Panic Attacks and Pregnancy

by Teresa Jane

I have lost my whole life because of feeling like this. I feel like nothing's real. And I keep having panic attacks and thinking I'm dying. I'm gonna have a baby in May and I want to be the best mum I can, but I can't do that whilst I'm feeling like this, so please help me.

Reply from Sound-Mind.org

Hello Teresa Jane,

It sounds like you are suffering from the symptoms of depersonalization. With anxiety and panic attacks, it is not uncommon to experience feelings of unreality and fears that something terribly is wrong with you.

Even though you feel like you have lost your whole life because of feeling like this, it is never too late to get on the path to recovery. Since you have been suffering a long time, I would highly suggest seeing a qualified cognitive-behavioral therapist, if you aren't already. Anxiety and panic are highly treatable conditions and there is no reason to do one more day suffering like you are.

Many pregnant women that suffer with panic attacks and perhaps cannot take medication (or choose not to), do well with cognitive-behavioral therapy. Although you can apply CBT with self-help methods, if you find it difficult, do not hesitate to get extra help.

Other things that may help you greatly while pregnant are meditation, progressive muscle relaxation and visualization. They are great forms of alternative medicine that can help very much with anxiety and panic.

I wish you all the best with your new baby! Don't give up, keep working towards recovery and doing what's best for you.

Take Care,
~Susan