Coping with anxiety/depression/frustration/anger (phew!)

[TheOneAndOnlyAlpha]

I'm not name changing as I think it's important to make these things known to let people in a similar situation they are not alone.

I've had PND since ds was born 2 years ago. I saw a counsellor for 5 months or so until my local nh trust cut the finding (bastards). It was one on one talk therapy with some cbt coping strategies. I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression with imposter syndrome - I am unable to believe that I am good enough, and fear being found out by family, friends and the authorities for being an inadequate mother. I constantly fear judgment leading to my ds being taken away. I feel I fail him at every level. I realise this is a skewed way of thinking, but I believe it to be true.

Lately we have moved house and I'm having to register with a new doctor, nursery etc, and make new friends, though I do know people in the area already. I'm finding the changes hard and the progress I made with my counsellor has deserted me. Plus I now have a toddler and his (normal, I'm sure) demands and tantrums seem to highlight to me why I am not a good mother. I'm struggling to control my anxiety and frustration/anger towards myself and my ds. I used to self harm and the old feelings are starting to return.

I was wondering if anyone has been or is a similar situation and can share any coping strategies with me please. I can't remember anything I learnt.

Thanks for reading.

Anyone?

sorry to hear about your troubles

I have had counselling before for anxiety and panic attacks and I think I need help with anger management

I don't have any wise words for you, but couldn't read and not reply.

Hopefully someone more knowledgeable will come along soon.
until then I'm here to hold your hand.

Are you on any medication at all?

Moving into a new area is stressful in itself so maybe find some mother and toddler groups to go to to break up the days.

Again all i can offer is and a hand to hold, but you'll have to be quick wtih the cake before zing eats it all!

Thanks for reading, I really appreciate it.

No, I'm not on meds, I believe the nhs are trying cbt/counselling before prescribing. I've never been offered them.

That surprises me OP, i think you would benefit from resetting your brain chemistry and medication can help you do that. There are many many people who suffer from anxiety and depression and you will see lots of ladies (and men) on here who have benefitted from medication.

I was put on citalopram when I had PND and it helped alot. I am on it again now as i became unwell again recently. It helps. I think what the medication would do for you is to put you in a place where you can make the best of any therapy that you undertake. Of course it is up to you. I would deinately think about going to your doctors and asking to be given a coure of meds.

Alcohol can make anxiety worse (its a bit of a downfall of mine but i certainly notice that my anxiety is wrose if i have had wine). Also think about cutting out caffiene if you can. Exercise is also good as it releases endiorphins and generally reduces anxiety.

Yes, I agree. Walking and being outside or going to the gym used to be my saviour before having ds. Now I can't get out when I feel the urge to as I work full time and dh works long often unsociable hours. I must try and rectify this.

Hi there

My therapist suggested Mindfulness. A cd you can listen to. I listen first thing in the morning or last thing at night. It helps with relaxation and breathing techniques.
It allows you to be in the present as opposed to worrying about the future and the 'what ifs !'

I am also taking citalopram at 10mg which is the lowest dose of anti dep. I started to take it when I hit rock bottom last October. There was a two week period when I couldn't leave the house my anxiety was so bad.

Good luck

FFF I wonder if you could share the details of this CD with us?
I've been looking into Mindfulness but there are quite a few books etc out there, some with CDs, and decisiveness has never been my strong suit even when completely well!

Hi

It is a book and cd combination. It's called Mindfulness - Finding peace in a frantic world by Mark Williams and Danny Penman. It's available from amazon.

It's an 8 week course. It really does help. Read the reviews on amazon.

Good luck

Thanks FFF, I'll have a look.