What were some physical symptoms and did it go away? I’m hoping for some light at the end of the tunnel.
Physical symptoms of anxiety : What were some... - PNI ORG UK
Physical symptoms of anxiety
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Sygm2083
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Welcome!
What symptoms are you struggling with? How old is baby? Have you had any professional help?
Symptoms whether anxiety or not can be horrible , extremely debilitating and can linger . But on the plus side have hope. I struggled after my second child-I didn’t know what was going on as I felt horrendous but I did recover.
Looking forward to hearing your story x
My son is 11 months old and it started when he was 7 months old. I didn’t know it was anxiety because the first thing I noticed were the physical symptoms. It started with dizzyness and nausea that went away then eat ringing and head pressure along with tingling in my extremities. I also had heart palpitations and panic attacks. Now, it’s eye sensitivity to light. The panic and anxiety has subsided a bit but not completely. I was prescribed Zoloft and Ativan( until Zoloft kick in) but Its been about 8 weeks. It’s the physical symptoms that scare me the most. I just want it to stop. I didn’t know postpartum anxiety can happen so late(7 months).
Hi!! Mine started around 3 months but is still hanging around at 13 months (but MUCH better and getting better every day) so it can definitely happen late!! I am on lexapro which has helped a lot but hasn’t taken it all away. I could probably switch to something stronger but I’m choosing to try and work through the residual anxiety on my own for now. I would try to not use Ativan for an extended period of time if possible, but of course talk with your dr about that!
What I’ve found to be the most helpful is distraction! When I’m so focused on how I’m feeling, the symptoms get much worse but just recently I’ve started distracting myself every time I start to think about how I feel and it has helped tremendously!!
How are you today?
Hi
Your symptoms were exactly the same as mine though the order may differ slightly. Everything kicked off when my baby was 4 months old with problems with my eyes. I had sensitivity to light , eyesight worsened so I would see double in the distance, I felt exhausted , dizzy (a bit like being on a boat) then started to feel spaced out continuously. At the time I thought the physical symptoms triggered the anxiety but now see them as being interlinked.
Even on medication I found that recovery can be frustratingly slow (I was prescribed citalopram) .
I would reassess regularly - ask yourself ‘am I improving?’ - if you are id see that as positive.
As jdjsjs says work on distraction techniques , combined with relaxation ones. Can you do any exercise ? That helped me massively!
Most importantly keep talking - we really do understand x
Hello I am sorry that you are dealing with all this
Yes This is all due to anxiety
Dizziness could be due to low sugar
Tingling is also related to some deficiencies
Please take proper meals and increase your water Intake
You will be perfectly Fine
Thank you!
How are you doing ? X
I’m getting better everyday. Definitely better than how I was.
How long did your postpartum anxiety last?
I would say just over 2 years. Whilst that sounds horrendous i was recovering and leading a relatively normal life . I would have blips - down periods when symptoms would reappear and I’d feel low, which are pretty standard for PNI, but these blips lessened with intensity, I managed them better too. Everyone is different though. How are you doing?
I’m doing ok but I have my period and it feels like the symptoms sort of reappeared. All I could think about is will this ever go away.
It’s very common for that to happen and it can knock your confidence hugely and with it bring those thoughts of ‘ its like this forever ‘. It took me s while before I believe that blips were just short term x
Were you getting enough sleep during this time?
Did you take any medication?
Hi!!! I am so relieved to have found this post. I have been scouring the internet to find someone with the same symptoms as me. I’m 7 months pp, still breastfeeding and haven’t had a period yet. I have had dizziness, headaches, fluttering heart, clogged feeling in my ears and anxiety. Sometimes full panic attacks, but mostly lingering anxiety. This is baby 3 for me and I’ve never had pp depression or any issues with my other ones. I’ve had so many dr appointments (including ENT, and an MRI). Everything is clear so far. I am doing bloodwork to test my hormones, seeing a cardiologist for my heart and a neurologist to rule out anything additional. It sounds so extreme, but it is hard when this dizziness appears. It comes and goes since 4 months PP. Dr said I had pp depression which I tried taking Zoloft for but it made me worse so I weaned off of it.
Seeing the symptoms you ladies have had make me really believe it is all anxiety related and causing physical symptoms.
Hoping to get some answers and get rid of this horrible feeling. I just want to feel myself again!!! Hoping the same for you too!!!
Same like me I was going to every dr to make sure I was ok and I thought I had something they couldn’t find. I have postpartum anxiety. I take Zoloft and the first month was difficult but it got better.i notice during my period the symptoms get strong sometimes. I guess now I just want it to go away. It’s kind of scary and I’m a first time mom. I hope we feel better soon.
Welcome Ncope
I’m sorry you’re struggling this way and can’t find answers. My story is quite similar to yours in that I developed these symptoms after child no 2 only when he was 4 months old. Tbh I was plagued with physical symptoms , then horrific anxiety which I now think were linked. I think the trigger was exhaustion plus various other sources in my case but often ladies don’t know. Some suspect fluid leak following epidurals ...
Antidepressants gave me my like back but symptoms did return with pmt, feeling ill, tired and sometimes for no apparent reason so the pattern of yours sounds quite typical.
When did yours start?
