State of the mental health.

[rivka]

It's been two weeks since I had an anxiety attack.

I am still having occasional irrationally negative and self-critical thoughts, but no more than I ever did - I'd say that they now fall within the normal range. I haven't had to marvel at my own craziness in at least two weeks.

Probably not coincidentally, it's been two weeks since I increased my Prozac dose. It looks like I've found the right level for me. It's quite a low dose - 10mg, which is the smallest pill they make - so I'm not too worried about side effects or milk pass-through.

I go back to the psychiatrist at the end of July. From what she's said before about nursing hormones mediating my anxiety, I'm guessing that she'll want me to stay on the Prozac at least until solids start making up a significant portion of Colin's diet and/or I stop pumping. I'm okay with that.

I post this partly to encourage other people. Postpartum mental illness is treatable. Don't delay seeking help.

Comments

[hobbitbabe.livejournal.com]

That is good news for you, too. I'm glad.

[huladavid.livejournal.com]

I haven't had a panic attack for quite a while, and something that's worked for me ('though I'd hardly suggest using this instead of medication) is pinching the bridge of my nose. Supposedly that's a acupressure point, according to a friend of mine.

Have you ever read Chemistry of Joy ? I don't recall if it's got anything specific to panic attacks, but it might be helpful.

Oh, and have I ever told you that you're my favourite mother?

[janetmiles.livejournal.com]

I don't get true panic attacks, but I do sometimes get what I call anxiety attacks -- my thoughts race and I feel jittery and can't focus and like everything is broken and it's all my fault. (I tend to get this around deadlines. Or if I make a mistake at work.) I'll try the bridge of the nose trick the next time that happens.

In return, I offer something I learned in a yoga class (again, not a substitute for medication!): stand up and raise your arms over your head. Breathe in, then slowly fold down from the waist (ideally "one vertebra at a time") while breathing out. Breathe in, breathe out, and then slowly fold back up ("one vertebra at a time") while breathing in, ending with your arms over your head again.

I suspect that what makes this work is the slow, controlled breathing and the careful focus on exactly how the movement is going, rather than anything really esoteric, but since it works for me, I'm willing to recommend it to others.

[nex0s.livejournal.com]

This is great to read! So glad things are going better :)

N.

[janetmiles.livejournal.com]

Seconded!

[minnaleigh.livejournal.com]

So glad you found a treatment that helps!

[ckd]

This is very good to hear.

Here's to improvement, and to its continuation!

[ailbhe]

Hurrah!

[supergee.livejournal.com]

Hooray for lack of anxiety.

[ororo.livejournal.com]

A friend of mine also took Prozac for pre-partum depression. The difference in her emotions and mooods was stunning

[ratphooey.livejournal.com]

How wonderful! Both your progress, and the encouragement.

[abbylee]

I am happy to hear that you're doing better :)

[acceberskoorb.livejournal.com]

Phew! Best wishes for continued success!

[micheinnz.livejournal.com]

10mg/day is a tiny dose, really -- it's what they start most (non-breastfeeding) people on here.

I'm glad it's working so well for you. Long may the improvement continue!

[rivka.livejournal.com]

It's what they start people on here too, if they're depressed. The therapeutic dose for anxiety is lower than the therapeutic dose for depression. I think the common dosage range is something like 20-80 for depression and 10-30 for anxiety.

[pameladean]

I'm very glad you're feeling better.

P.