiety attacks, unfortunately the doctors could only come up with prescribing me a low dose of anti anxiety medication. When it came down to actually taking it though I just didn't feel comfortable. The only thing I can offer is just trying to take deep breaths and get through it. It's terrible but we don't have to deal with it much longer!

I have to add that I think anxiety has always been an issue of mine, just seems pregnancy makes it worse you know? Good luck, and I feel your pain!

LoriLue31 · November 2012

I got them a lot pre pregnancy but they have significantly reduced being pregnant actually. I've gotten so much better at knowing when they are coming on and how to cope to pull myself back down. If I feel like I can't breath now, I typically sit in front of out fan allowing the cool air on my face and remind myself over and over again that I am getting enough. Someone once told me if you can talk you're getting enough air (haha which of course makes so much sense it's stupid, but it gave me an a-ha moment) so now I talk myself down out loud while breathing in deep through my nose and exhaling while talking through mouth. DH is also incredibly awesome at talking my down too so this could be a reason of reduction. Also, sleeping propped up a little may help. Sorry this is so long and hope it helps.

nbalkin · November 2012

Make sure that you are breathing slowly, in through your nose and out through your mouth. Most people begin to hyperventilate when they become anxious and it just makes everything worse. Obviously feeling like you cant breath will make anyone anxious, so maybe try some more pillows under your head or use a humidifier in your room to help with the congestion.

BLPL101 · November 2012

I have suffered from agoraphobia/panic attacks for almost 5 years, but it's gotten a lot better since I've been pregnant. For me, I just try to "float through it" and it goes away.

zonagirlie · November 2012

I have an anxiety disorder. I've had very few while pregnant but won't take anything for it. My husband helped me by breathing through it with me. Sometimes it helps to breath with someone. Also walking. Don't just sit through it. Try to move, expell energy. It will be slow but help! If you can exercise before they hit, that helps. Your body needs to expell energy and move. Good luck!

Chocodoxies · November 2012

I have suffered with panic attacks for years, and they were particularly pronounced when I was pregnant with my DD 5 years ago. I am so sorry you are dealing with them!

I am not a big "medication" person and I prefer to take nothing so I don't say this lightly. If your panic attacks are affecting your ability to breath (hyperventilating) or your ability to sleep you may need to consider taking an anti-anxiety medication when one of them occurs. First, the experience of a panic attack tends to be so frightening that we fear another happening and that can bring them more frequently. Secondly, the lack of oxygen or sleep can have adverse affects on your baby that far outweigh the drawbacks of the medication. Lastly, panic attacks can occur anywhere and at anytime. A pregnant woman experiencing a panic attack while driving could be lethal.

I in no way want to scare you, but I broke down and took the medication after experiencing a panic attack while driving at 5 months pregnant. I have never been so terrified in my life and I never had previously had an attack while driving.

Please take this up with your OB. I hate medications, but I strongly urge you to consider the effects of your attacks and the medication with your doctor.

ReeceFamily · November 2012

My DH deals with panic attacks, so I know how scary they can be. I'm so sorry you have to deal with this! It's good that you know what the trigger is, at least. When DH started getting them, it hit him from out of the blue and he's still uncertain about what the trigger is, which can be scary (because you don't know where/when it will hit). I don't have any real advice that differs from PPs, other than that, in the absence of being able to take drugs (DH is on very mild dose of SRRIs), breathing exercises can get you through an attack. Take care of yourself!

nycitygirl1 · November 2012

I was diagnosed with panic disorder and they have gotten a lot better since being pregnant actually, but I can completely empathize with what you're going through. (((Hugs)))

When you're having an attack: the most important thing to remember is that even though it FEELS like you are dying you are totally okay. The body won't let itself stop breathing.So while the sensation is very uncomfortable and "feels" like you might stop breathing, you are actually totally fine.

Breathing exercises really help me when I feel like this. You can Google a bunch online, but I inhale through my nose slowly for a slow count of 6. Then I hold my breath for 6 counts. Then I exhale through my nose for 6 counts. This forces you to exhale (preventing hyperventilation) and makes you slow down your breathing. You might also want to try some yoga/meditation exercises. My therapist recommended the book "When Panic Attacks" - it might be a good read for you.

I'm not sure how bad your attacks are, but if they are really awful, consider using anti-anxiety medication. You don't want to get to a point where these are limiting your life (if you aren't going to work or are avoiding public places, driving, etc). Definitely go see a psychiatrist or psychologist. Also, CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) is really the gold standard for treating anxiety/panic disorders so try to find a therapist that is trained in this. They can teach you some techniques for dealing with panic attacks when they happen that make them less scary and more bearable.

EAMommy · November 2012

Thanks everyone. I see a therapist for anxiety, but to this point have not had any attacks so this is new and scary. I'll be sure to talk to her at my next appointment, which due to Thanksgiving, isn't until next week. If things escalate though, I will call her...

I had another one this morning after posting this... This one was brought on by seeing blood when I wiped after using the bathroom. Thankfully, DH was able to slow my breathing and calm me down over the phone and then I called the doctor. She thinks it's due to my UTI but wants me to come in tomorrow for a reassurance appointment before heading into the holiday weekend. I will be talking to her tomorrow about the panic attacks. Hoping it's just another *fun* pregnancy symptom that will go away when LO arrives!

nycitygirl1 · November 2012

Hey there! So glad you have an appointment set up for next week, but am sorry to hear about the blood on the toilet paper scare. Let us know how your OB appointment goes tomorrow.

There are many people who have never had panic attacks (like you) that experience them for the first time during pregnancy. It is totally possible that they will go away after you have the LO, as they could be caused by fluctuations in hormones BUT I caution you to be prepared that there is a chance they may not go away. Everyone talks about postpartum depression, but there is almost just as big a percentage of women who experience postpartum anxiety and panic. Partially due to fluctuations in hormones, but also probably in part due to all of the changes in being a new parent. I just want you to set up a safety net for yourself *just in case* you need it. I hope you won't need it and everything will go back to normal, but it may make sense to make an appt. with your therapist for a few weeks after delivery so you can check in and get any medication or coaching you may need to make you feel better. (((Hugs)))

Bride-hilda · November 2012

I've dealt with panic attacks my entire life. In my early 20's they got to a point where I couldn't function. I started on meds and they nearly ruined my life. Eventually I got off the meds and the attacks stopped for YEARS. About two years ago I had a huge attack, and some aftershocks. I didn't want to go back on meds, so I worked really hard at getting rid of them without meds. Staying calm and not allowing the attacks to really get going is key.

Try pressure points, the same ones you'd use if you were sea sick. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aM430P7scE

Then put a cold compress on the back of your neck.

However, because everyone's different and so are our panic attacks, different things work for different people. I'd give these a shot, and then while the compress is on your neck and while you're holding your pressure point, repeat in your mind, "I'm okay" over and over until it subsides. Smile, because your brain will be fooled by your muscles into thinking everything is fine. Laugh if you can and get your mind off of it by watching a movie. I recommend Mean Girls.

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