Seeking Moms with Anxiety or Panic Maybe Depression

Hi C.,

I think we've all been there. Having small children is very, very stressful. As my children have gotten older, my stress level has gone way down. So I wanted you to know that 'this too shall pass...' But in the meantime, I take two 200 mg SAM-E a day. It's a vitamin that is proven in studies to be as effective as Prozac and it's all natural. I get mine at Costco. It seems to take the edge off my bad moods/anxiety, especially PMS. Just thought I'd put that out there.

Good luck and know that we all feel that way sometimes, overwhelmed, hopeless, fatigued! I am big on exercise as someone else suggested. Keep us posted!

I would highly recommend going to the website for The MidWest Center for Anxiety and Depression. All that I can tell you is that the program literally saved my life! You are so not alone and all of us that suffer with anxiety/panic/depression just need to know this... that's the first step. Definately look them up... the program is worth every penny!!!!!

I have been dealing with anxiety, panic attacks and depression since before I had children. My condition worsened shortly after the birth of my first child, and I've continued to deal with these issues on and off ever since. Initially when it worsened after my daughter was born, I was only taking effexor xr. It helped with the panic attacks, but I was still depressed and anxious. I've been off medication and trying just therapy and also looking into other causes such as hormonal imbalance, diet, or other medical conditions. I think people who have posted before me have given good advice about adding in exercise. I find that when I'm active, it reduces my stress level. and for me, stress is the biggest factor in aggrivating my condition. Anyway, when I saw your request in my inbox, I was blown away! because I'm going through the same thing and I thank you for being brave enough to post about it. Sometimes I feel so alone and ashamed about it. thanks for letting me know I'm not alone!

I have anxiety/panic disorder and currently take Paxil CR and Lorazapam when needed. I agree with watching your diet. That really helps to eat fruits, veggies, and protein. I have heard that a hypoglycemic diet helps stabilize your moods. Two other things that REALLY help me are drinking chamomile tea and taking a bath with epsom salts. Chamomile has an actual chemical in it that acts to calm you. Epsom salts contain magnesium that absorbs through your skin and relaxes your nervous system. Hope this helps!!!

Hi C., I to have anxiety/depression. I am taking cymbalta, and xanax for when needed .when i feel like i am so stressed out it could be my 2 little girls just arguing and i feel like my anxiety level is through the roof. my doctor tells me to exercise but when you feel the way you do the last thing i want to do is exercise. I know i need to. i feel like i have so much on me my husband works away from home. he comes home every 4-6 wks so i feel like a single mother raising 2 children by my self its tough. i have tried going off meds but then i feel like i get so angry over the littlest things. but what i try to do is just hang out with moms its nice to talk to someone.my doctor says i might want to think about talking to a councelor. so if you feel like you are getting something out of your counceling keep doing that. just remember its a process to find out that you have these disorders and remember it takes time to fix these orders. from this mom to you thats the best thing you can do for your family to make you a better mom and wife but best of all whats best for you good luck sweety. if you ever just want to chat you can e-mail.here is my e-mail ____@____.com thanks L..

I suffer from depression and just had my first panic attack. I also have been doing a lot of reading. The only thing that really helps me is talking to one of my friends who also has similar issues. The panic attack happened while I was at work. I haven't been back yet. How do you deal with your panic? I haven't tried the Xanex. I hope that I never will. I am telling myself that I will be fine, but there is always that fear. I am trying to set up counseling for myself as well. Not only do we have to deal with the depression, but the stigma that goes along with it. Does anyone have coping skills that they use to help them through the more challenging days?

hi there...something that helps me a whole lot...because i still get adjetated (sp?) every now and then and have panic attacks is something a counselor helped me with and i got off the med's and all. very simple...just remember your surroundings. touch the couch you are sitting on to show that everything is okay (my biggest problem is my past and forgetting about it so it helps to show the wonderful things i have now and around...like my son...i give him hugs and i feel better) not sure if it helps but i hope it does :)

I'm not sure I can help you, to be honest reading this just helped me. I never had anxiety or panic attacks until I had my son. He is 2 now and sometimes I worry myself sick over will I be here for him. I suffer from the "What if" scenarios followed by panic attacks and heart palpitations. I have tried medication but had a side effect from it so they took me off of it. I just really wanted you to know you are not alone with this and now I know I am not either. Maybe we can help eachother out. None of my friends know how I feel and think I am creating this all in my mind. It's comforting to know I am not the only mom suffering from anxiety. What do you do when you are having an "attack"?

