Starting to TTC with anxiety/panic disorder?

[Hotchillipep]

I have had anxiety/a panic disorder for about 6 years - never had any medication for it but have thrown myself into “mindful” activities and have (mostly) been able to keep it under control. Changing jobs about 4 years ago helped massively. DH and I decided this would be the year we wanted to try to start a family but since stopping the pill 2 weeks ago I have been gripped with anxiety. We had unprotected sex for the first time yesterday and this led to a full blown panic attack afterwards at the enormity of what this could mean. Aside from the normal fears/apprehension that I’m sure everyone feels, I do feel that I want to have a child and that DH and I are in a good place to do so. We have been planning this for almost 12 months and I was almost shocked at my reaction. This has now left me completely terrified about getting pregnant for fear that this is a sign that I am not ready or that my anxiety is out of control. I almost wanted to go and get the morning after pill this morning but don’t want to be ruled by my fears/anxiety like this. Any advice would be much appreciated, it’s a difficult thing to discuss with friends.

Hi @Hotchillipep I suffer with anxiety too so I can completely understand how your feeling. When we first started trying I went into complete panic. All that went through my head was if I'm panicking does this mean I'm not ready? What happens if I get post natal depressions? What happens if something happens to me or the baby? I ended up trying twice in December and then decided to stop. But January came and I New it's what I wanted but I had to accept that I'm going to worry a lot more than anyone else. I'm on my 2WW and my anxiety isn't very good as I've been spotting for a few days now and I'm not due on till the 12th. So I'm worrying I'm out for this month. But like my DH says we haven't been trying for long so I need to try keep calm and nod to worry if it dosent happen this month.

All I can say is try keep calm. If you have a supportive DH then that's the main thing. Have you tried talking to him and telling him exactly How you feel. I think the first week or so you start trying you are going to be a lot more nervous. It's a massive a change in your life xx

I have been feeling a lot of anxiety like will I get post natal depression? What if I do and I harm the baby? What if I harm myself? It goes on and on and I also worry that all my worrying will stop me from conceiving. It's horrid and I'm wondering whether to see a counsellor?

Hi!
I now have a 2 year old girl and I suffer with anxiety/ panic too. I too had the odd panic attack ttc but I think that's more than natural. I'll try keep it short but throughout pregnancy and being a mum I found a new found confidence that almost pushed my anxiety to the side, I was scared of everything and over thought every step of being pregnant and birth but again I think that's somewhat natural being a first time mum. Be as honest as you can about how you're feeling and share it! It takes a load off! The strength you get from being a mum is out of this world! I've had bad days but they're forgotten for the amazing days and beautiful moments of motherhood. Anxiety gives you a unquine perspective that not many others can relate too! It's made me more caring,thoughtful, more patient and a great example of how to be open and honest. It's made me enjoy the midnight sleepy cuddles with my dd because I appreciate every breath now.
I get told so much by strangers, family and friends that I'm a brilliant relaxed mum and how amazing my girl is! And i too had all those what if thoughts. It might not make sense now but it will when you breath and become a mum! Youre having the horrid what if thoughts but have you thought about the amazing person you could become for your little one? Also take a look at calmandcourageous.com I related to so much and it just made my life so much simpler and I barely suffer with anxiety now.
Believe in yourself and breath! Tell yourself this won't last forever when you need too.
Sorry to ramble but I really hope this gave you some positives through this.

Hi, I suffer from anxiety to and since i came off the pill my anxiety has been so much worse. After tracking how I was feeling we have noticed that it is higher when I'm ovulating or on my period, something to do maybe with the hormones.
I fell pregnant in November but lost the baby at new year, but stress doesn't help in the first trimester. I have just found out I'm pregnant again, so going to try relax more.
Best way it to try not obsess over getting pregnant, or you will send yourself crazy

Please look into taking Ashwaganda (Indian ginseng). I have generalized anxiety disxorder but wasn't on any medication for it, after ttc #2 for 14 months and nothing I decided to look into natural alternatives and came across this. Started taking it about 2 weeks ago and I've been feeling so much calmer, my anxiety symptoms have pretty much gone away.