Anyone with Anxiety or OCD?

Hi, I was diagnosed with ocd when I was 8 yrs old. I used to stress over any little thing when it came to me, but once I had my son whos 2 now, its like I dont worry about myself anymore, it has transferred over to him, I worry over everything when it comes to him, I know how you feel

Hi,

I totally understand. I have had anxiety/panic disorder for 10years and I totally understand. I panic a lot when I am alone with my children,esp. at night. My husband is out of town on business trips sometimes for 1-2 weeks. If you would like to talk more email me at ____@____.com. I am a mommy of two boys 3y/o and 5mo.old. Would love to talk more.

K.

I have anxiety issues as well (as you know). When I was pregnant, I made sure it was ok to continue taking the meds I was on at the time (Paxil). Before my daughter was born, I asked her pediatrician and my OB if I could continue to take my medication and nurse. As far as I was concerned, I would either take my meds and nurse or not nurse. I needed my meds to keep me "right" and if I wasn't on them, I'd not be the best mother I could be. Thankfully, I was able to continue on my meds and was able to give my daughter breastmilk for her entire first year.

That's my long winded way of saying that meds help me.

Much love -
D

hi A.. i have anxiety disorder. my nuerologist put me on lexapro once a day at night. i had to do something, stress about my husbands heart condition among other things was wearing me down. i feel more in control and not so easy to fly off in a tizzy about something. i also have the serenity prayer:

god grant me the serenity to
accept the things i cannot change
change the things i can
and the WISDOM to know
the difference...

maybe there is something you can take and still nurse. a calmer you would be better for your DD. check w/your dr. hope this helps a little. you are not alone!

C. t.
____@____.com

i have GAD, depression, and both my husband and i have ocd. we are so concerned about passing some of this on to our son; it almost seems inevitable. (husband suffers from depression periodically, too) we both take anti-depressants-he takes trazedone as they are not sure if his is JUST depression, or bipolar; i take imipramine (brand name tofranil) and also klonopin. i tried ssri's (zoloft, prozac, etc) in the past, but i've discovered ssri's make me very easily angered. i later found out my mother and aunt had the same reaction to them! anyway, i went off both my meds while i was pregnant and didn't want to go back on them, but i am here to tell you, i was a freakin' wreck by the time my son was a couple of weeks old! i finally decided to give in when my husband pointed out that every night for almost two weeks when he came home i was in tears, usually because i was stuck obsessing on something. it's like my mind gets stuck on something and keeps cycling around and around it. even when i first started back on my meds i wasn't better b/c they made me tired and since i'm the one who gets up with baby during the night and stays with baby during the day, i couldn't handle the sleep debt with the medicine. so, this friday we are going to try a different approach-same meds, but lower doses more often during the day instead of a big dose at bedtime and a big dose in the morning. if you care to talk more, please send me a message and we can swap email addresses. it would be nice to talk to someone who understands what i'm going through and how hard it is to control.

B.

((HUGE HUGS))
I have OCD, Depression, and anxiety. I have taken meds for them for years and also seen coundelors....I am going to recommend the book "Brain Lock" also usually people w/ OCD tend to have a chemical inbalance. You will see in the book. So even though you dont believe in meds I would suggest atleast giving it a try. It could help some atleast. I take 175 mg's of Zoloft and .5 mgs of klonapin. I even had to take these while pregnant. I was on a lower Zoloft dose while prego.. Drs say Zoloft is fine to take while breast feeding. Give the meds a chance if you decide to take them, usually it take a few weeks to get in your system.

I am breastfeeding and I am on Zoloft. I am like a different person. You should talk to your doctor. Its hard being a Sahm. It can be so isolating. It got to the point where I barely got out of bed all day. Now my baby is 8 months, I have gone back to work and I feel sooo much better.

