Severe panic attacks - help! Any counsellor recommendations? Post Reply

[Mumof3munchkins]

I am a mum of three, the youngest is just over four months old. In the last few days I have been getting really awful panic attacks and have a feeling of anxiety most of the time. My husband thinks it could be a form of post natal depression. I've never experienced this before and feel like I am going mad. I have been to the doctor and have beta blockers but still can't shake the anxious feeling and the rising panic. Has anyone experienced this before? if so, how did you deal with it? Can anyone recommend a counsellor that specialises in post natal depression / panic attacks? I need to get on top of this! Thanks in advance.

[The NSC]

Hi, I have some experience of this (though not as a mum!). Please do DM if you'd like to but prob best bet is to go back to your GP and ask for a referal. What I would say is that this is a passing phase and you will be 100% OK! You will come through it a better stronger person.

[khutchi]

Please take a look at www.postnataldepression.com

I can't recommend the Cedar House charity and Liz enough. Give her a call
Good luck
From the site

The Cedar House Support Group is for women who are experiencing postnatal depression. The group provides a safe and supportive environment where mothers can get together with others who may be feeling similar to themselves. This helps their recovery by normalising feelings and reducing the sense of isolation that postntal depression can bring

The group is facilitated by a trained and very experienced counsellor, Liz Wise.

Liz Wise is a specialist PND counsellor who has been supporting mothers and facilitating support groups for eighteen years. Having had severe PND after both her children( see Liz's story) she knows what a difference groups like this can make to a mother’s recovery. Liz is also the PND support coordinator for the National Childbirth Trust, sits on the commitee for the Association for Postnatal Illness and has produced the DVD, Understanding Postnatal Depression.

[shanks]

Hi, I can totally sympathise as I too suffered from panic attacks and general anxiety after my son was born. It was a frustrating and confusing time, which I'm relieved to say is now in the past although not forgotten.


At the time I had a wonderful GP at the Thurleigh Road surgery who after some sole searching on my side prescribed me anti- depressants. CBT sessions also helped me look at what was happening to me in a more logical fashion, which definitely helped.

Since recovering and having had my second child, I now volunteer for a charity local to the Clapham area called The Association for post natal illness:

http://apni.org

Please do contact them for help and advice - they really do do a wonderful job. They can also put you in contact with a volunteer counsellor, such as myself, who has recovered from a similar type of anxiety/ panic attacks to yours. Talking to another person with similar experiences is both reassuring and a really positive step towards recovery.

I really hope you soon feel more like you. And remember this will not be forever, you will recover!

X

[headshrinker]

Hi there. Just chipping in as a counsellor:
You can do a postcode search through the BACP to find therapists in your area who deal with these things (most counsellors would have experience of those though so don't worry too much about specialists, just concentrate on finding one you like. CBT works well for managing anxiety, as does mindfulness. Some people like to try more than one before they choose:
www.itsgoodtotalk.org.uk
I know a few therapists in the area so can give you a few suggestions if you are struggling to find one. PM me if you want a quick chat about how it works. You may get a referral through your GP for NHS counselling too but this can take a while to come through so see if you can find some help in the meantime.
Best of luck.

[asdfghjjkl]

I had very bad PND with my first of 4, and recurring episodes while pregnant with the second.

What I want to add to this conversation is that the more you try to force the anxiety or ruminating thoughts out, the bigger and scarier they can get. I'm so glad you are open and asked here....it can snowball so quickly and so unexpectedly.

Even when everything seems perfect it can occur, which causes feelings of guilt and shame. Don't let yourself go down that path, just find someone to work with you to navigate through it. I'll defer to previous posts for those referrals.

Hang in there, you'll be fine as long as you acknowledge it and slow it all down to manage.

[betterme]

Hello, I just saw this on the guardian today about post natal anxiety. Thought it may resonate. Good luck with finding the right help. Great you reached out...

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle ... depression

[zozodarling2011]

Cedar House Support Group too recommended.

Don't suffer in silence. Persistence with the GP and referrals if necessary. Chelsea and Westminster if baby born there have a dedicated PND perinatal team to help you. You will get better. I suffered dreadfully. PM if you need any further tips

[pops1]

I so sympathise with you having gone through the same thing myself. You have done the right thing by sharing, you would be amazed how many of us out there have had the same!! 'The NSC's post is right, it is a passing phase, you will be 100% ok, & funnily enough you will come through it a better stronger person! I am shocked that all the doctor has done is give you beta blockers…the NHS really does fail us when it comes to mental health. I was given an anti depressant by my doctor which were helpful, but I would really recommend CBT, & we are very fortunate to have one of the best CBT therapists living locally in Balham. Avy Joseph : (landline 0208-674-1233 Mobile 0777-565-4797) he has helped me and so many friends of mine. One of my friends is training to be a CBT counsellor couldn't believe it when I told her he was local to me, he is something of a legend in the field of CBT. He isn't cheap, (around £100/hour??) but well worth the money. The other thing I REALLY recommend is rigorous exercise, going for a 20 minute jog every day. I know it requires time & effort, but I was amazed how much better it made me feel, it sounds too simple a solution but please do try it!! The doctor has really failed you by not suggesting CBT & exercise…!! It makes me so cross!!! I will PM you my phone number if you ever want to chat, talking is so important…& I feel so strongly about the lack of support out there for something that is so horrible when you are going through it, I want to be able to reassure you this is normal & can be resolved!!

[getitsorted]

Okay have a look at this free service that you can self-refer to:

http://www.richmondwellbeingservice.nhs.uk

Even if you have a hint of suspicion that all is not well, this is worth a try as they can assess you confidentially and work with your GP with your permission etc.

Does it work? DM me - I have never looked back.

Well done for reaching out. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Sarah

[Saab]

Hi -
I highly recommend CBT - you can get a referral from your GP
the other thing you should check is your thyroid ... as this can be a cause and after pregnancy your thyroid can bounce around.