Amanda--
I had anxiety during my 3rd pregnancy, due to hormones and other upsets of pregnancy, I believe. I'd never experienced anything like it (never ever had depression, anxiety, etc. in my life). The first attack was in the middle of the night (and night is when anxiety is reported to be the worst--which tiredness adds to the anxiety). I had no idea what was going and just felt "odd."
I didn't want to take medication, but found my anxiety increased until I was never at ease. I could still reason just fine, and was very logical about the situation, but I couldn't control the emotions I felt. I eventually saw a psychiatrist and was prescribed Paxil. I stayed on it for about 2 years (through the delivery, nursing, etc.). It wasn't the easiest coming off, but if I had to do it all over again, I'd do it the same way.
If you don't want to jump right into meds, exercise is your best natural solution (and even with meds). With anxiety you have a lot of adrenaline released into the body. It takes many hours for your body to absorb adrenaline, but exercise can "burn it up" quickly and produce endorphins that help you feel good at the same time. Try exercising in the early evening. And treat yourself really well (i.e. pamper yourself).
Like one poster said, a mother who is anxious or depressed can cause unhealthy effects on herself and the baby (both before and after being born). It is not good to have chemical reactions in your body that puts your body under an "emergency" stress mode all the time. . .and certainly not good for the baby.
I'm so glad you're reaching out and not keeping this in. Seek professional help--this is a health condition--not a mental condition! And remember what many people told me when I was in need and reached out--you will get through this! It will not last forever! Now that I am better, I still appreciate people telling me that, even though it felt so scrarey and that it would never go away.
Take care,
J.
Updated
Amanda--
I had anxiety during my 3rd pregnancy, due to hormones and other upsets of pregnancy, I believe. I'd never experienced anything like it (never ever had depression, anxiety, etc. in my life). The first attack was in the middle of the night (and night is when anxiety is reported to be the worst--which tiredness adds to the anxiety). I had no idea what was going and just felt "odd."
I didn't want to take medication, but found my anxiety increased until I was never at ease. I could still reason just fine, and was very logical about the situation, but I couldn't control the emotions I felt. I eventually saw a psychiatrist and was prescribed Paxil. I stayed on it for about 2 years (through the delivery, nursing, etc.). It wasn't the easiest coming off, but if I had to do it all over again, I'd do it the same way.
If you don't want to jump right into meds, exercise is your best natural solution (and even with meds). With anxiety you have a lot of adrenaline released into the body. It takes many hours for your body to absorb adrenaline, but exercise can "burn it up" quickly and produce endorphins that help you feel good at the same time. Try exercising in the early evening. And treat yourself really well (i.e. pamper yourself).
Like one poster said, a mother who is anxious or depressed can cause unhealthy effects on herself and the baby (both before and after being born). It is not good to have chemical reactions in your body that puts your body under an "emergency" stress mode all the time. . .and certainly not good for the baby.
I'm so glad you're reaching out and not keeping this in. Seek professional help--this is a health condition--not a mental condition! And remember what many people told me when I was in need and reached out--you will get through this! It will not last forever! Now that I am better, I still appreciate people telling me that, even though it felt so scrarey and that it would never go away.
Take care,
J.