I have compassion for you, I have suffered from both of these. I beat them both with natural methods and I'll tell you how: I took omega 3's and B vitamins. You can get the omega 3's taking fish oil or flax seed oil. Another good source is eating raw nuts and seeds ( sunflower or pumpkin)particularly almonds (they have to be raw because the heat alters the oils and nutrients). Eggs also have omega 3's, try to eat only the organic eggs with no hormones or antibiotics. These are great antidepressants and help immensly with any mental disorder. Omega 3's, (6's, 9's and 12's are also good, you may be able to find a combination of these.) have no negative side effects and you can't OD because it is a food. So go to your local heath food store, buy a couple bottles. You may want to take twice the recommended dosage for the first 2 wks to get it built up in your body and helping asap. Then cut back to the recommended dosage and make sure you take it every day probably for the rest of your life. Don't worry these will not hurt your baby they will only be good for her. As for the B- vitamins you can get them from a good prenatal vitamin which would also be a good idea to take everyday for the rest of your life whether you are pregnant or not. Don't take more than the recommended dose for these because they have iron in them which will help you and be good for you but too much can be toxic. Also if you are suffering from post partum depression as I did, you may want to buy some wild yam cream also from the health food store, which has natural progesterone in it. Rub a small dab on the insides of your arm (the other side of your elbow) or on your face (anywhere that is really pourus so that it can absorb better.) Do this twice daily for about a month, this will help your body build back up your progesterone that you lost giving birth. Losing too much progesterone during birth is the main cause of post partum depression. Make sure you don't use too much, there should be directions on the jar. Don't take the progesterone shot that doctors give you because it is anisthetic progesterone and when your body recieves it reacts to having an unknown unnautural substance that it has to figure out how to get rid of, and you can have severe reactions. I hope this is helpful, it was a life saver for me. I had a kinda severe case of post partum depression and anxiety. I remember the 3rd night after my son was born I woke up about every 5 mins from panic attacks, it was horrible. Luckily my mom has studied natural medicine for the last 25 years and she really helped me out alot. I didn't want to take medications either because it was really important to me to breastfeed my son. Oh another thing is to eat as healthy as possible this will help your body function at it's best which in turn makes your brain function at it's best. Also regular sunshine and excersize will help your body make seratonin and melatonin which give your body a sense of well being and happiness and help you stay on a regular sleep cycle. I go for a 1/2 hr walk with my son in the stroller everyday. Sunshine directly on the skin also helps your body make vitamin D which is good for you and your baby to build strong healthy bones. I think I've rambled enough, If this isn't helpful to you hopefully it will be to someone else. I know what it's like to go through what you are going through, I would be more than happy to help somebody move past the same suffering that I had. Also please don't give up after a week or 2 after doing these things if you haven't noticed much of a difference, it's going to take a while for these things to build up in your body and once they do, you should notice a huge difference. :)

A.,

Funny you would write in, I just got finished posting something about me and me son having OCD. You might want to look at that if you have time. Medication has helped me so much. My OCD drives me crazy without medication. The best advice I can give is to take medication! I know you say you are against it, but look at it this way, if you were a diabetic you would take your insulin right. So why should this be any different???

JenD

Hey girl, Sorry ur having so much trouble! I have anxiety really bad!! I use to be a clean freak (no offense) but I learned that all ur doing is killing the good germs and no allowing ur self to be exposed to things so u can develope an amunity too. I'm not saying become a slob.Just dont over do it.I take lexapro (generic: citalopram)this is heaven sent. I know u dont want to take "drugs" but is a matter of what is best for ur body,child, and do u want to live like this for ever? I have asmatha and this was anxiety was kicking it in full force!! Plus my daughter was watching me go through this(15yrs) and she was tripp'in to say the least!I had no idea what it was at the time but I have depression and my theropist told me then...If u dont have much longer to breast feed hang in there. but if u do then its time to deside which one. The baby probably has gotten the amune help it needs already. Ask the doc. Hope this is help full.

Hi A.!

First of all, BREATHE. You will be okay. I know what it's like to be in the throes of OCD/anxiety, and to feel like NO ONE knows what it's like. You are not alone.

I have had OCD/anxiety my whole life, and they usually manifest themselves in repetitive thought cycles that drive me nuts. Lately, when I get stressed (my DD is 6 1/2 months), it manifests as health anxiety (a nice way of saying I am a crazy hypochondriac at times). Everyone who has replied has mentioned some great ideas. Here are mine:

--Medication. I guarantee there is something that is right for you. I am on 50 mg of Zoloft. It works, and is one of the safest SSRIs for breastfeeding moms. I have yucky side effects when I go on and off of it though. SSRIs affect everyone differently, so there may be a better one for you.

--Exercise. I cannot tell you how important this is. I have always loved to exercise -- volleyball, long runs, weightlifting, and if if I get too busy to do those things, there is a direct correlation to anxiety. You don't have to be that gung-ho, either ... walking or light yoga will help!

--Other activities. I work full-time (partly at home, partly in the office), so I am able to immerse myself in something other than mommyhood. But there are other things I like to do, like reading, cross-stitching, exercise, watching movies, etc. Find those things that you like to do apart from your child. Use those naptimes... once you are focusing on something you enjoy OTHER than your child or your anxiety, you will feel a little bit better.

Good luck!
J.

Hi A.,
I have been suffering from anxiety most of my life but was diagnosed with GAD about 7 years ago. My anxiety rose to another level once my children were born. I feel like such a worry wart sometimes! My anxiety affects everyting I do from traveling to having relationships with others. It manifests itself in physical symptoms such as stomachaches and diarrhea. It is extremely hard to live with. I am currently taking meds which help out a little bit. Haven't done therapy because I can't find the time- maybe one day I will. Just know you're not alone!

