Psychologist/Counselor For Mom

Updated on March 21, 2008
J.R. asks from Lewisville, TX
4 answers

I decided to stop Effexor once my husband and I decided we wanted to try for another baby. (About 2 months ago) I stopped my medicine before having my daughter Sara and I felt I did pretty good before and during my pregnancy with her. Well, it's completely different this time. I'm not pregnant yet, but I am NOT doing well. My anxiety, nervousness and overall edginess is horrible. Everyone around me has noticed too...my mom, my husband and I know my little girl even knows mommy is grumpy a lot. (And she's only 16 months old) I should be full of happiness being a SAHM to a wonderful little girl and handsome, very giving husband.
Here's where I need some help. I am trying to stick to my decision to stay off any type of medicine now and during my pregnancy. I just don't know enough about the effects of Effexor or any anti-anxiety/anti-depressants on a growing baby. I couldn't live with myself if b/c of a medicine I took, I harmed my little one. I've also asked opinions of a couple Dr's and I have gotten completely different opinions and I have researched effects.
I need someone's help...I need to learn some ways to cope with all my anxiety and how to relax and just enjoy my days with my daughter. I really don't have the extra $$ right now, but I will find it it someone knows a good counselor out there. It would be so great if they were on my HMO Blue Texas plan with Magellan, but that might be asking a lot. I am going to look through my Magellan list of Mental Health Providers but I wanted to ask all you moms out there first. Any suggestions for a psychologist or a therapist who does great therapy for a mom. I live in Lewisville so it would be best for me to stick around this area, but I don't mind a short drive. I'll do almost anything to feel better again. I know time and patience is important too but some extra support is great too.
I would love to hear from anyone out there who might have made the same decision as me and had a difficult time without medicine. Ideally, I'd love to never take medicine again, but with my family history and my own, it may not ever be possible.
I just want to feel calm and not get all worked up about little things and to stop raising my voice at everyone around me. I hate feeling on edge all the time. I hope someone out there can help me. Thanks so much for reading this very long message. Despite all I've just written, I am doing alright. I do have a great network around me and a daughter and husband who give me all the hugs and kisses I ned. I just know this isn't how I usually feel and I want to be more happy again.

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D.B.

answers from Dallas on

Look for a counselor you does EFT - Emotional Freedom Technique http://www.emofree.com/ - it is a method you can use to help you while you are not on medication. I know of a counselor in Frisco area who does it and if you want their name you can email me but i know that would be a drive for you. You don't need the counselor to do the method - you actually do it yourself but it helps to have someone "train" you and talk to you while you get it. It is soooo simple. Check out teh site and you can get the free manual as well and read all about it. I really think you'll be happy with it. At least give it a try. Good luck!!

1 mom found this helpful
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B.B.

answers from Dallas on

J., I applaud your effort to go drug-free. I got a lot of relief from my emotional upheavals with acupuncture. I went to Dr. Steve Homoky (Plano, Coit & Spring Creek, ###-###-####), and he helped to rid me of my food sensitivities. Turns out I had been unable to process B vitamins well, and they ran out of me like a sieve, so when I didn't take my supplements, it was very obvious. I don't have that problem anymore. Give it a shot (or a needle w/o the injection, at least) :-)

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J.W.

answers from Dallas on

J.-
I understand not wanting to take any medications unnecessarily, but I urge you not to insist on no medications if you need them. You reference a family and personal medical history that may make it advisable for you to take medications. Please remember that prescription drugs are all FDA-approved and prescribed on the basis of a benefit-risk analysis. Of course there are risks, but the question is "Do the benefits to you, your children & your family outweight the risks?"

I encourage you to speak with your OB/GYN, internist or a psychiatrist about alternate medications that have good track records of use during pregnancy. Please take care of yourself! If you don't, you will not be able to care for anyone else... Trust me - I know from experience on this one. I am now a "lifer" (my terminology) on an SSRI that has been around a LONG time and records exist to substantiate its relative safety during pregnancy.

Remember that being anxious, depressed or otherwise "not yourself" is at least as unhealthy for you and your family as the risks associated with a good choice of medication. I commend you for seeking a professional counselor as well. The one I know is in south Arlington, so I don't think she would fit your needs well at this time. Blessings on you as you care for yourself and your family!

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B.M.

answers from Dallas on

Try starting an extra dose of a B vitamin supplement (B-50 complex or B-100 complex) twice a day -- once in the morning and once in the evening before bed. Extra Bs are always good during pregrancy anyway and anything that the body can't use is washed out the other end. B vitamins have a lot to do with the production and maintenance of brain and immune system chemicals.

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