Updated with dr info -Panic Attack

babybou3 · August 2014

I'm Freaking out - I have pretty severe anxiety (which I stopped taking my meds for as I worry about taking any med while pregnant.) I'm having a panic attack about work tomorrow, as I have a meeting with my boss, which is going to either make or break my job for me. Any suggestions on how to relax? It's getting worse by the minute.

sarahbellz · August 2014

Breathe ..sit down and take some good strong breaths

CogDis · August 2014

Call a friend or family member who is supportive (and of course, who doesn't stress you out).

Write down on paper what you want to say in the meeting, and how you might respond to the various possible outcomes.

Remember, you are more important than your job. Whatever happens, you're still great and you'll figure something out (even if that means asking for help).

Go for a walk in a park or nature area.

Curl up in bed with a pillow and the blanket over your head.

Whatever you decide to do, remember: You've got this!

Also, did you talk to your doctor about ending your anxiety meds? If not, maybe you ought to.

babybou3 · August 2014

Thank you for all of the great tips. Im going to start with a list.

My doctor is aware that I stopped taking my meds as we had to come up with a plan to wean off of them. I'm now second guessing myself, but I know if I continued to take them I would still be second guessing that decision too. So at least this way I don't feel like I'm hurting my baby..or am I?

Maple403 · August 2014

I have anxiety issues as well. It helps me to write everything down- talking it out only makes me more anxious. Once I write out everything I'm worried about I sometimes rip it to pieces, that can help too.

Deep breathes, or a warm bath could also help

babybou3 · August 2014

My 3 year old won't go to sleep. Hopefully she will soon so I can try to breathe again without getting interrupted. I feel like my world is crashing in and everything is out of my control.

jmszmidt · August 2014

I know this is silly but watch ridiculousness or anything funny to make you laugh?
Laughing is always good

Kimby883 · August 2014

With my panic attacks I usually have remind myself that I can breathe and that I am breathing. I also try to distract myself from the attack by going outside for a walk, fresh air helped and being more open than inside, or I would clean like no other. The cleaning is something I can do mindlessly and keep my mind and hands busy till I calm down.

Beth.1212 · August 2014

It's going to be okay. Seriously, no matter what happens tomorrow, things will work out, even if it doesn't feel like it right now. Try to believe that and try to stop second and third guessing yourself about everything, because that will only work you up more.

You know yourself best, so if it will help you to plan out your talk tomorrow, do that. If focusing on something else will help more, do that, whether it's just breathing, or losing yourself in a hobby, or talking to someone on the phone.

Sending T&P your way. I hope your LO goes to sleep soon!

Kyklingborg · August 2014

I also have anxiety disorder and took medication before getting pregnant. Shopping relaxes me, which isn't great advice.. but if I can't get out of the house and feel like I'm about to have a panic attack I grab my computer and look for stuff for the baby. Not always purchasing, but just looking and thinking about the future helps.

babybou3 · August 2014

I really appreciate all of this advice. It means a lot to me. Hugs all around. I just want to crawl into a corner and rock myself to sleep. I hate panic attacks. They make me feel like I'm completely nuts. Not to mention all of the physical side effects.

Kyklingborg · August 2014

I hear Ya. I have permanent neck damage and the soft tissue at the base of my neck is badly damaged as well. I get awful neck spasms when I have a panic attack. But since I've gotten pregnant, I've been thinking of nothing but the bigger picture. I start to freak out and just keep saying to myself .. stay calm for the baby, please please.. then I start talking to the baby about all the fun we are gonna have and how lucky I am.. and so on. It seems to be working for the most part. But online baby shopping or looking helps me to not think of current events stressing me out.

hopefulsprout · August 2014

babybou3 I hope you're feeling much better today! I actually also recently had a panic attack (Tuesday) and was too embarrassed about it (even though I absolutely shouldn't have been) to post it on here. I'm glad to see women braver than me posting about something that is more common than people think. I ended up going to my OB and they prescribed me Buspirone. (I used to take Xanax and she said this alternative was safe.)

I'm happy to read about other's ideas for coping as I'd still like to avoid taking medicine unless it's absolutely necessary. I am discussing options with my massage therapist and chiropractor to help manage this in the future.

My OB did say that heightened anxiety is common during pregnancy, with as high as 15% of women experiencing it. Those of us who had anxiety issues prior to being pregnant are especially susceptible. This reminder also helped me feel like I wasn't alone or a crazy woman.

Hang in there, I'm thinking about you!

AshleyKars · August 2014

I have horrible anxiety. Despite trying three times, I couldn't go off my meds. I take Ativan every once in a while for horrid panic attacks which include throwing up, shaking uncontrollably. I have this oil that I put on pillows or even a tissue then I sniff it, my doc gave it to me. It's called "Chill pill", smells like lavender and chamomile. I walk, do deep breathing, and talk to myself lol I remind myself that things will be ok, all will pass and think about the future. It's horribly overwhelming at times, esp with a toddler, but u know tons of women are also in my shoes. I'll send you thoughts and prayers, and I encourage you to see your doc if it gets worse; untreated anxiety can lead to early labor and wreaks havoc on the body. Love and hugs!

babybou3 · August 2014

Thanks for the concern ladies. My meeting went ok. My boss has to check with upper management on some of the things I brought up. I should hear something Monday or Tuesday. Now to stay calm and under control until then... At least I got to say what I wanted/needed to.

babybou3 · August 2014

I had an appt today with my doctor about anxiety/depression/hormones and dealing with them. Her suggestion (as I don't want to go back on my meds) - vitamin D supplement. She said most people now days are lacking in vitamin D and that it can seriously help boost your mood. I just wanted to throw this out there...

schnitz9 · August 2014

May I ask why you don't want to go back on meds? Its perfectly healthy for pregnancy in the right dosage and if its monitored. Stopping meds in many cases causes servere anxiety.

Sahara6971 · August 2014

Mr doctors said it would do more harm to me and the baby to go off of my anxiety medication. I wean way down (SLOWLY) during pregnancy. Both of my kids were born healthy. I hope you can find something that works for you. I know how hard it is to suffer from constant fear and panic attacks. You have gotten some great advice here from many people!

schnitz9 · August 2014

Sahara6971 said:

Mr doctors said it would do more harm to me and the baby to go off of my anxiety medication. I wean way down (SLOWLY) during pregnancy. Both of my kids were born healthy. I hope you can find something that works for you. I know how hard it is to suffer from constant fear and panic attacks. You have gotten some great advice here from many people!

I agree. In many cases going off medication does more harm than good. I've stated in past posts that I've stopped for different reasons and in almost all of the cases I've had to be hospitalized after.

babybou3 · August 2014

I'm not one to take any type of meds in general. Minus the anxiety attack expection that I originally posted I have been managing well this pregnancy without them. I asked my dr during my appt this week as I wanted something to try in case things get out of control.

FlutterOfYoshis · August 2014

This could be a silly question, but are you seeing a therapist in addition to your doctor? I've also gone off-meds for this pregnancy but I've been meeting with a therapist (LCSW-C) monthly to work on coping techniques when attacks like this occur and to work on identifying signs of them before they ramp up and get worse. Some methods that have worked for me at home are journal-writing, positive self-talk, EFT, mandala color therapy, and deep breathing/yoga meditation exercises . Different methods work in different moments so it's nice to have options.

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Updated with dr info -Panic Attack

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