struggling with anxiety

[Starburst12]

I’m not even sure if this is the right place to post, but I just don’t know what to do.
I am in early pregnancy, almost 7 weeks.
Over the last few years, I suffered terribly with my MH following a few deaths of immediate family in a short space of time. I was diagnosed with PTSD, depression and anxiety. It took a while to get into a good place, through the use of medication and counselling.
Around six months ago, I (in agreement with GP) came off my medication. I was in such a better place and I was so proud that I managed to get through everything.
As soon as I hit 5 and a half weeks, I felt just as bad as I did a while ago. I am being kept up at night with anxiety, I feel absolutely awful all of the time and I constantly feel sick with guilt (not over anything in particular, but just feeling guilty.)

Is it the hormones making me feel like this? Will it go away any time soon? I don’t know whether to go to the GP because if it’s just the hormones, am I being over dramatic? All I want to do is get excited but I just can’t.

Sorry for the long post, I just needed to let it all out.

Hi OP,

You're doing the complete right thing in talking about it and identifying it. You've made amazing progress to get to where you are now.

Unfortunately, yes, pregnancy hormones can cause all kinds of thoughts or feelings, ones you probably never thought you'd have! It can be constant or come and go. That said, it doesn't mean you have to just put up with it as you deserve to feel as well as you can. I'd definitely speak with your GP or midwife and explain how you feel. There's absolutely no shame in it or anything wrong with feeling anxious so please take all the help you can

I'm 25 weeks now, and I had low lying anxiety which was under control before pregnancy. Since I've been pregnant it has gone into overdrive. I got some counselling and it's helped, but I have to say I think it's calmed down the further I've gone through the second trimester. Def keep talking about it, my midwife was really understanding and said it's really common (and for it to be common for it to be general anxiety, not necessarily baby health related!). Take care of yourself OP

@sparkleUK thank you so much. I think you’re right, I probably should talk to GP... I haven’t met midwife yet, that’s not until the end of next week. I will try and get an appointment this week.

Hi OP...I had a similar experience. I wasn't on any meds but was seeing a therapist last yr. Eventually got discharged as I was managing pretty well and was in a much better place. 6/7 weeks into pregnancy and my brain was going WILD. Anxiety over everything...family, work, finances, even though nothing happened to trigger it. I assume it was hormonal as it seemed to pass. Speak to your GP...I may still speak to mine as the thought of it returning is my worst nightmare.

Just wanted to pop in to say that even if it is 'just' hormones, what you feel is what you feel. You are not being over dramatic. Knowing the cause doesn't make it much/any easier to deal with, so get some support.

With me, it's worst in the first 9 weeks and then mostly fine, with the occasional hormone surge. I get crazily horny for a day or two, then really down and anxious, and then it passes. Knowing that it's temporary does help I suppose, and I tell myself that each surge is the baby getting stronger and smarter*

*medically this is almost certainly total bollocks, but it makes me feel better

Thank you all so much I was a bit nervous about posting as I hadn’t even spoken to DP about how I had been feeling.
As soon as I posted, I felt a great sense of relief. I then spoke to DP, who knew something had been up and asked why I hadn’t just told him (even when he’s asked how I’ve been doing) but he totally understood. He’s been my absolute rock over the past few years.
I forgot the importance of talking. You lovely ladies reminded me of just how important it is. I’m going to go to the doctors tomorrow. Feeling a lot more optimistic, thank you all!

@Maz91 I totally understand the fear of it returning, that’s how I felt when I came off my medication. It’s definitely worth a trip to your GP, even if it just gives you some tips on what to do if it does return. Fingers crossed it doesn’t though!