Obviously someone out there knows that I have what to say about this topic…Okay, Always runs with scissors fast, now, may be the time to slow the pace a bit and stop running. For starters, you say you have had this previously, so how did you cope in the past? Did you learn something about what triggers you or what patterns set off your anxious thoughts? Hormones are surging during pregnancy, and especially towards the end a lot of women go through some mood swings which, as long as you can function through, are par for the course. If they cause extreme irritability, seek help and let your doctor know. Check your thyroid if this continues after the birth. There are other options you can take and I will be more specific soon. If you cant sleep, know this is hormonal, don’t make a big deal about it by staying put and trying. This will actually make it harder. Try not to think about “how I will not be able to function tomorrow without sleep etc, Im going to crack up, or snap etc. my mind cant focus..” because those very thoughts will actually cause even more panic. Do you know that the body actually doesnt need as much sleep as we think? Moreover, your body, (and trust it) will actually take whatever it needs for survival. So be it a quick cat nap on the couch or for two hours when the kids leave to school,(and skip the starch on the shirts..)your wonderful amazing body will take what it needs. Believe in it and it will serve you. Be afraid of it and it will become anxious, unsure and insecure about all that is to come. Especially the time before birth women who are always in control tend to “lose it” because birth and whatever comes along with it creates the feeling of the unknown, lack of control, not knowing how labor will be etc. will my doctor be there…. all those can wreck havoc in a woman’s thoughts, so close to birth. So instead of thinking into the future, about things which we really have little control of, take some secure thoughts about things that you do have control of such as your breathing or your nutrition, or taking a walk around the block so you keep your vitality up before delivery. Yes, the kids are kvetchy, you are irritable, everyone perceives this differently according to their specific threshold. Sometimes all systems get lit and the switchboard feels like its on fire! But take the secure thought that this is temporary and you have been down this path before. Perhaps you need to lower those expectations for perfection a bit especially now. Believe me I have been there, making sure the hampers are empty every night, making sure everything is ready so when you go in to the hospital,things are all set… To some degree “nesting” is normal behavior for a woman before birth, but our society and culture has driven us over the edge in some ways. Hashem is giving you the opportunity now to delegate jobs and not be so in control of every pulse in the house, please take those opportunities and let go and stretch a little so you dont deplete yourself before you need your real energy. Find a balance and give the rest to Hashem and it will fall into place. You might discover that you can give yourself permission to relax and not worry. You will handle it and get through it. Make sure you have good support and create a birth plan or even hire a doula so you have the best shot at having a successful, empowering birthing experience. Start some Omega fish oils and some extra B12 if you are already not on them. If your anxiety escalates or you want to speak with a trained person, call SPARKS at 718-2-SPARKS. They have a wonderful anonymous hotline that you can call 24/6 and will be very surprised at the support and info you will get. I believe this week there is a teleconference on Wed nite get on and just listen. The next week there is a teleconference on Pregnancy and self care for during and beyond, dealing with depression, anxiety etc. Call that number and you can get the number and pin for the conference. It is all FREE. Perinatal Depression is when depression or anxiety hits you during pregnancy, as opposed to Postpartum(after birth) Please dont just suffer or ignore your symptoms. There is great help out there, I know it feels mental, but it is PHYSICAL. Perinatal and postpartum issues are hormonal imbalances that GET BETTER! I know you are having trouble coping right now, but call that number and they will give you some advice for coping through this, and truly assess it. The best of luck. I will be looking for your thread to see how you are doing.
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