Keep talking x
hey, my physical symptoms sound exactly likes yours. i had my panic attack on my bday 3 weeks ago, it was because of a headache. the headache subsided with xanax and chilling out, but then my lumps mostly right side experienced tingly, stiff, and weakness, along with weird vision sensation, and ear clogging sensations with pressure. i got my eyes checked, all was normal but i’ve alwayd had bad visokn. i know it’s anxiety. hopefully i’m okay. my optical nerves were perfect. so probbaky not a brain tumor. but yea
I’ll reply to this and question below. Before taking meds I had horrendous insomnia brought on by anxiety. The antidepressants took 2-3 weeks to kick in and I felt worse though thatvis common , but after fairly quickly I started to feel less stressed, stopped crying and starting laughing again.
Is your sleep affected? I’ve recently been to an insomnia clinic (perimenopausal related insomnia) and it was amazing . I can pass on tips for you if you like ? X
Ok
I started with anxiety right after my baby was born. I was induced 3 weeks early due to pregnancy related high blood pressure (no preeclampsia). Dr said delivering the baby would get it back to normal. Well, I continued to have high bp after giving birth. I think this caused me to worry, along with very little sleep which started the ppd. The bp regulated, but the anxiety did not. I began worrying about everything. Dr Told me to try antidepressants but I didn’t want to.
Then at 4 months pp, I thought I had an ear infection. I also went on Zoloft for a month, but got off of it cuz I felt worse on it then off it. I went into the dr to look at my ears but they were clear. I was starting to have dizzy spells and I grew frustrated cuz they felt completely clogged. I thought for sure it was due to an ear infection. I was referred to an ENT, who couldn’t see me until 3 weeks out. He ran tests and had me get an mri to rule out a tumor. All came back clear. During the weeks following, the dizziness slowly went away and I was feeling normal again.
Well, a month goes by and my anxiety started creeping up on me and the dizziness began again. Now I’m 7 months pp and symptoms are still present, but I’m able to function. Lately I have had headaches that linger too and light sensitivity. I feel as if they might be migraines but I’m not sure. I feel like my anxiety causes my bp to rise and also gives me the other symptoms. I’ve noticed that when I have high stress situations, I handle it at the moment, but the major symptoms will kick in a week or two after the high stress. Almost like a ptsd.
Still in the process of getting tests done to rule out any other possible issues, but really hoping this goes away. It’s frustrating and annoying!!!
Hi
I’m sorry you’ve been struggling. Those symptoms sound awful. Anxiety can lead to such symptoms but it’s always prudent to get any physical symptoms checked out. I saw optician , numerous eye specialists , a neurologist and ent specialist. All tests I had incl ct scan of sinuses were negative too.
What does dr say about migraines and sensitivity to light. Some women say they have developed vestibular migraines ?
I did try acupuncture twice and it helped me hugely with my physical symptoms especially the pressure sensation behind my eye x
For me antids really worked . Of course that’s a personal decision but in my case my life had become living hell and antids eased my physical and emotional symptoms though recovery was still difficult at times.
She got me to keep a sleep diary incl day time noting caffeine intake , exercise to see how much sleep I was getting every night .
After that my average was about 7 hrs which included a couple of hrs awake during night . So she wanted to cut it down to 6 but I negotiated 6.5 for about 2 weeks.
My issue was waking up during night. She said that after 15 mins if can’t fall asleep get up. Do something but no looking at any screens for up to 1.5 hrs or when ever you feel sleepy. Go to bed - again if you fall asleep great if not give up to 15 mins then get up.
No caffeine after 2 pm. Work in relaxation techniques.
It worked so well. I’ve had a couple of periods of insomnia and used these techniques - worked brilliantly .
What’s your sleep like Symgm?
I was wondering, when you went through your postpartum, did the physical symptoms eventually go away?
Hi Sygm2083
Yes they did go away - but they would return during blips though became less intense over time. My anxiety disappeared completely and I don’t think I’ve ever been so chilled out - however it did turn into depression . Again over time that would come and go but lessened in depth until I completely recovered.
How are you doing? Do you feel there are improvements? X
Post partum for sure - id never had any mh problems in the past and it was part and parcel of all the physical issues coupled with the spiralling anxiety.
Unfortunately blips are a normal part of the recovery process and as such a sign you are recovering though they can be so tough after a good spell.
Try to ride out the spells - rest, be kind to yourself. Is there anything that helps when you’re in that blip?
Yes thinking positive and relaxing. Thank you so much for giving me your experience, that also helps.
Yes I think patience is key because there are good and bad days but me being patient is helping.
How are you Sygm2083?
Things are ok. I still have up and down days. Did your light sensitivity eventually go away?
The rollercoaster ride can be hard...hopefully it’s improving.
Re light sensitivity tbh that’s one thing that never completely went for me anyway but it’s nowhere near as bad as it was. Nowadays for instance I always use sunglasses especially when driving .
Do you find symptoms worsen with pmt? X
Yes, especially when I am anxious.
Is it something you just got use to? Me having sensitivity to light is kind of scary which I think adds to my anxiety.
It did improve a lot and yes I have become accustomed to it though it’s fairly mild - just have to wear sunglasses a fair amount.
How does your sensitivity manifest itself?
I notice it more when I’m anxious
Anxiety over symptoms did seem to make mine worse too for sure . Have you tried anything to help with anxiety?
Therapy and medication
Has it helped? I took antidepressants- worked v well but didn’t stop blips which were tough x
Did you go on to have more children after that experience?
