Mothers with young children - Panic Disorders Message Board

ndl00 · 08-05-2003, 02:14 PM

Hi, I just read the message started by Dorri regarding symptoms felt when experiencing a panic attack, and I have to say I'm so glad I found this site! I just have felt for so long (4 years) that I couldn't talk about my panic attacks and have never found someone who actually had them let alone be able to compare symptoms and feelings!. And now I'm curious to know how many of you out there are mothers of young children and how you think that has affected your experiences with panic attacks. I suffered my first panic attack two weeks after my son was born,( I now have two children (age 4 and 2) and ended up in the ER thinking I was having a heart attack, it was so real, and if anyone told me it wasn't they were crazy. When I first realized it was actually panic attacks, I was relieved yet surprised since I always thought I had it all under control, maybe a bit too much! I also have my masters in Psychology - go figure! So, with that all said, I'd really like to know if any of you have also started attacks after children? And how are you dealing with it now? Thanks!

hry33 · 08-05-2003, 04:21 PM

Hi, I had panic attacks and social phobias for 20 years and the psychs all told me I was unique and they had never seen anyone else like me, several cringed in horror when I described my panic attacks.
happily those dark days are now behind us

mothers having panic attacks often fear they wont be able to care for small children properly when having a panic attack but always manage OK

benzos, antidepressant meds and CBT seem to help most, searching for hidden causes, especially analysing each panic attack never helps but keeps some psychologists wealthy.

peaches31 · 08-05-2003, 06:52 PM

HI!!

I have two children (11 & 2) and have been dealing with panic disorder for over 10+ years now. They seemed to be under control and only bothersome now and then. BUT, after my daughter was born (about a month) they came back with a vengeance!! Along with the panic attacks i had anxiety 24/7, it was awful. I was terrified each day i would wake up and feel that rush of awful adrenaline and know that i had a small baby to look after. I would rush through everything and count the minutes that i could put her down for a nap so i could lay down as well. It got so bad that i decided to go on meds (paxil 20mg) and it really saved me. I got my life back, and felt normal, something i though i would never feel again!!!

I am now off meds and doing well. I wish i could have those precious times back but i try not to be too rough on myself. The baby and other child was looked after well and they are both beautiful, well adjusted children, so i must have done something right!!

What has helped me since coming off the meds, is that i am not afraid anymore. If the panic comes and sometimes i feel it rearing its ugly head, i think so what? and ride with it or through it. Not like in the past where i was just terrified that i would be hit with another doosey!

Kids love unconditionally and even though i might have looked a little goofy running around the house like a mad women they thought it was pretty funny. Give yourself a break....

worrywort · 08-05-2003, 09:35 PM

I also have anxiety 24/7 and I am going to try meds. I don't want to be on them forever though! I am glad to here you are doing good...that is an inspiration for me because someday I hope to be "normal"again.

thouserindallas · 08-06-2003, 08:34 AM

I have a 5 year old now and my panic attacks started right after his birth. I have always been a little high strung but all my fears were magnified x10 when I had my son. I was scared to be left alone with him in case I had a heart attack or stroke and then no one would be there to take care of him and he would fall down the stairs or wander into the streets and get hit by a car. It is just a terrible cycle! I know it sounds ridiculous but I couldn't even take him for a walk around the block without having a panic attack. It has gotten better since he has gotten older but I still struggle every day. I have my comfort zone around the neighberhood and stick to that. I am going to start my Zoloft again and hope I can tolerate the first two weeks. There is part of me that wonders if the anxiety is hormonal because my attacks are definitely worse around ovulation and menstruation.