Anxiety or Anxiety Comorbidities

[chad5285]

Have a form of anxiety or complications that stem from anxiety? This is the place to talk it out.

[chad5285]

I have dermatillomania which is also known as excoriation. I pick the skin around my thumbs until they bleed and am usually wearing band aids to help curb the impulse. Most of the time I'm not aware that I'm doing it until it starts to hurt. The urge to pick increases ten fold when I'm nervous or upset. I was nervous that pregnancy would make it worse but so far it's not been any different than normal.

Does anyone else suffer from something along these lines?

[alyssajones]

Hello!

I have generalized anxiety that manifests itself in panic attacks and depression. I was also concerned that pregnancy would make it worse. I was fine during pregnancy. It's been rough since my cycle returned. I've noticed my anxiety is partially hormonal and gets a lot worse after O. Personally it's been an interesting journey.

[thedish]

alyssajones, my situation sounds similar to yours. Generalized anxiety that manifests itself in panic attacks and depression.

Therapy and Lexapro helped me prepregnancy (due 2/7, I really need to get my signature going...), but I was already weaning myself off the Lexapro before my BFP. I actually just talked with my OB this morning about post partum and what to do. She's comfortable (as am I) with waiting to see if I need to go back on something. I am hoping I don't - but fully aware that I may have to. We talked about switching to Zoloft so that I can still breastfeed. I plan to do some research this weekend on the safety of that - if anyone has experience I would love to hear it!

Lately I haven't felt depressed, but I have noticed more panic attacks in the last two months or so. Mine usually happen in the car - I feel trapped. If I don't take off any extra clothing and open a window as soon as I notice what's coming on, I majorly freak out. DH has been a big help in getting me to recognize the change that happens so that I know when one is coming on now.

chad5285 I have never heard of dermatillomania. I don't know if this is an appropriate question to ask, so please tell me to STFU if it isn't, but is that something that you can curb with medicine or therapy?

[dee]

I have had issues with panic disorder and anxiety/depression, so I have Wellbutrin, Effexor, and Xanax for that one, and Trazodone because I don't sleep otherwise.  chad5285, my anxiety primarily manifests as trichotillomania, where I pull my hair out, pick at the ends, pick it apart, or am constantly feeling around for crinkled hair. Usually the recommendation for trichotillomania is cognitive therapy, but there's very few specialists in my area and I'd have to go during work hours. I've tried to stop it and I can't. I don't know how. Finally my hair is growing, though.

I've been on those medications for a while and am wondering what will happen when we start TTC. I have been having motivation issues and am feeling generally down, but I think it stems from work stress.

[cabgirl]

I have pretty severe emetophobia, which is a fear of vomiting. It comes close to ruling my life at times, and dictates how I eat, how often I wash my hands, and sometimes how I interact with people. Now that I'm pregnant, I'm having a lot of trouble dealing with the fact that I will likely have morning sickness. Even just being nauseated can send me into a panic attack. I plan on calling my OB some time next week to see if there's anything preventative I can take for morning sickness, and if it's safe to take the Zofran I already have.

[thedish]

Jan 16, 2015 18:51:18 GMT -5 cabgirl said:

I have pretty severe emetophobia, which is a fear of vomiting. It comes close to ruling my life at times, and dictates how I eat, how often I wash my hands, and sometimes how I interact with people. Now that I'm pregnant, I'm having a lot of trouble dealing with the fact that I will likely have morning sickness. Even just being nauseated can send me into a panic attack. I plan on calling my OB some time next week to see if there's anything preventative I can take for morning sickness, and if it's safe to take the Zofran I already have.

It's still early - you might not experience morning sickness! For me, Zofran was OK to take but it wasn't good enough (I had terrible MS unfortunately). I ended up taking Diclegis - 2 at night, 1 in the morning - and it was my miracle drug.

[alyssajones]

Jan 16, 2015 18:51:18 GMT -5 cabgirl said:

I have pretty severe emetophobia, which is a fear of vomiting. It comes close to ruling my life at times, and dictates how I eat, how often I wash my hands, and sometimes how I interact with people. Now that I'm pregnant, I'm having a lot of trouble dealing with the fact that I will likely have morning sickness. Even just being nauseated can send me into a panic attack. I plan on calling my OB some time next week to see if there's anything preventative I can take for morning sickness, and if it's safe to take the Zofran I already have.

