Anyone manage to soothe their pregnancy anxiety - tips?

[Adreena]

I have been suffering from high anxiety, a degree of depression and obsessive worrying through this, my first pregnancy. I was hoping it was just a first trimester thing but I'm now 14w 2d and still feeling anxious and obsessive over things. I've just started seeing a therapist, who is trying to help me get to the bottom of my fears (I was anxious pre-preg too) and while I believe she's a good therapist I think its going to take some time.

So what I'm asking for is some practical day-to-day advice from anyone who's successfully managed their own anxiety around pregnancy (or non pregnancy even) Were there any techniques or books you read that helped? I've got a pregnancy relaxation hypnotherapy cd for a start. I could really use a good self-help book. I've got The Power of Now but I'm struggling to engage with it. So something that's easy to relate to and good at helping in the moment rather than a slow-building thing if such a thing exists.

I'm tired if the anxiety making me and my DH stressed and miserable and am ready to kick its arse or at least try. Any recommendations welcome.

My first time round - five years ago now - I was very anxious too. It's been a bit easier with DC2 pregnancy (now 30 weeks in) but that's because this time round I did have some 'proper' scares - bleeding/having to have genetic tests on the baby etc (all okay so far) that helped me put my worries in a bit of perspective. Even so I'm quite the worrier and I do find yoga helps, the breathing more than the stretches, although those are beneficial too. I think sharing what you are worried about - on this board - often helps too. There will always be someone who've gone through the same worries as you. #Congratulations by the way

Thanks Career Girl. I actually experienced a threatened miscarriage a few weeks ago and experienced the whole "putting things into perspective" for a bit. But the anxiety is creeping back in now. Everytime DH comes in from work I've managed to work myself up to tears over something else. It's time to really try and fight it. I will look into a prenatal yoga DVD or local classes. I did a few yoga classes pre-pg and did enjoy them. Thanks

Adreena I am in the same boat. I get so worked up my DH has no idea how to help me. Its horrible. Over the weekend I was convinced I had infected our baby with listeria..
I have seen a hypnotherapist who made a recording for me for preparation for birth. I find when I listen to it every night before bed it makes a huge difference to my anxiety levels.
I have listened to it every night this week and am feeling much more relaxed and calm. If you want the details of the hypnotherapist (who is also a doula) feel free to message me.

I feel your pain

I am in exactly the same boat. I won't say that I have an answer, but have you tried CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) techniques? They are good at dealing with the symptoms of anxiety.

A psychologist friend of mine recommended this series of books:
www.amazon.co.uk/Overcoming-Worry-Mark-Freeston/dp/1845296362/ref=pd_sim_b_3
www.amazon.co.uk/Overcoming-Anxiety-Helen-Kennerley/dp/1849010714/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1362046030&sr=8-3

I haven't tried those but read the 'Overcoming Depression' one and it was extremely useful.

Same friend recommended this book, which I have tried reading but can't get past the cheery Americanness

www.amazon.co.uk/Happiness-Trap-Based-revolutionary-mindfulness-based/dp/184529825X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1362046561&sr=1-1

Good luck. I have also started seeing a therapist who recommended my DP come along. After a particularly dreadful few days of me going mad, he did actually come and it was surprisingly useful. He doesn't have any problems with anxiety, but talking about the future together (something we don't normally do) and how we are going to be a family instead of two individuals living together, really helped.

Thanks for the replies ladies. :)

Guntie- yes I can totally relate to the listeria thing. One of my current fears is toxoplasmosis. But it seems I can turn pretty much anything into a reason to stress myself to the point of complete exhaustion. Once I figure out how to PM you regarding the hypnotherapist I will! x

Gertrude- thanks ill check out those books. I have attempted CBT but I struggle to get to a place where I'm rational enough to put it into practice, if that makes sense? Once I'm worried about something, it just spirals out if control very quickly. :(

Recommend " feeling good, new mood therapy" under a fiver from amazon. Gets you to challenge the way you think, very easy to read and apply,basically CBT.
Hypnobirthing CDs are great, there are some good meditation ones too..which just have relaxing music, no words. A yoga class would probably help too if you are up to it.
Be kind to yourself and take it easy if you can..keep a list of things to discuss with your therapist.

Hypnobirthing. We just completed a course and it was very good. It teaches positive reinforcement techniques, relaxation techniques and goes through all the physical reasons why a woman is very capable of giving birth. I found it so helpful for us. My partner was pretty sceptical about it at first but now he raves about it to anyone who will listen!

Can I just ask, is hypnobirthing geared towards just the birth, or can it be tailored to your feelings about pregnancy in general? See I'm very anxious about the oregnancy now but haven't even started thinking about the birth yet!

Can you keep yourself busy that in away takes your mind off the anxiety not makes you knackered?

Like knitting or another craft whilst you listen to some nice music.
Light gardening
Read a good book
Bake
Help someone else out
Light volunteering

Just some suggestions
I sometimes find that if I think of others and a way to help them lightly it stops me thinking bout myself

I had terrible anxiety in my first pregnancy, was able to just about keep a lid on it til after the birth but then ended up with awful pnd. Well done for getting help early :)

One thing I found helpful was to acknowledge the anxiety - so, have the thought, acknowledge it, and let it go ie "thats my anxiety". I also found talking things through with people helped me to recognise what was irrational.

Also, if you're anything like me, you'll start getting anxious about the anxiety and that really is a vicious circle. Sounds like you are really self aware & getting good support, so that's half the battle! Good luck with everything :-)