I have depression/panic/anxiety disorder. I feel everyone has a touch of ocd but since I don't have any serious signs I don't know what to suggest for it. For the d/p/a, I was put on xanax once a day for it and don't like taking it, so, I decided to fight it on my own. I suffer from migraines also and if I am not careful those symptoms can trigger them. You'll probably think I am crazy but, these things have helped me. I know you have a little one and it's hard to find time for them but try. Excersize, or yoga. Get a hobby that keeps your mind and body busy...I like to do puzzles. Working with your doctor is a good idea also. Whatever you try I wish you luck and success.

OK A. dont go Tom Cruise on us here,they make medications for this disorder for a REASON!!! I suffer from anxiety and depression,wonderful combination huh?! and I think I'm now transgressing into OCD,not bad but I have noticed I do go a little balistic when certain things are amiss.However,since I'm not working and dont have the extra money to get my meds I don't take them and I'm miserable.Like the other ladies have said here,they take it,even in low doses and feel a heck of a lot better,if one med doesn't work,have your doc switch,until you find something that fits your needs,I found ,like the others,Zoloft was wonderful.Most of the meds used for this condition often make you very relaxed to the point of tired all the time,but in time,usually about 6 wks,your body should begin to adjust,just bare with it,you'll be happier and a happy mom makes a HAPPY BABY! Good Luck R.

A.,
I AM A MOM OF TWO GIRLS, BOTH UNDER 5 YEARS OLD. I RECENTLY WAS DIAGNOSED WITH STRESS INDUCED ANXIETY DISORDER. I WENT INTO TO TOTAL MELTDOWN IMMEDIATELY AFTER MY HUSBAND DEPLOYED. I TOO, DO NOT REGULARLY, USE MEDICATION. IN THIS CASE, I WAS UNABLE TO FUNCTION AS A PERSON LET ALONE A MOTHER. IT TOOK EVERYTHING I COULD DO JUST TO GET FROM BED TO THE RESTROOM WITHOUT CRYING OR HAVING A PANIC ATTACK. I BECAME A PRISONER OF MY OWN SELF. I FINALLY FOUND A DOCTOR WHO RECOGNIZED WHAT WAS HAPPENING AND WHERE IT WAS HEADING. SHE PRESCRIBED ME TWO MEDICATIONS (ONE DAY, ONE NIGHT) THAT ARE NORAMLLY USED TO CONTROL SEIZURES BUT THEY ALSO BALANCE OUT THE CHEMICALS IN YOUR BRAIN. WITHIN TWO DAYS, I FELT MORE IN CONTROL AND BEGAN TO COME OUT OF MY SHELL. I HAD ANOTHER MELTDOWN A COUPLE WEEKS BACK OVER SOMETHING THAT SHOULD NOT HAVE EVER BOTHERED ME, AND ENDED UP HAVING TO GO BACK ON MY MEDS. I AM VERY COFIDENT THAT WITH THERAPY AND MED CONTROL YOU CAN OVERCOME THIS OR AT LEAST LIVE WITH IN IN A WAY THAT YOU CAN HAVE A NORMAL LIFE. THE MEDS SHE GAVE ME ARE A NON-TOLERANT AND NO ADDICTIVE MEDICATION. THIS MEANS YOU WILL NOT BUILD UP A TOLERANCE AND NEED MORE OF IT AND YOU CANNOT BECOME ADDICTED. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED, THE NAMES ARE NUERONTIN AND REMERON. YOU COULD CHECK INTO THEM AND SEE IF THEY ARE SOMETHING THAT YOU COULD BENEFIT FROM. I DO NOT WANT TO SPECULATE ON ANYTHING ABOUT HOW IT WILL EFFECT BREAST MILK OR ANYTHING, SO PLEASE CHECK INTO IT IF YOU THINK IT MIGHT HELP. FEEL FREE TO EMAIL ANYTIME, I COMPLETELY UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU ARE GOING THROUGH AND HOW HARD IT REALLY IS TO LIVE DAY IN AND DAY OUT AFRAID SOEMTHING WILL TRIGGER YOU AND YOU WILL MELTDOWN. I ALSO WORRY HOW MUCH DAMAGE I DID WITH MY KIDS SEEING ME THE WAY I WAS BEFORE I GOT CONTROL. LIKE EVERYTHING, THIS IS A BEHAVIORAL THING AND AS MY COUNSELOR TELLS ME, ONCE YOU TAKE A STAND FOR YOU... YOU TAKE A STAND FOR YOUR FAMILY. I HOLD ONTO THAT EVERYDAY IN HOPES THAT ONE DAY I WILL FEEL LIKE I CAN EXHALE AND LIVE WITHOUT FEAR OF TRIPPING MY TRIGGER AND DO SOMETHING I WILL LIVE TO REGRET. I EVEN WENT AS FAR, AT THE BEGINNING OF THIS THING, OF TELLING MY HUBBY TO GET SENT HOME AND TAKE THE KIDS AND LEAVE ME BECAUSE I WAS BROKEN AND HAD NO HOPE OF RECOVERY...NEEDLESS TO SAY I FEEL VERY DIFFERENTLY NOW!! HOPE IT HELPS TO KNOW YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

