Anxiety in pregnancy

[sachron]

hi everyone

I've been having anxiety attacks regularly since about 7 weeks (now 21 weeks), I've been referred for CBT which starts this week, thank goodness.

I have a lot going on, a parent diagnosed with a serious illness, partner suddenly unemployed so massive financial worry, plus were generally not getting on very well. I had HG (thankfully seem to be getting over that now though) so got behind at work and my boss just seems to be piling on the pressure as for us this is a crazy time of year and to be honest, I've realised I'm just not coping well with all of it at all.

I feel as though no one is taking me seriously when I say I'm really struggling and I am petrified of the damage all the stress, tears and anxiety attacks are doing to my baby.

Would it be selfish/unreasonable of me to ask to be signed off for a couple of weeks to try and get on top of my life a little bit?

I constantly feel like I can't breath and I'm drowning in my stress! (I really don't mean to come across like I'm moaning about my pregnancy - my child is the one that keeps me going and I just want to keep them safe and healthy in there!!)

I've had high anxiety since about week 6 (now 13 wks) and have really struggled with panic attacks - and that's without any of the additional circumstances you are trying to deal with which are all HUGE on their own. At my worst I felt almost agoraphobic.

My GP was happy to sign me off for a week when I was struggling and it did help just to have that pressure off, so I would say go for it. You need to prioritise your own well-being.

I would ask for a week off in the first instance to give you some breathing space. I'm in a very similar position in many ways but am doing OK. If I felt I wasn't I'd definitely be taking time out. I'm so sorry you're having a rough time. Hugs.

Definitely do so! It sounds like you've been through some rough stuff. Please take some time off, be kind to yourself, watch rubbish TV, and rest.

I suffered with anxiety in my pregnancy, too. But to put your mind at rest, my little girl doesn't seem to have suffered. She is very quiet, calm, happy and smiley.

The best of luck to you.

“I feel as if no one is taking me seriously”

That hits home so hard. There were points where I felt like I could literally scream in someone’s face and they wouldn’t listen. It’s so isolating. You are doing all the right things in terms of getting help. Just don’t let anyone tell you to “calm down”.

And, I know it seems like a life away but if it helps, the minute my baby was born (on Tuesday!) my anxiety just went. I’ve never felt so relaxed in my life, even pre baby!

Please do take some time off, and for your own well-being - not just for the baby! Each of those events you’ve mentioned is significant in its own right, and it’s completely understandable if you need some extra support. Being kind to yourself is so important. We’re programmed to just keep on trucking and sometimes that just isn’t possible, baby or no baby. And with a little one in there as well, it’s an even better reason! Please don’t feel bad - instead give yourself a pat on the back for being honest, identifying the issue and asking for help - it’s brave xx

Thank you all so much, I can't tell you how much it means to have someone actually listen and not just say "get over it". People think I can just switch happy mode on but if it was that simple, believe me I would have done it a long time ago!

Thank you again xx

OP as PP have mentioned you definately need to take some time off work to look after yourself and your little baby! Sorry to hear you’re going through a hard time. Sending you hugs 💜

Thank you @Anyat212 I am definitely going to get myself booked in to see the GP tomorrow and try and not feel guilty about it! X