Yes I did - I had another child PNI free. I did put things in place in case I started to plummet , really rested and took it easy as I think they were big triggers for me.
Would you like more children? (Sorry if you’ve said already!)
Yes I would and I will definitely do things differently.
What would you change?
Definitely get more sleep and go easy on myself.
Forewarned is forearmed ! Midwife/dr/ hv can put things in place to help support you if needed. It can make a huge difference to know you’re supported and being looked after x
Did your blood pressure go up with the anxiety?
Hi Sygm2083
How are you doing? No my blood pressure didn’t go up. I’m prone to low blood pressure anyway. Has your bp gone up? Are you taking anything for it? X
Yes it goes up a little sometimes. Right now I am not taking anything for it.
Hi
I’m assuming the dr isn’t concerned about the bp issue . Are you worried? Does it make you feel ill?
How are you feeling generally? X
I have my good and bad days
Good/bad days are sadly a typical part of recovery though the bad ones can be so tough. In time they start to lesson in severity . I found them very hard . Have you noticed a pattern in these blips?
Yeah usually right before or during my period. You mentioned it only happened with your second child. How did you prevent it with your other babies?
Also did your eyes seem dry?
It’s common for physical probs as well as low mood /anxiety to return with pmt.
I think I got Pni after my second child for several factors all of which together created a perfect storm. For some ridiculous reason of self fulfilment and competition with friends , I was obsessed with being perfect having a perfect home , being a perfect mum so instead of resting which I did with babies 1 and 3 I would plough on . My eldest son seemed to get chest infections quite often and I became obsessed with his health fearing something serious. My stress levels would soar each time he had blood test, appt to Drs. I’d also had two previous miscarriages so was a bit obsessed with the pregnancy.
After an exhausting week a blood vessel burst out n one eye but was fine overnight then I started to develop weird symptoms with my eyes - itchy , sensitivity to light, eyesight worsening and this constant pressure sensation behind one eye. . I don’t remember my eyes feeling particularly dry.
With my no 3 child I made sure I slept when I could, didn’t care about state of house . Tbh that’s what I did with my eldest - I was the first out of most of my friends to have baby and had no pre conceived ideas about motherhood and just went with the flow.
Are you thinking of having more children?
Yes I would like more children maybe just 1 more. Did you experience eye floaters with your postpartum?
Did you experience weight gain and hair loss with your antidepressant?
I did gain weight - but had lost quite a bit beforehand through anxiety so I didn’t notice I’d put any on after starting meds. When I came off the antids I lost a little bit of weight quite quickly .
I didn’t notice any hair loss.
What side effects have you had?
I did put on weight after losing weight the same way. Also I’m noticing now that my hair is falling out a little bit but that could be due to just having a baby because my hair grew while I was pregnant.
Hi I think it’s common for hair to grow thicker whilst pregnant. I know a couple of yrs ago I noticed my hair was falling out at what I thought was an alarming rate but my hairdresser said it looked ok. I’m prone to anaemia which can be a cause. Maybe if you’re concerned get dr to run some blood tests?
Hi how’s life? How have the past few weeks been? X
It’s been pretty good. Now my worry is am i going to have a hard transit coming off of the antidepressant. I don’t want to end up on this for the rest of my life. Did you have a hard transition?
Hey
Great that have been going so well for you!
It’s perfectly to worry about coming off meds. I would advise to do in consultation with your dr when you both feel the time is right.
I’d been on antids for about 11/2 yrs more or less. My dr wrote me a plan with a tapered reduction. So week one I alternated 1 dose one day then half dose the next. Week two 1/2 dose then week three 1/2 dose one day 1/4 dose the next etc. I remember thinking it was all a bit quick but he did say that if I feel like I’m wobbling to stick with the current dose for longer , so all in all it took me about 2-3 months I think.
I felt fine initially when I was meds free then had a massive blip - my joints ached dreadfully and I felt v depressed. That lasted a few weeks then I felt fine!
A cpn recommended taking evening primrose and vit B supplements .
Try not to worry - you’ll have a plan and support so you’re not alone x
Thank you
Did you find it worst when your period came around?
Yes definitely - id never suffered from pmt but after falling ill with Pni I got it badly both emotionally (I’d get v depressed) and the physical symptoms seemed to reappear.
This is v common. Are you struggling with this?
Yes, it’s very debilitating. It definitely feels like it came back. I’m wondering if I have developed PMDD.
Sometimes it feels like this will never end
What’s pmdd?
Yes I remember feeling that way - 2 steps forward one step back but that is a normal pattern for recovery. It’s horrible having the ups and downs and it can take time to believe that the down doesn’t necessarily mean you’re not recovering. Try to do things to perk yourself up. If you’re really struggling perhaps see dr?
Big hugs - this illness can be very tough x
PMDD is premenstrual dysphoric disorder. I guess you call it pmt. this month seem to be a bit hard for me. How did you cope with it? At times it scares me because I think I’m going back to the place I was.
Tbh initially I would despair as it felt I was going backwards - I’d have a good couple of weeks start feeling confident about recovery then wham! Back to feeling crap.
Then after a while I started to see a pattern which for me made it a bit easier to bear.
I also became very kind to myself so would try to do something nice to perk myself up, distraction techniques, exercise as that lifted me , rest when I could and would tell myself that this was a blip and would pass.
My antids didn’t stop working but they didn’t stop the blips at all. Overtime the blips became less intense plus I coped with them better .
