tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937303870758455964.post226970113412775367..comments2024-03-27T14:26:04.052-04:00Comments on Martin Family Moments: My Year with AnxietyColleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11451797365712728579noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937303870758455964.post-67292964319581539672013-12-09T20:47:05.983-05:002013-12-09T20:47:05.983-05:00Oh goodness, I'm just reading this tonight (wh...Oh goodness, I'm just reading this tonight (while I should be contenting packing and folding for our trip haha), so I'm sorry I didn't respond earlier. I'm so sorry that you've been going through this this past year. You are definitely not a failure or weak for having suffered through this. You definitely don't have anything to be ashamed of either, because we all have our quirks and struggles. It's really amazing that you've come through it and then have shared about it and how you are still working through it. I really admire your courage and as you know, think you're the best. <br />No joke.<br />Love you lots and lots and praying for you this advent season, dear friend.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01408376397606181124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937303870758455964.post-32252295009649202062013-12-06T22:22:43.735-05:002013-12-06T22:22:43.735-05:00Colleen, I'm a little late to the party, but I...Colleen, I'm a little late to the party, but I wanted to comment on this and thank you for being so brave in sharing your situation. I, too, struggle with anxiety. You're not alone (as many have echoed). As for the birth, I don't know how you are on a daily basis, but so many times I make decisions based on what others have "recommended" I do or perhaps the guilt from what I "think or feel" is right. THERE IS NO RIGHT ANSWER. Which really kind of stinks because I'm always a person who wants to do things right (and perfect, if we're being perfectly honest).<br /><br />If you want my opinion, which you didn't ask for, but I"m going to pretend that you did: I say, have a little meeting with that sweet babe en utero, and you two decide. Tell your hubby (and preferably your doctor) your decision, but don't give two winks about telling any of us. You just have that baby, sister. He/she is being prayed for (as are you) and lifted up in our thoughts. I can't wait to "meet" this little one...and will probably tear up because I'm a bit of a cryer these days.<br /><br />You are a good mama. Praying for you.Cynthiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06319545333588899129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937303870758455964.post-20469829926328793922013-12-06T11:20:23.017-05:002013-12-06T11:20:23.017-05:00I am so sorry. When I was 22? 23? I began having p...I am so sorry. When I was 22? 23? I began having panic attacks. I knew why though and it was because of my job, particularly my boss. My doctor prescribed Zoloft but that really backfired when it caused insomnia and then I panicked over not getting sleep. Long story short, I stopped taking the meds and quit my job, but I haven’t had a panic attack since. <br /><br />Glad to hear you are doing better! I’m curious if anything ever turned up with your thyroid just because I am hypothyroid and have been since ’99. God Bless. Prayers for you and baby! :)Katherinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01113818823824140462noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937303870758455964.post-81363892085912008892013-12-06T03:55:55.584-05:002013-12-06T03:55:55.584-05:00Thank you so much for sharing this, Colleen. I'...Thank you so much for sharing this, Colleen. I'll be praying for you too. The other night as I was falling asleep I jarred awake with what felt like intuition... I just KNEW that something terrible had happened somewhere to someone I love. I felt sick and awful and couldn't go back to sleep. I'm not sure how long it took to pass, but I did eventually fall asleep, praise be to Hod, it wasn't intuition, but probably something akin to an anxiety attack. So, I hear you. Hugs.Micaela Darrhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04601442850363152303noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937303870758455964.post-36472510044241865892013-12-05T17:34:12.468-05:002013-12-05T17:34:12.468-05:00I so, so, so feel for you as I experienced panic a...I so, so, so feel for you as I experienced panic attacks during my senior year of college, which would happen when I was really stressed and sleep deprived. They were the absolute WORST, and I remember feeling so scared that something was wrong with my heart and that I was going to die during those moments. I still get anxious occasionally that I am going to have one, and I sometimes have to remove myself from situations and take deep breaths to calm down. <br /><br />Anyways, you are not alone, and I do think it's something that's a lot more common than people think. Thanks for being so honest and open! I am so glad to hear that you have been anxiety free throughout this pregnancy, and I will be praying that it continues through the birth! Savor His Goodnesshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14166108138569236709noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937303870758455964.post-22372173734407945882013-12-05T15:04:21.563-05:002013-12-05T15:04:21.563-05:00Valerie, go right ahead! I figure that the more i...Valerie, go right ahead! I figure that the more info we share with each other it might end up helping someone out. At the least it helps to see that others are noticing a similar pattern. I'd be interested in hearing what your Dr. has to say!