I feel like I border on having issues with vomiting. Its one of my biggest anxiety triggers. Feeling nauseous is enough to send me into a panic attack. Somehow I survived morning sickness. I was nauseated for the first 20 weeks and even vomited twice. For some reason since I knew it was morning sickness it didn't set off my anxiety as much. I was totally panicked while vomiting but I felt oddly in control. I would talk to your OB but maybe you'll be one of the lucky ones with no morning sickness. Or just weird like me. And no that wasn't enough exposure to get me over it. It's worse now that I have a 2 yo.

[redheadbaker]

Jan 16, 2015 18:51:18 GMT -5 cabgirl said:

I have pretty severe emetophobia, which is a fear of vomiting. It comes close to ruling my life at times, and dictates how I eat, how often I wash my hands, and sometimes how I interact with people. Now that I'm pregnant, I'm having a lot of trouble dealing with the fact that I will likely have morning sickness. Even just being nauseated can send me into a panic attack. I plan on calling my OB some time next week to see if there's anything preventative I can take for morning sickness, and if it's safe to take the Zofran I already have.

I have emetophobia as well. After catching a stomach virus after attending a friend-of-the-family's kid's birthday party, I don't go anymore -- I come up with an excuse. If someone near me says they've had a stomach virus lately, I worry myself so much that I'm going to catch it that I make myself feel nauseous about it. 

But, during both of my pregnancies, I never actually got sick. I felt nauseated, but never vomited. 

[mishkaroni]

Jan 16, 2015 17:01:39 GMT -5 alyssajones said:

Hello!

I have generalized anxiety that manifests itself in panic attacks and depression. I was also concerned that pregnancy would make it worse. I was fine during pregnancy. It's been rough since my cycle returned. I've noticed my anxiety is partially hormonal and gets a lot worse after O. Personally it's been an interesting journey.

This is pretty much me exactly. Except my cycle has yet to return. I've had a few near panic attacks but was able to control them. I've been finding myself getting more anxious and depressed when home, so I take the kid and myself out and about frequently. There are just some days I can't do it though.

[mrsb1008]

Jan 16, 2015 18:51:18 GMT -5 cabgirl said:

I have pretty severe emetophobia, which is a fear of vomiting. It comes close to ruling my life at times, and dictates how I eat, how often I wash my hands, and sometimes how I interact with people. Now that I'm pregnant, I'm having a lot of trouble dealing with the fact that I will likely have morning sickness. Even just being nauseated can send me into a panic attack. I plan on calling my OB some time next week to see if there's anything preventative I can take for morning sickness, and if it's safe to take the Zofran I already have.

I have panic disorder with mild agoraphobia (some depression when the panic is at its worst). I've been on and off meds since graduating college. I just finally went off my Zoloft in June to prepare for TTC. My dr and I discussed meds and pregnancy and she is on board with me doing my best to go med free to start but know that I can go back on at any time. I know that it is more important that I keep myself healthy to keep baby healthy, so If things get bad I may go back on my meds. So far I've been doing pretty good.

For sure vomiting or feeling like I might is my biggest trigger. The other night I was feeling quite awful and sent myself into a full panic attack. I'm hoping I just stay with the nausea and don't get awful ms.

[triplea598]

Hi, I just noticed this board.
I have GAD, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. Over the past 3 years or so, my panic disorder and social anxiety have improved a little. I still do get anxiety often though. I take Klonopin as needed.

I've also suffered from depression off and on since age 10. I finally found a med that helped me (Lexapro) and when I got my BFP, I slowly weaned off of it. I was pretty mentally stable throughout my pregnancy. After I had DS, PPD and PPA hit me hard, so I went back on the Lexapro. I'm still on Lexapro and have been breastfeeding while on it.

I haven't had a postpartum period yet, but before I had DS, I had pretty bad PMDD, so I'm terrified to get my period back.

[chad5285]

Jan 16, 2015 18:13:47 GMT -5 thedish said:

alyssajones, my situation sounds similar to yours. Generalized anxiety that manifests itself in panic attacks and depression.

Therapy and Lexapro helped me prepregnancy (due 2/7, I really need to get my signature going...), but I was already weaning myself off the Lexapro before my BFP. I actually just talked with my OB this morning about post partum and what to do. She's comfortable (as am I) with waiting to see if I need to go back on something. I am hoping I don't - but fully aware that I may have to. We talked about switching to Zoloft so that I can still breastfeed. I plan to do some research this weekend on the safety of that - if anyone has experience I would love to hear it!

