I also have had quite a bit of experience with panic attacks, social anxiety and various phobias. I've gone through stages where it's been very bad but recently (apart from my flying phobia which requires heavy sedation - kind of like Mr T) I've been ok. However, in the last few weeks I've been on the verge and woke up in the middle of the night one night feeling that awful feeling....

For me my problems are around control (ie not being able to get out of the plane/not being able to get out of social situation without making a fuss - I still insist on the end seat in the cinema - not the middle) and I think that (whilst I very much want this baby) I've realised that now I've lost control in the ultimate way... and as they said in Juno... "this is one doodle that can't be un-diddled" and it's freaking me out.

By the way - I find Rescue Remedy excellent - I'm not sure it's not a placebo but just having the bottle with me makes me feel better (I do hope it's ok to take in pregnancy - anyone know? I've only had to use it a few times so far)

Rescue remedy is my saviour! Lol

I have health anxiety and see a CBT therapist for it..health anxiety is when you have a headache its a headache, whereas i have a brain tumour..i've 'had' heart attacks, strokes, clots, cancer and other stuff..touch wood its not got worse during pregnancy, tho all this swine flu stuff aint helping, but i carry rescue remedy round with me and it really does help, its a £7 miracle lol..x

rescue rememdy is safe in pregnancy

Wow I cannot believe how many replies I have had to this in such a short space of time. Yet I was a little bit embarrassed about sharing my problem.

I always say time is an excellent healer and I have read a few excellent books which have helped me enormously. One author who I have discovered is Geoff Thompson who has written books about fear and positive thinking etc. I am much more into this as opposed to going down the tablet route. I also put lavender on my pillow at night, or suck on mints when driving. I have tried rescue remedy years ago, but preferred the bach remedy "mimulus".

Now I am pregnant I feel it is time for me to sort out these issues once and for all as I do not want to bring up a child in an anxious environment.

I just know that I will find out little ways to combat my little fears and in my next pregnancy will probably find it a breeze. I just find first time experiences a little daunting at times.

Any tips are always welcome though.

Julie

what is rescue rememdy where could i get it ? xxx

is that it? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Bach-Rescue-Re...1|293:1|294:50

Yep - that's it.. you can get spray, or just liquid with a little pipette - lozenges and even a night time one. Years ago it was just the liquid phials but I think it got very popular to they extended the range. you can buy it in any chemist pretty much. They tend to do extensive ranges in airports...

I just drove tonight for the first time in about 9 years and had a bit of a panic a couple of times on the way out - verging on a full blown attack. Before coming back I had some drops and coped much better.

totally! I get panic attacks, and suffer from mild anxiety. I was on beta blockers to slow my heart rate and they worked really really well, but since being pregnant I've had to stop taking them! It's a complete nightmare! I've had to go from working 9-5 on day shifts to only 5-9 on evening shifts! I try to do breathing exercises but they don't work for me. Have started taking camomile tea which is helping a little, and lavender on my pillow at night. I'd definetly recommend the tea! I did use rescue remedy, but don't want to use it when pregnant as it has a little alcohol in it. Try 'Kalms'- they are great!!!

That great we are not alone on this topic!

Affirmations are also great positive ways to affirm things too/helps you heal and move on.

Hey Machka, well done for driving and giving it a go. I have a few books about coping with fear and panic when driving, its worth reading up about it.
What is it about driving that makes you panic? I got a really bad attack on the M40 once as I had a hangover and about 2 hours kip so drank loads of coffee and had a total meltdown. Its no wonder really, but it has created a fear of getting a panic attack. I dont fear anything other than fear itself - it is so ridiculous!