<br />Laurahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05869227734763516464noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937303870758455964.post-58311642654252070962013-12-05T14:23:19.924-05:002013-12-05T14:23:19.924-05:00Oh Colleen. I can really empathize. I wish I could...Oh Colleen. I can really empathize. I wish I could give you a big hug or a high five if you're not a hugger. God bless you.Bonniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01805401564651493025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937303870758455964.post-65394594486210328722013-12-05T13:48:45.158-05:002013-12-05T13:48:45.158-05:00Emailing you!!!Emailing you!!!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01044515293667186404noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937303870758455964.post-30160313513703154812013-12-05T13:48:10.152-05:002013-12-05T13:48:10.152-05:00Laura, thank you for sharing this information! I ...Laura, thank you for sharing this information! I am going to the doctor (this afternoon!!!) b/c I have been having panic attacks…or mini heart attacks! LOL…Well…not really funny, but I'm trying not to fear the worst! My sister is an ICU nurse and a former Cardiac Cath Lab nurse who insisted that I get into see a doctor and share this info. I actually "failed" a health screening (so to speak) this past July for my health insurance…the nurse could not get an accurate pulse reading b/c it was skipping all over the place. I can tell when it happens…chest feels tight…beating erratically..hard to breathe etc. My husband keeps telling me it's a panic attack…and he's probably right! BUT, I love what you shared about your age and where you are in your cycle…I've noticed a pattern very similar…and I turned 44 this summer. I hope you don't mind me sharing your story with my doc this PM. ValerieAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01044515293667186404noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937303870758455964.post-17949778833401737032013-12-05T12:27:00.869-05:002013-12-05T12:27:00.869-05:00Thank you for being brave and sharing this! You ar...Thank you for being brave and sharing this! You are an amazing mom, and you will rock labor and delivery, epidural or not. Praying! Katrina Rosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11003845472776600259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937303870758455964.post-43378282886477686862013-12-05T09:58:00.055-05:002013-12-05T09:58:00.055-05:00Colleen, it was a brave and beautiful thing for yo...Colleen, it was a brave and beautiful thing for you to share this, thank you. Thinking back to all your blog posts from that time in your life, I must say, that you've carried this cross with remarkable grace, not that that made it any lighter. You put it so well in the last paragraph, it reminded me of the quote "be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle" prayers for continued peace and serenity!Anne B. https://www.blogger.com/profile/09600215149123665254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937303870758455964.post-9110839916501996592013-12-05T08:56:05.789-05:002013-12-05T08:56:05.789-05:00Hi, I just arrived at your blog via another blog t...Hi, I just arrived at your blog via another blog that I follow. I just wanted to say I'm sorry you had to deal with that, and I think it's great that you are telling your story!<br />This book really helped me (I promise I'm not the author promoting the book): http://www.amazon.com/Panic-Attacks-Workbook-Program-Beating/dp/1569754152 . I can really recommend it. All the best to you with everything you're doing. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937303870758455964.post-23049799147660467452013-12-04T23:23:08.929-05:002013-12-04T23:23:08.929-05:00Colleen, I am so sorry you had such a rough year. ...Colleen, I am so sorry you had such a rough year. I am hoping it's all behind you now. It must have been so scary. Thanks for sharing your story. You will find you are not alone, I'm sure. Sending hugs. Kathleenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15035231628115404437noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937303870758455964.post-28377879995635132702013-12-04T22:52:32.474-05:002013-12-04T22:52:32.474-05:00I am so sorry that you have had to go through thes...I am so sorry that you have had to go through these. I am so grateful for you that you have a loving, supportive, understanding husband because it can be very scary for them to witness this in their wives. <br /><br />I've had panic attacks, but always at home. I actually did not know what they were until I described them to my mom. They always happen at night, out of a sound sleep. It always feels as though I'm going to pass out, can't breathe, vomit, or am I having a heart attack feeling. I had a doozy of one which scared the daylights out of my husband. At any rate, after talking with my mom and sisters, comparing notes, we seemed to all have them start around the same age and wondered if it was part of pre-menopause. That is where all the arrows pointed for us at least. It's been over a year since my last episode. <br /><br />I found that the less stress I have (I mean the real, real troubling stress) the more likely I am to having an attack. I haven't had them in the car. That must be so terribly scary! You are describing what happened to a dear friend of mine. <br /><br />Hers were triggered after a miscarriage, shortly followed by a surgery. The stress of both as well as being around the age of 40, triggered hers on and off for about one year (or close to it.) Then they stopped. Abruptly. <br /><br />I will add you to my prayer list. Know that you are being surrounded by so many people and prayers here. Pattyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01651016998027244516noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937303870758455964.post-44831628371103914872013-12-04T20:20:14.766-05:002013-12-04T20:20:14.766-05:00Ugh panic attacks. They started for me 18 months ...Ugh panic attacks. They started for me 18 months ago. I agree about how bad they are and how the fear of them returning is almost worse. One piece that was really a revelation for me was that my doctor told me that Benadryl and the -D allergy drugs (e.g. Claritin-D) have been affiliated in some people as triggers. I had been using both for seasonal allergies and sleeping meds (Benadryl started off as a sleeping med). I went off them in November and I can handle the things that triggered me before (small spaces, stress, planes, subways). This weekend I took a Benadryl on a trip and felt again like I might have an attack. Just wanted to put this out there, since I had not known the connectin before my doctor told me.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05602358348607591647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937303870758455964.post-36032614968028509482013-12-04T19:42:27.561-05:002013-12-04T19:42:27.561-05:00Hugs and prayers that the anxiety and panic attack...Hugs and prayers that the anxiety and panic attacks stay far away throughout the rest of your pregnancy and delivery/postpartum.<br /><br />Others have said it much better but whatever you decide about pain management in labor will be for the best.Joyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08553760391176072177noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937303870758455964.post-10704131332966477232013-12-04T19:35:39.664-05:002013-12-04T19:35:39.664-05:00I take a daily pill for anxiety and it, along with...I take a daily pill for anxiety and it, along with making sure I'm sleeping OK and eating well, keeps me balanced. I also had to find some coping mechanisms for those times when my anxiety was more than my maintenance meds could handle.jenhttp://grace-filled.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937303870758455964.post-22377697690885068632013-12-04T18:27:44.972-05:002013-12-04T18:27:44.972-05:00Hugs to you dear friend!
"I prayed for God t...Hugs to you dear friend!<br /><br />"I prayed for God to take away all of the thoughts that were running through my head and make me back to normal. I told Him I would rather have a physical disease than a mental one, because nobody can see your mental handicaps and you feel so lonely and ashamed and literally crazy. I would tell myself to just stop being so dramatic. There was nothing wrong with me. I could control this. But I couldn't."<br /><br />I've been there. Many times. And don't say this is a teeny suffering. I've experienced a variety of sufferings and anxiety/depression is easily tied for first. <br /><br />As for the birth. There is no failure in birth. You are Mama. You are awesome. You will bring a child into this world and participate in MONKEY FLIPPIN' CREATION!!! Whatever the details well...whatever! But from one anxiety girl to another I know sometimes saying "whatever" just won't help. <br /><br />Squeezing you in my head (is that weird?)!