Lately I haven't felt depressed, but I have noticed more panic attacks in the last two months or so. Mine usually happen in the car - I feel trapped. If I don't take off any extra clothing and open a window as soon as I notice what's coming on, I majorly freak out. DH has been a big help in getting me to recognize the change that happens so that I know when one is coming on now.

chad5285 I have never heard of dermatillomania. I don't know if this is an appropriate question to ask, so please tell me to STFU if it isn't, but is that something that you can curb with medicine or therapy?

thedish I don't mind at all. I thought I replied on Friday but I guess my response got eaten. Medication and therapy do help curb the impulse to pick but I'm pregnant (due 9/17) and my symptoms aren't so pronounced that the benefits of taking medication outweigh the risk they could cause to the fetus. After delivery I will start back up on meds again as I'm sure post partum stress will do a number on me. Feel free to ask any questions you might have, I don't mind sharing!

[emmaswan]

I have GAD, social anxiety, and have had trichotillomania (hair pulling) since I was ten years old. (dee I never knew anyone else with trichotillomania...so it's kinda neat to see someone else experiencing that here!) Lexapro has helped me significantly in the past few years (no panic attacks since 2013!) but I sometimes teeter on the edge with intrusive thoughts.

[samsi]

I have general anxiety that often manifests itself around issues involving borderline personality disorder as well as the depressive side of my bipolar. I am currently undedicated, no therapy, and somehow not drowning into the oblivion of depression. I do feel like I'm walking on edge of things getting bad though.


@chad528 My husband picks his hands up and every time I mention it is probably anxiety related he tells me "it is just a habit". It's nice to hear it has a name.

[chad5285]

Jan 20, 2015 8:10:45 GMT -5 samsi said:

I have general anxiety that often manifests itself around issues involving borderline personality disorder as well as the depressive side of my bipolar. I am currently undedicated, no therapy, and somehow not drowning into the oblivion of depression. I do feel like I'm walking on edge of things getting bad though.


@chad528 My husband picks his hands up and every time I mention it is probably anxiety related he tells me "it is just a habit". It's nice to hear it has a name.

Well, it is a habit just one that, for me, stems from anxiety. I know a lot of people like to pick at stuff or pop pimples but if it starts to interfere with his daily life then it becomes an issue. 

ETA: I meant that the picking is not worse. The anxiety has been much worse than usual.

[thedish]

Jan 19, 2015 9:33:10 GMT -5 chad5285 said:

Jan 16, 2015 18:13:47 GMT -5 thedish said:

alyssajones, my situation sounds similar to yours. Generalized anxiety that manifests itself in panic attacks and depression.

Therapy and Lexapro helped me prepregnancy (due 2/7, I really need to get my signature going...), but I was already weaning myself off the Lexapro before my BFP. I actually just talked with my OB this morning about post partum and what to do. She's comfortable (as am I) with waiting to see if I need to go back on something. I am hoping I don't - but fully aware that I may have to. We talked about switching to Zoloft so that I can still breastfeed. I plan to do some research this weekend on the safety of that - if anyone has experience I would love to hear it!

Lately I haven't felt depressed, but I have noticed more panic attacks in the last two months or so. Mine usually happen in the car - I feel trapped. If I don't take off any extra clothing and open a window as soon as I notice what's coming on, I majorly freak out. DH has been a big help in getting me to recognize the change that happens so that I know when one is coming on now.

chad5285 I have never heard of dermatillomania. I don't know if this is an appropriate question to ask, so please tell me to STFU if it isn't, but is that something that you can curb with medicine or therapy?

thedish I don't mind at all. I thought I replied on Friday but I guess my response got eaten. Medication and therapy do help curb the impulse to pick but I'm pregnant (due 9/17) and my symptoms aren't so pronounced that the benefits of taking medication outweigh the risk they could cause to the fetus. After delivery I will start back up on meds again as I'm sure post partum stress will do a number on me. Feel free to ask any questions you might have, I don't mind sharing!

Interesting - thank you for sharing! GL with your pregnancy

[dee]

emmaswan - Wow, I hadn't really thought about it, but I've never met anyone else with trichotillomania either. I'm debating starting a pull-free bracelet and adding a bead for every day I can resist.

This board is a great idea, it's really nice to have a place to talk about mental health with others who understand.