Do you think your meds have stopped working?
Yes something feels different. I’m having anxiety and I haven’t felt this is a while. I’m gonna make an appointment with my dr but I hope I don’t have a thyroid issue.
It’s worth checking out. I did find that some blips would be worse than others . What dose of meds are you on? How long have you felt like this?
I just started feeling this way. Currently I take 100mg of Zoloft.
See what dr says - it might just be a different blip and not necessarily mean meds aren’t working x
I hope so, did you experience different blips? This feeling has me nervous.
Yes I think I did and the main issue would usually be my thinking - I’d always think I was the exception to the rule and would never recover but I did!
Generally my blips would mean low mood, self hatred, foggyheaded , v tired which would slightly differ in intensity but overall I’d be improving. but from time to time I think I’d get some anxiety too x
Thank you so much for talking to me. Your words give me hope. This is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to deal with. The very thought of going backward is giving me anxiety.
Glad I can reassure you. Pni was such a hard experience for me and I was plagued by the same thoughts of never recovering. It felt like being on a rollercoaster ride with constant ups and downs and never knowing and equally dreading the next low. It does get easier.
You mentioned struggling with sleep. Has that started recently? Does that coincide with the anxiety? What’s your sleep pattern like?
It just started and it coincides with the anxiety. I fall asleep then I wake up with anxiety.
Did you have bouts of anxiety during your postnatal
Yes initially I was crippled by it. The antids helped a lot - the anxiety turned into depression for mebut I would get a bit of anxiety from time to time x
What is the name of the anti d that you took?
Citalopram initially 10 mg then 20mg
How long will those blips typically last
Pmt ones would generally go when I’d start my period so 4-5 days. Other blips could last longer - my first one one was about a month.
Wow that’s long how did you cope
Initially I really struggled for after sometime when I knew what they were I became good at taking a step back and being v kind to myself - so I would take it easy , if I was having negative thoughts I’d just talk myself round, so a bit of exercise and generally try to deescalate the negative feelings. For the foggy headedness imexervise helped hugely x
Did you stick with the meds although those things will happen?
Yes. The meds helped me hugely - they gave me my life back . I think without them recovery would have been longer . But they didn’t prevent blips x
I hope I’m not asking too many questions.
Sorry I’ve been at work. I started messaging and never pressed send!
Please do ask anything you want! I don’t mind at all! Ask away!
My Pni was weird physical symptoms and anxiety . When I took antids my anxiety largely disappeared but was replaced by depression, low confidence/self esteem x
Did it help the depression?
It did ease over time and I wasn’t permanently depressed - it mainly hit me when having blips . Overall do you think you’re getting better? I think you are and doing so well z
Yes, this is my first major blip.
If it’s period related once you get your period or shortly after it should pass. If it just gets too much or lasting quite long do go and see dr. Maybe meds need tweaking or you could be referred for talking therapy or support for anxiety - there are options.
You’ve been doing amazingly . Blips are a normal part of recovery process but are so so hard especially after an extended good period so feeling anxious is normal reaction .
Try things fir anxiety - if it feels overwhelming try going for a walk round the block - a change of scenery can help massively , breathing exercises x
I find the depression harder to deal with then the anxiety because I begin to think that I’m never going to get over it and I’ve been doing pretty good.
Poor you - it’s such a horrible feeling thinking it’ll never go away - it will though! You get comfortable thinking you’re recovering well then bam - it’s like being back to square one and can knock you for six . It will pass - do try to distract yourself if it’s getting too much x
Did distraction help with the depression as well?
Yes it helped but treating myself with kid gloves and exercise helped most. Instead of focusing on the negative stuff that cane with depression like how I hated myself , how useless I was I tried to rationalise that these feelings were the depression talking and trying to look for positives and counter arguments for the negatives. This was an acquired skill and initially I would find myself consumed by the negative thoughts. Over time I learnt to perk myself up and just let the thoughts wash over me.
Have you got any techniques you use ? Is there any of those that might be worth s go? X
Also, do you find when you’re tired that he plays a huge part? Lately I’ve been exhausted because my son was sick and He was waking up through the night. He wakes up through the night even when he’s not sick but when he sick it’s even more.
Triggers were pmt, tiredness for sure, illness, stress....
Poor you! What’s been wrong with your son? Any chance you can get a rest over the weekend. I’ve got three kids and all of them weren’t good sleepers . How many times does he wake ordinarily?
We used to let the kids sleep with us as they’d sleep though - not always a good idea but I was of the mind that as long as I slept...
Was your anti d the highest dose or was it low?
My son had an ear infection and he was uncomfortable sleeping which in turn kept me up. One more question, did doctors recommend you go up in medication when blips occured?
Tbh I never went to Drs- I don’t know what she would ha e done. Generally 20mg was the right dose for me - and I’m not sure whether a higher dose would have got rid of blips anyway.
How are you feeling today?
Your poor son! Ear infections are horrid and painful. Not nice for you either. Is he on antibiotics?
Yes he is doing much better now. I’m I the United States so we have to get anti d from a doctor. I am taking 100mg of zoloft. I don’t want to go up because the initial anxiety is terrible. It also makes me more sleepy during the initial increase.
Glad your sons better ! Yes it can be worse initially. It sounds like you’ve been doing really well so if you can manage the blip see how you get on . If you feel it’s unbearable or going on for too long then perhaps consider upping meds. Either way always good to get Drs advice . What your dr like?