<br />Nella @McDonald's In Heavenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02324910265728062898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937303870758455964.post-43060985857481938542013-12-04T17:14:26.107-05:002013-12-04T17:14:26.107-05:00I love your honesty. Maybe you could make a decis...I love your honesty. Maybe you could make a decision on using drugs or not, just say "I am going to do it" or "I am not going to do it" and then that anxiety will be gone, because the decision is made. Just a thought. <br /><br />I know sometimes with the indecision can bring on those anxious feelings. <br /><br />I am so happy you have been feeling better with this pregnancy though, what a blessing this little baby is, even more than expected! <br /><br />I'll pray for you Colleen. Whatever you do, we all love you and support you!Jamie Johttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17678469484585027738noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937303870758455964.post-73261181329931547572013-12-04T17:03:02.207-05:002013-12-04T17:03:02.207-05:00I'm so sorry you've been dealing with this...I'm so sorry you've been dealing with this, Colleen. Prayers that you are completely healed and never have to worry about it again. And prayers for a happy, healthy, holy birth.<br /><br />P.S. Get. A. Doula. :)Mary @ Better Than Edenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05409924891343767874noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937303870758455964.post-31671579976535184192013-12-04T16:40:05.536-05:002013-12-04T16:40:05.536-05:00It's so great that you shared this. I have ne...It's so great that you shared this. I have never struggled with anxiety, but I have a good friend who does. More people sharing their everyday experiences like this would help so many mothers out there. As for the birth? Just pray as you're doing and try not to think about any decision. I know that when the time comes, you will have conviction one way or the other about the right way to go for this baby and this delivery. And either way, you get the most important prize at the end!Krishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02999838147173390906noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937303870758455964.post-72687312683506429082013-12-04T16:22:28.004-05:002013-12-04T16:22:28.004-05:00Thank you for sharing so honestly! I am so glad yo...Thank you for sharing so honestly! I am so glad you've been experiencing an anxiety-free pregnancy and I'll pray for you for an anxiety free birth, whatever way you need to accomplish that! Stacyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05625035254559197934noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937303870758455964.post-7293931679291180952013-12-04T15:41:50.261-05:002013-12-04T15:41:50.261-05:00Oh Colleen, I just want to reach out and give you ...Oh Colleen, I just want to reach out and give you an enormous hug. I have never had a panic attack like what you describe, but I deal with a lot of anxiety/stress related issues. I was prescribed a medication last year, and ultimately chose not to take it. But EVERY outing is a struggle for me. My stomach gives me terrible fits, and it makes simple things like grocery shopping, such a challenge. Most of the time I just want to stay at home, hibernate, not go anywhere. And in order to get out requires an obscene amount of Tums, Pepto, no eating, the like. I feel like it runs my life, and that is a terrible feeling. I completely related to your saying that the possibility of what could happen is often so much worse than what really happens. But that's what I'm always worried about . . . what "might" happen. Anyway. Know that you are in my prayers. Hugs and love.Sugarplum Creations Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15404300168941549805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937303870758455964.post-17799106435483184822013-12-04T15:33:40.347-05:002013-12-04T15:33:40.347-05:00Colleen, thank you for sharing this. I have been ...Colleen, thank you for sharing this. I have been having similar attacks for about two years now but mine only happen at night and during the second half of my cycle so I'm pretty sure they are somehow hormone related. I have been using natural progesterone cream, as I am 48, and have found that applying some more at night calms them down. I don't understand it at all, but I'm trying to do many of the things you are doing in order to stop them from occurring so frequently. I found it interesting that they have stopped now that you are pregnant and it makes me think there must be some kind of hormone connection. God Bless you in your birthing decisions!Laurahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05869227734763516464noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937303870758455964.post-21919941335295412192013-12-04T14:52:13.542-05:002013-12-04T14:52:13.542-05:00Panic attacks stink! Each pregnancy is different ...Panic attacks stink! Each pregnancy is different and, as moms, we need to evaluate what we can handle. Labor isn't a competition, it's an experience....and you just need to figure out what will make your experience as positive as possible:)Michellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00256284238173232487noreply@blogger.com