Anxiety & panic attacks & sleep deprivation meds taking forever to work this time around =(

Emily - posted on 11/18/2010 ( 8 moms have responded )

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Hi! Im 27 years old and a SAHM for the most part I am employed again but just PRN. I have a 14 month old sweet baby boy that co-sleeps with us still due to night time nursing which we havent been able to wean him from yet... He has just recently started waking up again for the past 2 weeks about every 2 hours to nurse or take a bottle... we also are really wanting to wean him from the bottle as well but have not had much luck... he will take a sippy cup during the day & also eats quite a bit of solid foods but im soooo exhausted all the time and im staying constantly anxious.... Im sure the two probably go hand in hand? i would think...I have recently started back on a low dose of prozac but due to me coming off of it on my own back in June, when i started it back its taking longer to get in my system again... i just started it back at the beginning of october, I hate that i had to go back on my meds but i felt as though i had no other choice from my panic attacks i was having and i feel as though alot of it is from pure mental and physical exhaustion, im weak, low energy, not much of appetite, and im constantly trying to diagnose myself with some type of disease because im so tired... ive had thyroid surgery and only part of thyroid left due to hyperthryoidism and hot nodule, all is in normal range, all bloodowrk is normal so ive got to get myself straightened out because it makes it hard to keep up with a newly walking toddler... any advice on how to get him to sleep through the night and ways to cope with anxiety would be much appreciated. I am a christian and i have been trying to spend more time in prayer and reading inspirational books and the bible but im just feeling like ive hit a brick wall... Would also very much appreciate your prayers... I want to be the best mom and wife that i can be... my husband works sooo hard all day then comes home and i hate to stress him out from my worrying and anxiety...thanks

NEEDING LOTS OF PRAYERS... Thank you all in advance!

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8 Comments

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Sharon - posted on 01/31/2011

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I will put you in my prayers, GOD always helps!! If there is a group for new moms, i suggest you join, this will give you the opportunity to vent, I think that was the most helpful! I have suffered with post traumatic stress disorder and have gone through many counselors! It took a long time to find the right one, I don't go anymore I do get panicy if I think too much about things that I cannot change! I have taken clonazepam for years, it helps! I let go of the driven need for having everything germ free, I don't do that anymore, Perhaps your anxiety causes your baby to not get on a schedule. You definitely need someone other than your husband to talk to! My heart goes out to you and I pray GODS' best blessings on you and yours! Best Regards. Sharon Morgan

Sherrie - posted on 11/29/2010

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EMILY, i am praying for your self and toddler, also agree with all of the help(posts') that were given to you so far.I just wondered, i have suffered from panic attacks for 40 years and am on Xanax that helps alot however had to go through many nights in the hospital to be diagnosed.BUt 1 nurse told me something so life changing, i wanted to share it with you.When you feel the panic attack comming on (OR EVEN IF YOU DON'T FEEL IT) HAVE A BROWN SMALLER PAPER BAG READY AT ALL TIMES!Sorry for the caps..lol, but put over your mouth and nose and breath in the bag(it will go in and out like an accordian) you will be amazed how fast you're fine. You will come out of the attack right away!!! Well i just was thinking of you.Hope this helps, hun!God Bless you and your family on these Holidays!hugs, Sherrie

Sharon - posted on 11/24/2010

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I am so happy that your baby is doing so much better! That will take a load off, Emily! May Our Wonderful Lord heap blessings on you and yours! Sharon Morgan

Carla - posted on 11/23/2010

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Wonderful, darling! Sometimes we can't see the forest for the trees, or babies, as the case may be. We want to be the best mommy we can be, which causes anxiety in and of itself. Praying God's best for you all!

Emily - posted on 11/23/2010

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Thank you Ladies so much for your caring encouraging supportive advice and Prayers!! Im happy to say that Landen has been sleeping in his crib for a week now and doing great!! the transition was easier than expected!! Consistent bedtime routine seems to be working with him!! I also have successfully Night weaned him and have been getting at least a 4 to 6hr stretch of sleep! Which hasnt happened in sooooo long! I still find myself waking if he cries out but he only cries if he wakes for maybe 5 min and has been able to self soothe!!!! Praise the Lord!! He also has slept 3 nights out of the week completely through from 8pm to 7am... If he has woke up he hasnt cried out or anything!! Ive even gone in and checked on him because it scared me lol but he was fine =) THanks again sooo much for the prayers and advice!! I think since i have been getting more rest my anxiety has decreased significantly also I feel as though the Lord is working greatly in my life!! I am trying to make sure i remember that its all in the care of his hands!! and that this is just a trial im going through in my life and he will be with me all the way =) Thanks ladies!

Crissy - posted on 11/22/2010

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I will keep you in my prayers because I know how hard it is to be a mom. The most important thing I can tell you is to get him in his own bed right away! All night, every night. No exceptions, no excuses. This is very important for several reasons. First, he needs to learn self comfort. It's ok for him to cry, and he will learn to sleep in his bed, but not if he learns first that if he cries long enough or hard enough that you give in. Second, you and your husband need your time to be a couple not just mom and dad. You need time to talk, cuddle and remember why you love each other. Lastly, you need to time to be able to relax. Once you realize that your son is safe in his bed, this allows your mind and body to reach a restful state that you haven't been getting in 14 months or more. I would also suggest you don't let him nurse if he wakes up at night. At 14 months this is for comfort, not fuel so instead offer him a drink of water from a sippy cup. Things will probably get worse before he gets the hang of it but it won't take long if you are consistent. Remember that prayer is stronger and lasts longer than any tantrum he can throw and you have many people praying for you and your family.

Sharon - posted on 11/22/2010

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I have suffered panic-anxiety for years, been on meds for years-I take clonaxepam and Trazadone for sleep! I have had depression for many years & find it easier to be alone! Your idea of prayer and reading the Bible are the very best! When I don't pray, things always go wrong and I feel even worse! I will remember to pray for you, Emily! From your friend, Sharon Morgan

Carla - posted on 11/21/2010

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Father, so many mothers are hitting the depression, anxiety and lack of sleep lately. I ask that You touch them all with Your healing touch. Speak the words of peace they need for their troubled souls. Teach them, Holy Spirit, the ways of keeping house, working raising babies and staying sane. Give them love and faith to get through the hard stuff. Bless them and their homes, in Jesus' Name, amen

We did not start the baby-sleeping-with-us thing because of what you are describing. I know a lot of couples swear by it, but I felt husband and wife needed quiet alone time and SLEEP! When you're exhausted, you get anxious, edgy and weepy. Get his little crib ready, and if he does not already take his naps in there, start. Get him used to it over the next couple days, then put him in at night. Really, honey, when you think of it, you wrestle with him all day, then put him in bed with you to rest? Doesn't make sense. Being a mom is hard enough without adding extra hours in bed.

God bless, darling