She is pretty good and the talk therapy really helps. The highest dose of Zoloft is 200 but I don’t feel comfortable taking drugs to begin with so I don’t want to have to go up.
Talking therapy can be great. How often do you go? Maybe she can help with anxiety?
I go once a week and it definitely helps. I’m starting to think sleep is a major factor as well because I don’t sleep straight through the night. I always wake up to get my son a bottle or change his diaper. That’s about 3-4 times a nigh.
Do you receive a particular type of talking therapy ? Really pleased it has helped you. I had counselling about 2 yrs after I fell ill - I live in uk and it’s a postcode lottery here though I believe nowadays the wait times are less.
The sleeping issue is tough if you’re up 3-4 times a night. I know even now if I sleep badly itvrealky affects my mood.
Does your baby have this routine when he awakes and needs the comfort? Does he sleep in the same room ? Have you tried the controlled crying? Saying that there are different techniques and the controlled crying can be hard emotionally . I did it with all three so they learned to fall asleep alone but could bear doing it during the night! Just too tired!
How have the past two days been? X
Right now I believe we are doing cbt therapy. I am co sleeping with him right now because I’m too tired to spit any other way. For the most part he sleeps but will wake for a bottle. Also I find when he sleeps the only time I can really take in a movie or show(bad I know). The past few days were ok
I used to do the Co sleeping too! Anything to get done sleep! Absolutely nothing wrong with funding time just to relax and watch a film - good for you!
Did your anxiety lessen once your children got older?
The meds worked really well for me with the anxiety. I had been prone to a bit of ocd and the meds really completely got rid of that.
I found the older the children got the less physically demanding they became therefore less tiring which made a huge difference to how I felt. The issues I faced became different. My kids are now 19, 14 and 10 - so I don’t have to be up during the night but I worry how they’re doing at school etc . But overall as I recovered from Pni (14 yrs ago now!) the anxiety and depression lessened x
Did you have anxiety pre pregnancy?
I’m hoping to get to that feeling soon. This is my first child so I do worry and want to do things perfectly but no such thing as perfection. The funny thing is I wanted one more child but at this point I’m a bit terrified.
Ahh...perfection! Funnily enough I didn’t have that need with my eldest - but did with my second. I think it’s normal to fear having a child especially after Pni. But you have experience of a child now and also Pni so you can prepare and that can make a huge difference x
Thank you so much for listening to me vent. It has been a hard few weeks but talking helps.
How are you today? You’re more than welcome - I’m really glad I can listen. It is so tough at times but you will get through it x
You’ve been doing so well and there’s no reason that recovery won’t continue. Blips are a normal part of recovering and a sign you are getting better as bizarre as that might sound z
Did you see a therapist for the 2 years?
No - i saw a therapist 2 yrs after falling ill with Pni as the waiting list was so long! I was allocated 10 sessions but had 7. Although Pni was raw for me it quickly became apparent to both of us that the issues I had revolves around my relationship st the time but I just wasn’t ready to open up that can of worms.
So glad the cbt is working. I learnt some great techniques which were fabulous for anxiety . I wish I’d had it earlier on when I needed it! X
Did you have periods where the anxiety was all day
Hi how are you feeling? Any different?
I don’t think I had all day anxiety from memory - the meds helped hugely with that though I did have short periods when I’d get stressed.
But it is such a unique experience for each woman - I suffered from physical symptoms and awful anxiety when I fell ill the meds helped hugely with this but it turned into depression with recurring hours of the physical stuff.
I’m very laid back by nature maybe too much but I can get quite bad anxiety from time to time triggered by something going on in my life . It’s not pleasant but talking to someone helps the most as in my case it’s often irrational. Do you have close friends or family/
Partner o talk to?
Have a look at the link below ? Maybe something there can help if the anxiety is a little overwhelming.
Did you ever feel like you would never get over it?
This was a very common thought for quite a large proportioned my illness and caused me a lot of distress. Do you worry about this a lot?
I remember initially feeling so good on the meds and getting my life back - I was euphoric ! Then I had my first blip and felt so awful - it was a huge shock and I felt I was back at square one and would never recover. It was a while before I finally believed these were just blips and they did become less intense.
It’s so hard I know x
I’m doing ok still have mild symptoms but I’m ok. I will definitely check out the link you sent thank you. I think my meds might have to be adjusted. I didn’t want to do it because it almost makes me feel defeated. I never been on antidepressants before and i felt uncomfortable from the very beginning taking them.
I understand where you’re coming from but it isn’t a competition and you’re no way a failure if you need to up meds . If you needed to increase antibiotics you wouldn’t feel bad about it and it’s the same with antids.,
It’s really positive that you’re looking at this objectively- I do understand how you feel x
Did you ever have a nervous feeling that took place most of the day during pni?
I had it permanently during the first 5 months before starting meds. Is that how you’re feeling? Is it worse mornings?
Yes and yes it just started again
Anxiety is just horrible! I read somewhere that it’s worse mornings due to some chemical/hormone dropping during the night. What’s your routine when you wake up? Does anything help it lessen - any distraction techniques help?
I can get quite anxious at times and find anxiety very debilitating when in the thick of it. Distraction helps as does mindfulness - have you tried that?
It’s not as severe as the beginning but it’s there. The funny thing is at night I’m ok.
