Trying to become pregnant while living with chronic anxiety & weening off xanax

[Lindsay82]

I have had a severe anxiety disorder since I was a young girl. I have been on medication for years. My husband and I want to have a baby so bad! Problem is I can not be on any of my anxiety medications. I am so scared! If there is anyone out there that has been through this or that can help me I would appreciate it so much. Thanks so much!

[jul04]

Yes sometimes I do get dizzy with the anxiety.  It is a vicious cycle you get stuck in.  Try and remind yourself that it is from the anxiety and that might help curb the panic.  

I responded to your message.  Remember to think positive......Have a great day!!!

[Lindsay82]

Jul04 you have been so helpful. I'm going to start a journal and see how it works for me.
When you get anxious do you get dizzy? Sometimes I feel like I may pass out and then that makes me even more anxious. I have never actually passed out but my body goes into panic mode and it makes it hardier for me to focus and to tell myself that everything will be okay. At that moment all I feel is that I may die.
I also sent you a message. I look forward to hearing from you.

[jul04]

I too have a fear of death.  I agree with you that it is the fear of the unknown.  I try very hard not to give into the fear because if I do it will rob me of my life.  

I am trying a new outlook on life....Positive thinking leads to positive living.  Honestly this is not always easy but if I constantly obsess over my fear of death then I am not living.  I just imagine that when we die we go to a place of peace and happiness with our friends and family that have passed on before us.  

We can't control what is going to happen and sitting around worrying about it is only going to drive you crazy and cause you to have anxiety.  As hard as it is you have to just try and accept that you have a fear and not let it control you.  

Try keeping a journal.  Seriously sometimes getting those fears out on paper does help.  It works for me.

Please know that you are not alone.  When you find yourself obsessing over death try and focus on the positive things in your life.  Good luck I really hope you start to feel better soon...

[Lindsay82]

Wow, I want to thank everyone except testdeprived for the wonderful comments and feedback. I am new to this site. I posted this thinking that no one would even read this. I am overwhelmed with all the support. It feels so nice not to be alone. I have been seeing a psychiatrist for years now. He is working with me to ween off the meds. My Dr. and OBGYN will hopefully be working together to make sure I have a positive pregnancy experience. Currently I am taking 2mg of Xanax XR, 60mg of Cymbulta (only been on for 5 weeks but is helping & this could be a med that may be safer to be on while pregnant) and a small dose of Buspar while I'm weening off of too. I have done talk therapy and find it very helpful unfortunately my insurance does not cover it and it can be very expensive. Thats one of the reasons I turned to this website. Currently my biggest phobia is driving alone. About a year ago I had a horrible panic attack while driving and since then it has been very hard. Thankfully I have an amazing husband, family and friends that will drive me places. My biggest and most constant fear is death! It is always on my mind. I am terrified of dying. I'm trying to work through this fear but it is so powerful. I have never had any near death experiences. I think it's the fear of the un-none. I'm going to go drive alone   for the first time in weeks right now. I'm praying everything will be okay.

[churnman]

Follow your dreams and tell yourself that you are bigger than anxiety. I too have been thinking of weaning myself off meds. I have benefited greatly from what I have read here.

Please  do not take the misguided communication you got. It's just a matter of youth not quite interested in the bigger picture.

[jul04]

I am a mother of 4 and I have been suffering with anxiety for the last 10 years.  You can be a great mother even with having anxiety.

In your case I would suggest that you see a psychatrist.  Therapy might be a great way for you to keep the anxiety under control while off the meds.  Who knows by being in therapy you might be able to get to the root of the anxiety and you might not need to go back on the meds after having your baby.  

Also make sure you are eating right, getting enough sleep and exercise.  You might want to consider a multi vitamin.  You will be put on prenatal vitamins once you are pregnant but until then a multi vitamin might not be a bad idea.  You can also try keeping a journal sometimes it helps just to get some of those anxious feeling outs.

Please don't worry about coming off the medication.  You might be fine without them.  You just don't want to get stuck in that cycle where because you fear something happening you actually cause it.  Focus on the positive things like having a baby and enjoying life with your husband and you will be fine.

You can do this.....Good luck...

[mama23babies]

Just because you have anxiety doesn't mean you won't make a great mother. I have had anxiety for a long time,just not as severe until the last year and a half. I have 3 children and they are my world. If you have a supportive husband family and friends to help you you will be fine.Take your Dr's advice about coming off of meds or maybe staying on something that is safe during pregnancy.

Testdeprived,just because us women have anxiety doesnt make us crazy or bad mothers and I'm sure alot of people would take offense to your comment.

[testdeprived]

if u have anxiety, i dont think you should be trying to get pregnant, and raising a child...we have enough bad seeds i nthis world...and this is coming form a 21 year old

enjo0y your life with your husband!