Post partum anxiety

[mrsjrd23]

I had PPA with DS and was on zoloft for a while and weaned off of it.  It was mostly I was convinced DH would die in a car accident every time he left the house, irrational I know. 

Im 11 days post partum and it's starting to creep back this time but its more of a panic attack like feeling, specifically I feel like I can't take a deep breath, mostly when I lay down. So sleeping is a huge anxiety for me at the moment and of course lack of sleep doesn't help.  Last night, I was propped up in bed so I wasn't flat and DH turned out the light and I freaked sitting up, frantically telling him to turn on the light.  It took me several hours to be able to turn off the light again.  I obviously can't have this happen forever. 

I saw my lactation nurse yesterday and I told her about the feelings of panic (this was before last night's episode though) and she suggested I call my OB.  I don't see him until 7/15 which is about 3 weeks post partum.  I called and they called me in a prescription of zoloft since I'd taken it before.  It takes 3 weeks to be at full effectiveness and usually 7-10 days to start noticing the difference.   I dont know how to manage the fear of the panic attack when going to sleep until then.  Anyone have this issue with post partum anxiety? Anyone have any ideas for managing in addition to the meds?  The thought of getting through so many nights waiting for the meds to help with the feeling is overwhelming.

[elocrates]

I'm sorry you are struggling. Not totally the same symptoms, but I did have PPA. Regarding the panic, lots of sources say an effective way of dealing with it is to think of worst case scenario and how you would deal with it before the panic even happens. For example, what if you panic when you are going to bed? Panic feels awful but is not actually dangerous. So you won't sleep for a few hours, but you'll eventually get to sleep. Yes, you'll be tired the next day, but that also isn't particularly dangerous. Pick a new scenario, etc.

Can you sleep with the light on? Or sleep in a reclining chair? Nobody said you have to sleep in a bed in a dark room. If those are triggers, it's okay to avoid them for a little bit. Are you able to lie flat when it is not bedtime? If not, that probably warrants getting checked out by a doctor sooner than later as that might not all be related to panic.

Are you breastfeeding? If not, perhaps a low dose of benadryl at bedtime could be helpful.

Can you call and get an appointment with your OB or PCP for this week, or at least talk to them on the phone about the panic? No reason to struggle through for a couple more weeks.

[indylady]

I'm sorry you're feeling like this. I took Lexapro and saw a difference sooner than 3 weeks, however if you're feeling really off you might consider talking to a therapist or counselor. They might have some strategies for coping in the meantime. 11 days PP was kind of a dark/anxious/uneasy feeling time for me! I hope you get to feeling better.

[christy082]

I'm sorry you are struggling. Can your OB call you in a small Rx -something short acting to help until the zoloft kicks in? That's what mine did. Xanax to take until my lexapro kicked in.

Also, I went to counseling but it can take a few weeks to get in to see someone, IME.

[mrsjrd23]

Jul 7, 2015 15:27:00 GMT -5 elocrates said:

I'm sorry you are struggling. Not totally the same symptoms, but I did have PPA. Regarding the panic, lots of sources say an effective way of dealing with it is to think of worst case scenario and how you would deal with it before the panic even happens. For example, what if you panic when you are going to bed? Panic feels awful but is not actually dangerous. So you won't sleep for a few hours, but you'll eventually get to sleep. Yes, you'll be tired the next day, but that also isn't particularly dangerous. Pick a new scenario, etc.

Can you sleep with the light on? Or sleep in a reclining chair? Nobody said you have to sleep in a bed in a dark room. If those are triggers, it's okay to avoid them for a little bit. Are you able to lie flat when it is not bedtime? If not, that probably warrants getting checked out by a doctor sooner than later as that might not all be related to panic.

Are you breastfeeding? If not, perhaps a low dose of benadryl at bedtime could be helpful.

Can you call and get an appointment with your OB or PCP for this week, or at least talk to them on the phone about the panic? No reason to struggle through for a couple more weeks.

Like perhaps a medical condiiton?  I of course thought at first I had a PE but that would be more constant in any position.  I can lay flat eventually and can lounge on the couch so I think I can do it other than at night but honestly I had a brief episode of the panic while laying on the couch yesterday so I haven't been doing it as much.