Maybe mention it to dr next time you go?
I found the link below - perhaps give it a read? It might explain why you feel worse in the morning though relates to depression x
healthline.com/health/depre...
Thank you so much I will read it now
Hi Sygm
How are you doing? X
I’m pretty good I didn’t want to trouble you too much lol. But I’m ok.
You’re not troubling me at all! Great to hear you’re feeling better x
Just checking in to say hello and let you know I’m doing ok. How are you?
Great to hear from you and fantastic news to hear you’re doing well. All good with me - just had a few days off - they’ve flown by!
Hey how are you?
Hi great to hear from you! How are you doing? Hope things have continued to go well for you!
All good with me thanks. Currently on holiday in Spain with two younger kids. Absolutely beautiful ! X
That’s good to hear. I’ve been ok but I think I may be going through another blip. My son was sick on Monday and Just started to think the worst. Which also cause me to not be able to sleep the last few days.
Oh no ...poor you. Are the symptoms more emotional than physical?
Lack of sleep can be a huge trigger. If you find yourself unable to sleep after 15 mins get up and do something - washing up, crossword but no screens ! Give yourself up to 1 1/2 hrs then go back to bed.
I hate this feeling because sometimes I feel like I won’t be able to pull myself out.
Yes they are more emotional than physical.
Health anxiety ?
No I just started feeling sad out of no where. Since Monday but it comes and goes.
Sorry crossed posts! For sadness I’d say try exercise and distraction techniques . Do nice things for yourself to pull yourself out - it will psss x
Thank you so much for your continued support
My pleasure! It so tough especially after a good spell but have hope - because you’ll get through it x
You said your last pregnancy was better than your second and you didn’t experience pni. What do you think made it better?
After my first child I was fine - I think I had no preconceived ideas of motherhood and just went with the flow. I slept a lot daytime too.
With my second child I had this burning desire to be perfect - perfect kids, perfect home and competed with a group of friends. I ranmyself into the ground. Also I was obsessed with my eldest son’s health and worried myself stupid over it. I think al those things led to Pni.
So third time I took it easy, slept day time and just looked after myself more and put zero pressure on myself To be perfect. By then I had a great set of mum friends and none of us pretended to be perfect ! So it was a great environment to offload!
How are you today? Do you know what’s triggered your Pni? Hormones?
Yes I notice anytime my son gets sick I get scared. He doesn’t have any health issues in particular but anytime he sick I get nervous and I can’t sleep.
What scares you in particular?
I think what scares me is hearing about how some children die From illness. I know a couple who lost their son at eight years old to childhood cancer. I just don’t want that to be my child.
That was the trigger for me too. When I was a child I knew a little girl who died of cancer and I think that triggered the health anxiety which was always there but massively worsened with Pni.
I learnt a cbt technique which helped me.
When your son falls ill write down all the things that point to something serious happening and another of evidence against this. Inevitably the latter will be much longer. Sometimes seeing this in black and white can really help put it into perspective.
Also practice breathing techniques at night. Focusing on slow deep breaths through your stomach can help.
If you can’t sleep getvup and no screensx
It’s just so hard sometimes when I’m in it. My thoughts are just constantly going.
I know it is tough but it WILL get easier to cope - the thoughts will get less intense and you’ll learn to bat them away until you barely notice you have them. Do try to practise the distraction techniques - it’s like a muscle that has to be trained!
Thank you for the encouraging words. Most people leave the site once they feel better but you seem to have been here.
Thank you! I’m a trustee and moderator of pni.org.uk - I can’t seem to change my status on here for some reason! But I need to look into it.
Why don’t you check out our forum ?
You don’t have to register (to access the full site you do) .
I think I’ve said before Pni was probably the worst experience of my life - my world crashing down around me - and recovery was a horrendous rollercoaster side. if I can give even a little bit of hope and support to others who are struggling then it’s worthwhile!
So far it has been the worst thing I have been through also. Even when I think of it I get scared and sad at the same time.
I was the same. I’d never suffered from mental health problems and was really traumatised by the whole experience . I never imagined the depth of despair, anxiety and depression a person could feel.
Saying that it’s all fresh to you so the trauma factor is much heightened . It’s scary because you never now when a blip will hit you and how bad it can get. Often ladies feel that they’ll never recover. You will!
In many respects I don’t regret the experience as it’s opened my eyes to mental health and I really get it - before I didn’t . I think it’s made a better person of me too and I’ve learnt to think of myself and try to look after myself more x
Yes me as well.
Did you ever think you were going crazy? I was just reading something about postpartum psychosis now I’m wondering can this be turning into that.
I’m no professional but I very much doubt that . PP usually comes on fairly soon after birth and the woman becomes psychotic hearing/seeing/believing things that are so off the scale . Nothing you’ve said sounds like that. I think Pni has rocked your confidence that you doubt yourself. Believe me your sanity is perfectly intact xxx
I guess I’m just overthinking
But I think that’s v common - you start to doubt yourself - well I did! Even things I’d taken for granted or never questioned x
Yes I do, I’ve never been through anything like and when your in it, it can feel like it’s going to be like this forever. Especially when you have friends or people you may know that seem to not have ever gone through anything like this. It can make you feel like it’s just you.