THERESAT

Sound alittle like you may have some post-partum stress disorder. I had it with my son. Call your doctor. It could get worse. Good Luck!

Hi A.,
I, too, suffer from anxiety. I haven't reached the point of OCD yet, but I hope that that doesn't happen. I have been on medication for the anxiety for several years. Last July I found out that I was having triplets and had an anxiety attack right there at the doctor's office. The doctor said that what I was feeling was normal and that she would have been on the floor if she would have been given that information. I figured that if I could get through that I could get through anything.
Well, my beautiful children are now just shy of nine months. I take it as a triumph that I can raise happy, healthy children and keep my anxiety under control. Believe me, it's tough sometimes. As a teacher I am the primary bread winner in the family. My husband's job situation has gone from a salary nearly three times as much as I make to less than half of what I make.
It helps that my husband is more tolerant than he used to be with the whole anxiety thing. I think that he thought that I went into some frenzy, but now I tell him when I am having a spell and he helps me by talking it out.
Please consider taking something. I take Zoloft and sometimes just the thought that I am taking something to control it helps to set me straight. I am on a very low dosage (50 mg). You deserve to be happy emotionally and mentally and so does your daughter. I wish you all the best.
L. B

I suffer with anxiety an panic disorder ocpd and it is hard but I have found that if we can let our selfs go a little each day it does help if you want to talk in private you can email me at
____@____.com
R.

I want you to know that you are NOT alone in this

I have anxiety with panic attacks. Just now going back on medication to see if this helps. I dont have an OCD issue, but the anxiety and fear of the attacks makes me not want to lave the house sometimes. Try not to worry about if you daughter will or wont get the disease, especially at such a young age. That is a big MAYBE that does not warrant the extra anxiety you put yourself through worrying about it. I think exercise helps me and staying away from caffeine and alcohol. Maybe join a walking club where you can exercise and socialize at the same time and meet new friends so you don't feel alone. It will help to have someone to talk to when your husband is always out working. Or find a mom in your neighborhood to walk with. I do sympathize though as it is hard to have anxiety and be a mother of a young child because they can MAKE you have anxiety !!!! hahaha

I have anxiety and panic disorder. It is really hard to say the least.

I think that you defiently need to see your doctor and talk to him about what you may be able to take while breastfeeding.

I began taking Cymbalta and it really helped. I do have a diffrent disorder than you though.

I know that another trigger for me was the tremendous change that my body went through after the birth of my twins. Mentally and physically. It such a huge change, that it's natural that you would feel some anxiety, and combined with your OCD, it's killer.

You REALLY need to talk to them about medications. I know that my panic disorder kept me from enjoying life for several months last year. I won't let that happen again.

Good luck to you!!!

I don't know if it's anxiety I have or just normal nervousness. I'm always nervous and worrying about something. I worry about my daughter at school, I'm going on the field trip with them at the end of the month cause I'm just so scared the teacher might lose her. I know the teacher won't lose her but thats just a huge fear I have so I"m going too. I worry for no reason that my husband could be doing something wrong and I know he's not but when I can't get him to answer the phone thats the first thing that hits my mind, whats going on? You know? I have not seen a doctor about it because the medication scares me. Just the thought of it scares me, so I just don't. But I also just tell myself not to worry and I'm being silly and usually I end up feeling better but I'm still learning how to control it.

Hi A., You're not alone. I've had panic disorder since I was about 19. I'm now 43. I was homebound for 8 years with Agoraphobia. I found a great doctor (Charles Brewer) and I'm doing great. I still have my moments, but nothing like it used to be. My children are now 18 and 13 and I missed alot of their childhood cuz of my anxiety. I don't want this to happen to you! I am in a great group online called PanicSupport4U. Go to the website and check it out. If you are interested in joining just e-mail the leader (Nan). Everyone is very nice and so helpful and supportive. Do you live in the Greenville area? I live in Greer. Please let me hear how you're doing. I know what you're going thru. I'd be glad to help in any way that I can. A.