HI MY NAME IS J. I SUFFER FROM THE SAME STRESS DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY WHEN IT GETS TO BE TO MUCH FOR ME I WILL JUST SIT DOWNAND LOOK AT OLD PICS AND REMEMBER ALL THE GOOD THINGS IN MY LIFE AND REMIND MYSELF THAT IT WILL ALL GET BETTER ALSO I HAD A REALLY GOOD FRIEND THAT I COULD TALK TO ABOUT ANYTHING THAT ALSO SEEMS TO HELP ME CAUSE WHILE TALKING WE WOULD JOKE ABOUT STUFF AND MAKE THE STRESSFULL THINGS IN MY SEEM FUNNY SO I HOPE MAYBE THIS HELPS YOU A LITTLE CAUSE IT TOOK FOREVER FOR ME TO FIND SOMETHING TO MAKE MYSELF FEEL BETTER ALSO I DONT KNOW IF ITS THE SAME FOR YOU BUT PILLS MADE IT GET ALOT WORST FOR ME BUT IT HAPPEND SLOWLY SO I DIDNT KNOW IT UNTILL MY BOYFRIEND HAD SAID SOMETHING TO ME OK WELL I HOPE I HELPED YOU THANKS AND GET BETTER J.

C.,
I have been suffering with anxiety and depression for almost 13 years. I was diagnosed when I was only 10 years old, although I can remember my first anxiety attack when I was only 7. It was hard to be a child with anxiety and depression but it seems somedays that it is just as hard as an adult as it was back then. I have been put on several different perscription medications but they were to harsh. I am now takeing St. Johns Worth. It is a natural mood supplement. When I was younger I was hospitalized for depression because my parents did not know what was wrong with me. But knowing that it is haretatery I hope I can be there for my daughter if and I pray that she does not get it but if she does I hope I can see that that is the problem and help her through it. As one of the other women has said Thank You for putting your probelm out there it does help to know that there are other women out there who have the same "condition" as I do. It makes it not such a lonely place. Good luck and if you do find something that works real good let me know I am willing to try anything once to make myself feel more human.
-H.

Hi C.,
You are not alone out there. I am a 42 year old mom of 4, ages 22,20,15,9.I have panic disorder and post tramatic stress disorder. I have been married for 3 years to a beautiful man.This is my 3rd and last marriage.
I take paxil along with other meds for other problems.
The thing I do helps the best is prayer.Prayer is like meditation for me.When I get upset I ask the Lord for strength.
I would enjoy staying in touch. I find friends and loved ones help out very much.

C.,

I've been dealing with an anxiety disorder the doctor's have diagnosed as obsessive-compulsive disorder, which is commonly addressed as OCD. I've tried various medicine (prozac, xanax, ect.), but have found the prescribed drug, "paxel" to be more effective to my needs as I also benefit with less side affects.

Upon research I find that "anxiety" is commonly a temporary reaction to stress. It only becomes a disorder when it persists and prevents you from leading a normal life. Apparently there are several different kinds of anxiety disorders. These include phobias and obsessive-compulsive disorders. However, trying to understand what is causing your anxiety is the most important step to overcoming this disorder. I've associated my anxiety with needing to be organized. Knowing this about myself has released a lot of my stress load. Therefore, having a daily planner and keeping my thoughts written out (doctor/dentist appt. jotted on calendar, daily schedule routine written in journal, etc.) all balances out my anxiety and keeps me from overloading my brain.

Also, I run, eat healthy, take time to relax (bubble baths, read books, etc.) to keep my body and mind less stressful. Various methods of relaxation can lessen the severity of anxiety symptoms. When you feel tense or troubled, try doing relaxation exercises or some physical activity (swimming, jogging, brisk walking, etc.). You might find this helps.

You may need to address this issue with your doctor, they may even suggest you talk to a psychiatrist to look into the causes of your anxiety. The phsychiatrist will determine which of the anxiety disorders you have and recommend treatment. Various forms of phychotherapy are often helpful, as are medications such as antianxiety drugs (minor tranquilizers) or antidepressants, which your using now. Usually a combination of therapy and drug treatments are helpful to people with anxiety disorders.