[alyssab]

Hey there! I have never been diagnosed with anxiety. It usually comes and goes during certain points during my cycle and usually exacerbated by a root cause. I've always felt in control of it prior to pregnancy. I am 7 weeks pregnant and have had the worst anxiety and fluctuates day to day. It's been ongoing for the past 2 weeks or so and I can't find the cause to this exacerbation besides I have changing/fluctuation of hormones. I'm not really sure what to do about this as it could pass but in the meantime I'm miserable. I woke this morning puking (not morning sickness) and I've been tense and lightheaded since, no appetite and I feel like doing nothing but lay in bed. I have an appt with my family doctor tomorrow but I don't know how that will help as she can't prescribe anything because I'm pregnant. I've tried taking baths and yoga and as all this has worked prior to pregnancy, now that I am it just seems like a temporary fix. If anyone has suggestions I'd appreciate it!

[olivegoose]

I have generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, seasonal affective disorder, and ADD. I take Effexor and Strattera daily and Xanax as needed. I'm grateful this board is here because mental illness is something most people seem uncomfortable discussing. It's nice to be able to be open about it.

[emmaswan]

Jan 20, 2015 21:55:41 GMT -5 dee said:

emmaswan - Wow, I hadn't really thought about it, but I've never met anyone else with trichotillomania either. I'm debating starting a pull-free bracelet and adding a bead for every day I can resist.

This board is a great idea, it's really nice to have a place to talk about mental health with others who understand.

I love the idea of a pull-free bracelet!

[shemarie82]

I have generalized anxiety, my symptoms have always been mostly related to food consumption.  I believe that it started pre-teen after the death of my father, though it was only addressed around 25. I was on Citalopram for years, and just weaned myself off within this last 6 months.

I had the gastric sleeve done a year ago, which is having 80% of my stomach removed. Now that my food intake is very regimented, I have found that my anxiety peaked until I was able to find a different coping mechanism.

I stopped taking medication with the plan to TTC. It was a rough road while coming off the meds but I seem to be okay most days now.

[runnergirl812]

I have anxiety. It hasn't been formally diagnosed as such, but I have a doctor's appt with a psychologist next Wednesday to get a full workup. I'm tired of feeling like this. It's a constant "on edge" feeling and constant cycle of worrying - usually about money or health. I have had panic attacks occasionally. Last one was last Spring, but there have been numerous moments where I can feel myself bubbling over, sweating, feeling claustrophobic, hot flashes, shaking, etc. I have trouble sleeping some nights. And if I get to sleep, if I wake up, I can't go back to sleep. I'm one part scared to go to the appointment on Wed, but also just ready to find a solution. There's this fear that it's all in my head and that there's nothing wrong with me, but then at other times I KNOW that there is. I'm currently on meds for tension headaches, chronic migraines, and hypothyroidism so it all may be playing a role as well.

Anyway, I'm just trying right now to go easy on myself and manage. Lately, I have felt so so so overwhelmed, anxious, stressed out and unmotivated. Largely, I am unmotivated to do my job, which I love. Perhaps I'm depressed too? Anyway. Just wanted to say Hi and that I hopefully am on my way to getting some help. Scared, but really glad to see a forum that addresses mental health here.

[theholmanherd]

I have generalized and social/crowd anxiety. I get insomnia, severe panic attacks, and I suffer from OCD. Insomnia weeks usually lead to migraines or at least headaches.

[lulu]

Hey ladies. Have never spoke about this before....so here goes.

I have depression that mainly involves anxiety. My anxiety is caused by a massive fear/dread of something terrible happening to my DH, DD and DS. I've felt like this for about three years, but it got out of control when my son was born.

When DS (8 months) was born, I was terrified of dropping him, I was scared to walk down the stairs with him incase I fell and squashed him. I was scared to push him in the pram incase I lost control of it and it ran into the road. I was scared to cross the road with him incase we got ran over. I was even scared to play with him incase I injured him. I couldn't sleep because I was convinced if I did, DS would stop breathing. My anxiety ruined the first few months I had with my precious boy.

As for hubbie - I'm terrified he'll leave me, I'm scared incase he goes to work and doesn't come back. He works away and I'm scared he'll be killed in an accident, or kidnapped by terrorists.....ridiculous! But to me it seems so real.

I feel so sorry for DH having to cope with me when I'm like this and I'm sure he longs for the old days when I was "worry free"......so do I!!!

I get some therapy and take medication which definitely helps but I just want desperately to feel like my old self again.

Ps - it's awesome that this group is here. Thank you!