I felt exactly the same! Just after I started the anti depressants I found the forum on pni.org.uk and that was the first time I’d met others with symptoms like mine both physical and emotional . It was really the first time that anyone said to me ‘ what you’re going through is the same as us and you’ll get better’ because I just couldn’t imagine it happening!
And you’ll get there too. It might not be as quick as you’d like it to be nor as simple wit ups and downs but you’ll recover x
Do you ever get tired of hearing the same stories?
Everyone’s story is unique - there are similarities of course but it’s quite individual . It’s a real privilege to support ladies who are struggling.
How’s today been?
I got back from hols in the early hours of morning - I’ve been a zombie all day! Are you going away over the summer? X
No not this summer. I live in the states but i would love to travel to Europe one day. That’s actually on my bucket list.
Europe is fantastic ! I love Spain and have been learning Spanish (I don’t do enough work) . This time we visited the North and there were a few gems we unearthed - Leon and Bilbao.
I’ve been to the US once - New York - and loved it! Such energy and a fascinating place! We were there 5 days and it felt like we barely touched the sides! X
Did you ever think that it may be more wrong? Was it hard to accept?
Sorry I never pressed send on my reply to you!
I used to constantly think I was the exception to the rule and somehow different to other sufferers and would never recover. But I did! The journey might be tough with ups and downs but try to look at the overall picture - if you’re improving overall then that’s v positive x
I’m glad I have someone to talk to about this. That can also identify with what I’m going through.
It really is my pleasure. You’re doing brilliantly, you really are so congratulate yourself! X
You said your postnatal lasted 2 years. Is that 2 years from realizing the symptoms or from the birth of your child?
Hi how are you?
The two years was from symptoms starting . It sounds like a long time but it wasn’t all horrendous like at the beginning - the second year and certainly last few months , I was muchbetter , blips weren’t as strong and I was dealing with them better.
Every woman is different so don’t use that as a definitive guide x
I’m ok but tonight I can’t sleep. I have to be up in 3 hours to go to work. Did you ever feel off when you didn’t sleep?
Sorry you can’t sleep - any reason for it? Tiredness made me feel dreadful in my mood and could bring on physical symptoms.
Hopefully once you get some rest you’ll feel much better . Can you take it easy at work?
Yes i can take it easy at work. I just had a lot on my mind. I started googling things about sleep deprivation and it scared me to the point I didn’t want to fall asleep although I was tired.
Hi poor you! Midnight worries - they’re the pits! What’s troubling you? If you want to talk about it I’m listening!
Lack of sleep is rubbish but there’s lots you can do to get it back. I’m perimenopausal and get intermittent insomnia and was referred to a sleep clinic it was amazing and helped hugely very quickly x
Yeah i woke up with a bit of a nervous energy.
How are you now?
I still feel a bit nervous. Not sure why
Sometimes it can be like that - perhaps due to hormone levels - or it might be simply unfathomable . Hopefully you’ll get a better nights sleep tonight . Have you heard of headspace app - it’s supposed to be fantastic - really effective x
Yes it usually comes around the 6 of the month. I haven’t checked out the app but I have heard of it and will check it out.
I keep meaning to download it as have moments of anxiousness that are difficult to control x
How are you doing? X
I’m doing better. I think my biggest issue is not getting enough sleep. What I did this week was try to get to bed at the same time every night. Thank you for asking.
So pleased you’re feeling better. It’s really positive you’ve identified a trigger and as hard as might be at times to get a good nights sleep with a baby it’s something to work on !
When did you know the time was right to come off of the meds?
Hi there! How are you doing? Regarding meds , I had been feeling well for over a year (my gp recommended taking them for this long though the manufacturer stated 6 months), and I’d started to feel a bit high - so I felt excited a lot even though there was nothing to feel excited about and it just felt like it was time to come off them.
My Gp came up with a withdrawal plan. It was something like the first week I alternated full day with half day meds, the next week all half dose etc so the plan suggested I’d have stopped within a month which for me was far too quick. He did tell me if I had a wobbly week to stay on the dose I was on for an extra week which i did . All in all it probably took nearer to 2 1/2 months .
A cpn recommended taking vit B/evening primrose supplements to help counteract any withdrawal symptoms too but speak to dr /pharmacist about this.
Do you feel ready to come off meds? X
I’m doing ok. I’m not sure if I’m ready just yet but I don’t want to be on them forever. When you say you were in them for a year, was it a year where you always felt good? Were there ups and downs? Also, when you say you felt high, was this due to the meds?
For me it has been about a year I have been taking these meds. I don’t want to stay on them forever because I have gained weight. What was the name of the medication you took? Also, my sex drive has been affected lol.
In the meantime I have been doing ok. I haven’t had any downs in a while.
Hi
No I didn’t feel good all the time at all. I had lots of ups and downs which were really tough - it was like being on this rollercoaster ride when you cant see the drops . The blips knocked me for six however over time they lessened in intensity and duration/frequency and I learned to cope with them better. I suffered with dreadful anxiety with pni prior to taking meds and that went quite quickly after starting them, but it turned into depression . I felt terribly low when I had blips.
It was years ago so can’t remember exactly but I think I took them for about 1 1/2 - 2 yrs? I was on citalopram 20 mg . I think I got the high feeling for the last 3-4 months of taking meds and I think it was due to taking them. Which ones are you on?
Yes my libido was affected too. I had zero desire and for months couldn’t orgasm then when I did it was very weakly (sorry if tmi) Bizarrely It really upset me initially but taking meds was so positive for me as I got my life back.