From what it sounds like, you've already taken great steps to overcoming your anxiety disorder...just keep it up and remember to find time for YOU!!!!

Let me know how it's going from time to time. I'd love to hear from you.

From "One Mom to Another", (Good Luck!!)

C. =)
____@____.com

Hi there, C. --

I have panic/anxiety and depression, too It's great that you're doing counseling and taking medicine. You asked about other things to try . . .

Do you exercise? Besides running around after my two-year-old, my main sources of exercise are gardening and walking. However, I admit that they're extra hard to do when I'm feeling anxious or blue.

The very best thing I've found to help my situation is to be very, very careful with my diet. I try to eat whole grains, lean protein, and lots and lots of leafy green vegetables. The simpler and more whole-foods focused my diet is, the better my mood is. I also have started to take calcium and magnesium supplements at night, which helps me sleep. I'm convinced that some of my anxiety problems get exacerbated when I'm low on important minerals.

I don't know what else to say besides you're not alone. It's so hard to keep up with self-care when we're caring for our families. When you're extra sensitive (as I'm sure you must be if you suffer from anxiety and depression), family commotion can trigger quite a bit. Keep breathing!

-C.

Hey there.

I feel your pain sister. READ "From PANIC TO POWER" by Lucinda Bassett. Also, try a LOW dose of Lexapro. I have no side efects from it. ALSO try this. It works very well.

STOP the thought that creates the anxiety OUT LOUD! REPLACE that thought with a postive statement. FOR A FULL BLOWN panic attack with heart palpitations and that out of body feeling, xanax should be on hand in my opinion. I have actually woken up from a panic attack before and thought I was dying. I got this when I was a small child...maybe 6th grade. I also see the tendency in my 12 yr old son. I am glad that I will be able to help him. I hope he doesn't get it like I have it.

Good luck! Get some REAL help. It is like a personal hell living with constant fear and a pounding heart.

I have had panic/anxiety and Depression since before I had children.
I find it imposible to work I stay home all the time.
I also find it hard to deal with the effects of the meds. so I try to eat right take walks and try to stay relaxed as much as I can with 4 kids.
Counseling gives you the tools you need to carry on in day to day life and is very helpful.
I also have two children with Panic/anxiety my oldest who is 15 has been put on a special plan at school that allows her to beable to escape if she needs to to a safe place.
My Son has not gotten to that point yet but he is 11 and likes to keep to himself and not do things that might embarassse him.
he is very active in riding motor cycles and computers.
I guess I am trying to say its a horrible thing to have to live with and I really feel for you and just hang in there there are so many moms out there who are in the same place you are.
You might try to find a support group with other moms with these types of things in common.
My Mom and Dad both have some form of Anxiety and the Doctor told me that it is passed on I have it my children have it my husband does to and so we just try to keep an eye on our children to see if they are feeling paniced or any thing like that so that we can help them to deal with it.
Good luck to you and I hope that you find what you are looking for.
T.

Hi C.,

It's just awful, isn't it?! I was just diagnosed as having Bi-Polar Disorder. My "manic" side manifests itself in anxiety. Which I was very disappointed about, I thought the "manic" part was supposed to be fun! Anyway, I also take xanax and I am hooked on it. I can't seem to deal with the anxiety that comes out of nowhere, and I end up taking more than I should and then I run out before I can get my prescription refilled. Coming off of Xanax, on top of all the normal anxiety I experience is quite something. I wish I had some miracle cure for us -- exercise helps some -- but I'm afraid I haven't a clue. I'm hoping that mine goes away once this new anti-depressant or anti bi-polar, I don't know what it is(!) takes effect. Like right now, I have nothing to be anxious about but I'm shaking! I'm trying hard not to take the xanax, but I feel like I'm going to crawl right out of my own skin.

Maybe I wasn't the person you needed to respond, since I gave you nothing concrete to do. I just wanted you to know that you're not alone out there. Hope you feel better soon!

V. T.

Hi C.,

You are taking all the right steps with counceling and medication. Don't be afraid to tell your doctor if the medication is not working for you. We are not all made the same! I took me a while to get on the right one. I went to a counselor too. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. I have been off Zoloft for three years now. Eating right and exercise. Get a DVD that you can exercise to at home, you don't need a gym.

God Bless