Anxiety Starting Again?

[lynsey321]

Hi. I'm fairly new here so please bear with me.

I had DS in December 2011. The birth was fine, but I had Group B Strep so we were in hospital for 7 days while DS was on IV antibiotics as a precaution. DS was also diagnosed with hyperspadias (his urethra was in the wrong place).

While in hospital I suffered with severe anxiety and just wanted to get home. When we arrived home my mental state did not improve. I plodded along as best I could for 7 months before I had to return to work (full time).

At 10 months DS had his first of 5 operations (to date) to correct his hypospadias and problems urinating. Following his surgery the anxiety became so bad that I could not function, I decided enough was enough and went to my GP who diagnosed with anxiety and PND. I was subsequently referred for CBT and had my final session just over a year ago.

I've continued to struggle, but things appeared to be getting much better over the last 6 months, and I'd say that I've barely suffered any episodes of anxiety in the last 2 months.

Then yesterday I started with a bloating feeling and stomach pains while at work. I became so concerned that I was going to be ill that the anxiety started again. It has been constant since. Previously even when it was at its worse, it came in waves so I had some relief.

I'm so worried its starting again.

I have a fairly stressful job, and DS has really been through the wringer with repeat hospital admissions and surgery. He's had pneumococcal septicaemia last November, concerns over failure to thrive, toddler diarrhoea, asthma... He's still under the care of his urological surgeon and paediatrician.

I'm not sure why such a small thing as a potential upset stomach (which didn't materialise) could start the vicious circle all over again. I'm in such a state and I don't know how to stop myself spiralling again.

Sorry to hear of what you have been through.

I dont know the answer to your op, but am bumping for you.

Hi there

I have recently been through similar panics about anxiety returning (also caused by a seemingly small thing). The best thing I did was try to tell myself it was temporary and a blip, not necessarily things spiralling out of control again.

Touch wood, I am pulling it back and feel a bit better again.

You can do this. It does not have to be a downward spiral. Your mind may pull you into that horrible groove that is anxiety, but take a step at a time, eg try doing some of the things that you're "supposed" to do, even if you don't feel like it. I'm talking: exercise, fresh air, soak in the bath, eat healthily, deep breathing exercises, meditation ( some on you tube), you could even try some aromatherapy (lavender) or some Bach rescue remedy. Also good sleep hygiene very important.

I really hope the anxiety does not take hold. Take care and be kind to yourself.

Incidentally, it does sound like you have had a very tough time with your son. Can you cut yourself some slack somewhere? Can you take some time off work for example?

The worst thing about anxiety is the constant worry that it's going to take over...how ironic, being anxious about being anxious! It's awful. I'm a long term sufferer, and have always managed to overcome the attacks. However, last summer, my anxiety flared up from nowhere, (started with a sore breast which terrified me to the point I convinced myself I had breast cancer, ) and after repeated visits to my GP, in November I finally began taking anti depressants. And they've really helped. My anxiety was really starting to take hold and I was becoming depressed too, but after about a month on the ADs I felt a bit more normal, and like the awful thoughts aren't in control of me anymore. I still get the anxious thoughts, but I manage to not let them take over. I definitely have health anxiety issues, and with every symptom I have, I automatically worry it could be something dreadful, but the ADs have helped to take the edge off. I can laugh again and socialise. Stay strong, you aren't alone. Talk to your GP and ask what help is on offer.