It’s really positive you’ve been feeling so well. Give yourself s huge pat on the back x
Yes those blips are no joke and I’ve also gained a few extra pounds. I take Zoloft( generic name setraline). The reward of this medication is good but I don’t want to be on this forever.
I don’t think there’s any reason why you should be on it forever. In my previous post I think I said that my GP recommend at least a year after feeling better. Why don’t you talkit over with your dr?
I put on weight but only really noticed when I came off the meds and the weight seem to drop off ! X
Hi how are you doing Sygm2083? Hope all is well! X
Yes I’m doing good how are you?
Great to hear! How are the physical symptoms? All ok with me - absolutely skint because of Xmas!
Hey I thought I replied. The physical symptoms show up at times but are not intense. They are manageable. It happens more when I don’t get sleep.
Hi that’s great news! I’m sure in time what symptoms you do get will lessen further x
Did you have any symptoms weaning off of the anti depressants? I may be weaning off soon and I’m a little nervous on what to expect.
My dr set up a structured 4 week plan - this was too quick for me so it took me 8 months. I think week one I alternated full dose and half dose - week 2 all half dose etc. Gp did say that if I wobbled I should repeat that week.
I don’t really remember how I wobbled but probably felt spaced out, anxious but all in all it was ok and a slower pace. A cpn recommended vit B and evening primrose supplements which I took to counteract any side effects of lowering dose.
When I finished meds I had a few weeks of feeling fine then I had an almighty blips that lasted a few weeks - v depressed and really achy joints but once that lifted I felt fine.
How long have you felt good on antids? If you don’t mind me asking what has made you decide to come off them? Have you spoken to dr? X
I have been on meds for a year and 4 months. I would like to get off because I would like to try for another baby in the future, I’ve gained weight and I’ve been feeling pretty good. There are times when I feel anxious or down when I don’t get solid sleep but overall I have been good. I did consult with my dr and she said we can start in January. I am nervous about it although I want to come off.
I would say I started feeling good in January of last year although I had the blips.
Blips are very common even with meds! Not sure why that’s the case! X
Did you have moments of blips even after you got off the meds? You said you felt a high feeling the last few months on meds. Did that prompt you to stop taking them?
One lasting legacy of Pni has been pmt which I never had before. I’ve found vit b supplements really help.
Yes the highs made me think I was ready to come off meds plus I’d been on them for over a year like my gp had recommended.
It sounds like you feel ready too! X
Also, have you ever experienced your period coming twice in one month? I got my period on the 6th of December then on the 31 of December. Now I notice I feel a bit off.
Honestly I can’t remember. My periods have gone haywire but I’m perimenopausal. I think it can happen though ...stress, tiredness...
How do you mean off?
off meaning tired and anxious
Oh poor you! Have you tried mindfulness? I’ve found it can help take the edge off anxiety x
Yes I’m doing that now. I was hoping to get off the meds soon.
This might be a blip - don’t let it put you off if otherwise everything has been fine x
Thank so much for always being encouraging. I may not know you personally but you have helped me a great deal.
Thank you for your kind words! It’s a real privilege to be able to help and so kind of you to say so x
Hello, I just wanted to give you an update. I just started the process of tapering off the meds. My plan is to go as slowly as possible. I am a bit nervous to say the least.
Great to hear from you! It’s a big step coming off meds and anyone would be nervous - I was for sure. Slow is good - my dr advised be to repeat a week on a particular dose if I wobbled.
My cpn alsobadvised taking vit B and evening primrose supplements to help counteract any effects of reducing meds. Perhaps try a bit of exercise and of course post here any time!
You’ve really done so well and come so far - this illness is very tough but you’re a winner! X
Hi how are you doing? How is meds’ weaning working? my goodness how things have changed! How are you managing the new world since Coronavirus ? X
hello! I am doing ok. How are you? I am a little scared about the situation but I’m managing by staying busy at home. I hope it ends soon.
That’s great to hear! Keeping busy is key for me anyway. Tbh with 3 kids there’s always stuff to do and the challenge is with not getting too annoyed with each other living together 24 hrs per day.
It’s very scary. I suspect my eldest had it a few weeks ago. Fortunately his only symptoms were loss of taste and smell and s little bit of a cough. I guess remember that statistically overwhelmingly the majority will be fine .
Xx
Hello, how are you doing?
Hi not too bad all things considered! What about you? How has Lockdown been? X
I’m sorry just seeing this. I’m doing well Although there is so much going on.
Glad you’re doing well. What’s happening in your life? I hope it’s good. Do you want to talk about it?
Everything is pretty good. I’m slowly weaning off the anti depressants. Which hasn’t been too bad. This week I’m expecting my period so I do feel a bit of anxiety.
Great to hear from you and that the weaning off meds is going well. How long do you expect it to take? When I came off mine my dr drew up a plan to be off them in one month but said if I wobble to stay on that dose for an extra week. In total I think it took about 2 months but it’s very individual so perhaps you e been advised differently.
Pmt - aghhh! Hope the anxiety isn’t too badx
I’m weaning very slowly so I think it will be 6 months before I’m completely off.
Sounds like you’ve got a robust plan in place. I thought the month given my dr sounded too quick which it was.
A cpn also advised taking vit B and evening primrose supplements to even out the effects of weaning which I did. Good luck . Always here for support if you need it x
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