[lulu]

Jan 21, 2015 16:25:59 GMT -5 runnergirl812 said:

I have anxiety. It hasn't been formally diagnosed as such, but I have a doctor's appt with a psychologist next Wednesday to get a full workup. I'm tired of feeling like this. It's a constant "on edge" feeling and constant cycle of worrying - usually about money or health. I have had panic attacks occasionally. Last one was last Spring, but there have been numerous moments where I can feel myself bubbling over, sweating, feeling claustrophobic, hot flashes, shaking, etc. I have trouble sleeping some nights. And if I get to sleep, if I wake up, I can't go back to sleep. I'm one part scared to go to the appointment on Wed, but also just ready to find a solution. There's this fear that it's all in my head and that there's nothing wrong with me, but then at other times I KNOW that there is. I'm currently on meds for tension headaches, chronic migraines, and hypothyroidism so it all may be playing a role as well.

Anyway, I'm just trying right now to go easy on myself and manage. Lately, I have felt so so so overwhelmed, anxious, stressed out and unmotivated. Largely, I am unmotivated to do my job, which I love. Perhaps I'm depressed too? Anyway. Just wanted to say Hi and that I hopefully am on my way to getting some help. Scared, but really glad to see a forum that addresses mental health here.

[lulu]

Sorry that quote went a bit wrong!!! Just wanted to wish runnergirl luck with her appointment and diagnosis - thinking about you x

[runnergirl812]

Thank you lulu. Ironically, I have some of the same fears. I am anxious about my BF getting sick and dying. I've had at least 3 friends in the last two years get cancer in their 30s. This scares me. I get fixated on it and then can't get off it. I'm anxious that maybe I have cancer and it's going undiagnosed. I know it's not true. I don't have cancer, but I have this fear that now that I've found someone who loves me back the same way I love him, I'm going to lose him.

I'm probably going to sob through my appointment on Wednesday. I get emotional sometimes when someone sincerely asks me if I'm okay. I work so hard to put up a good front to everyone. When someone digs past it, I usually fall apart. It's so tiring.

[lulu]

Yep runnergirl - it's exhausting. You're so right as well - when my life was going rubbish a few years back, my depression took hold. Fast forward a few years and things are going great - lovely healthy kids, a husband who loves me, a nice house and good jobs etc......cue mass panic and the arrival of out of control anxiety over constant worry that something horrible happens to take away all these good things. It's like we are destined never to enjoy what we have because deep down we wrongly think we don't deserve it.
I'm also really guilty of pressing the self destruct button when things are going good - had a lovely day yesterday with DH who arrived home for a few weeks. I'd arranged a child free night so we could just relax and chill out. It turned into a blazing row for absolutely no reason and we are still not speaking this morning. I ruined our one good night together and he's only home for one week, which probably means things will be so crappy at home, he'll head off early.

I only have myself to blame if I'm honest. Why is it so hard to just chill out, relax and enjoy what we have?!

We deserve to be loved and to be happy as much as anybody else.....it's just hard to remember this sometimes ha ha!

[runnergirl812]

Jan 23, 2015 5:01:43 GMT -5 lulu said:

Yep runnergirl - it's exhausting. You're so right as well - when my life was going rubbish a few years back, my depression took hold. Fast forward a few years and things are going great - lovely healthy kids, a husband who loves me, a nice house and good jobs etc......cue mass panic and the arrival of out of control anxiety over constant worry that something horrible happens to take away all these good things. It's like we are destined never to enjoy what we have because deep down we wrongly think we don't deserve it.
I'm also really guilty of pressing the self destruct button when things are going good - had a lovely day yesterday with DH who arrived home for a few weeks. I'd arranged a child free night so we could just relax and chill out. It turned into a blazing row for absolutely no reason and we are still not speaking this morning. I ruined our one good night together and he's only home for one week, which probably means things will be so crappy at home, he'll head off early.

I only have myself to blame if I'm honest. Why is it so hard to just chill out, relax and enjoy what we have?!

We deserve to be loved and to be happy as much as anybody else.....it's just hard to remember this sometimes ha ha!

That darn self destruct button!!!! I've done it before. So many times. Or I say something flippant and it turns into a nasty fight very quickly. I really have to watch my mouth sometimes, especially when I'm PMSing.

I'm slowly learning to be easier in myself. It's hard. But yes, sorta looking forward to Wednesday. I am also struggling with my work load right now. I'm not sure how to deal either. I'm sure I'll figure it out, but right now, I'm just hanging on!