community

all boards


birth clubs



my blog

Sort:
01-13-2013 at 7:31 AM
amandalgre...
Not Ranked
Joined on 10-22-2012
4,127 Points
amandalgreene86 is not online. Last active: 05-24-2013, 5:57 PMNewbie

Dealing with Loss

My grandmother passed away last night.  We've known this was coming for awhile now, but I just can't stop crying.  I'm trying to hold it together for my son's sake (he's 8).  I have a history of panic attacks and have a script for them and would love to be able to take my medicine to calm down but can't bc of the pregnancy.  After hardly being able to breath last night, I was able to use a cold wash cloth to help get my breathing under control.  Does anyone have any advice for calming techniques?

 BabyFetus Ticker 
01-13-2013 at 8:35 AM
VASC
Not Ranked
Joined on 10-30-2012
9,997 Points
VASC is not online. Last active: 05-24-2013, 6:19 PMNewbie

Having had my share of panic attacks as well, I can relate to your feelings.  Once the cycle of panic has initiated, it's difficult to stop it without drug intervention.

I've been in the same position once since becoming pregnant (after taking a dose of Unisom, oddly enough -- it made my heart pound).  After taking a length walk and sipping a mug of hot tea, I finally broke down and took 1 Benadryl.  The Benadryl took the edge off enough for me to fall asleep.

I'm sorry about your grandmother.


~Betsy in Virginia~ TEAM PINK! Photobucket  BabyFruit Ticker 
01-13-2013 at 9:17 AM
BeckyTheEn...
Not Ranked
Joined on 01-01-2009
New Bern, NC
11,502 Points
BeckyTheEngineer is not online. Last active: 05-24-2013, 8:12 PMBronze
In addition to any physical techniques or medications, I think you need to have "emotional interventions" as well. Give yourself the opportunity and permission to grieve. Talk to someone, whether it is family or a professional. I understand wanting to shield your son, but it may help him to see that it is OK to cry.

It may help if you do something to honor your grandmother. My sister and I wrote out memories and read a couple stories at her funeral. For my husband's grandpa, his family put together a picture tribute. Looking at pictures and remembering all of the great things about the person was very helpful to me, as was sharing stories with family. I am sorry for your loss.
 
01-13-2013 at 10:03 AM
Mommymorti...
Not Ranked
Joined on 11-29-2011
11,183 Points
Mommymorticia is not online. Last active: 05-24-2013, 10:20 PMBronze

I'm so sorry for your loss. What helps me when I feel an anxiety attack coming on is to stand up, lean against a dresser or wall, rock my hips back and forth, clear my mind, take deep breaths in my nose and out of my mouth and make a humming sound. Sounds silly I know but it's almost like a meditative state and it really helps me. I do that until my heart rate goes down and breathing is back to normal.

My little sister just passed away unexpectedly just 4 months ago. 12 days after I found out I was pregnant. My anxiety and panic attacks have gotten so much worse, I almost went to the hospital at one point I thought I was having a heart attack. Nothing is going to make them stop because of the stress we are under right now. There are so many ways to grieve and get through this time, you just need to experiment and find what works for you. A big thing that made my anxiety worse was being around all of the people! I needed to be alone! My advice is do whatever you need to do and don't worry about hurting other people's feelings or taking time for yourself.


 photo ac4e875c-a992-40c2-af09-8558eecbecc9_zpsf9f17c4d.jpg  Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker 
01-13-2013 at 12:24 PM
ladybugpjb
Not Ranked
Joined on 01-21-2008
67,662 Points
ladybugpjb is not online. Last active: 05-24-2013, 10:13 PMSilver
No advice about the panic attacks, but I'm very sorry for your loss.

 Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker  Pregnancy Ticker 
01-13-2013 at 2:56 PM
amandalgre...
Not Ranked
Joined on 10-22-2012
4,127 Points
amandalgreene86 is not online. Last active: 05-24-2013, 5:57 PMNewbie
Thank you everyone!

 BabyFetus Ticker 
01-13-2013 at 7:47 PM
jenheartsm...
Not Ranked
Joined on 01-07-2013
3,474 Points
jenheartsmonsters is not online. Last active: 04-17-2013, 10:03 PMNewbie

I'm so sorry for your loss. I can understand panic and depression from two vantage points-- as someone who lives with them, and as someone who helps others manage them (I work in mental health). I don't know if you have ever tried mindfulness, but this approach has been revolutionary for me. It's especially useful for panic. If you can find a class around you it might be helpful-- I took mine through the psych department of my local clinic. I also second the suggestion to give yourself permission and space to grieve.

In a pinch, I turn to a technique call square/d breathing. Find something square to look at (I carry a piece of paper in my wallet). Use your eyes to track the first side of the square as you breathe in for a count of 4. Then track the second side as hold the breath for a count of 4. Next, track the third side as you exhale for a count of 4. Finally, track the last side of the square as you pause for a count of 4 before starting the process again. It can be calming without the eye movements, simply because you're regulating your breath, but the eye movement is what actually cause neural changes over time. It works in a way similar to eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, which is used for PTSD.

I hope these suggestions are helpful. I will be thinking of you. 


Lilypie Pregnancy tickers 
01-14-2013 at 9:07 AM
watermelon...
Not Ranked
Joined on 09-03-2010
28,236 Points
watermelon mom is not online. Last active: 05-25-2013, 12:24 AMSilver
http://www.healthjourneys.com/kaiser/download/download_healthyPregnancy.asp

Meditation?


Lilypie Third Birthday tickers
BFP#2 "Pumpkin" 7/14/12 ~ EDD 3/23/13 ~ Natural M/C 8/3/12 @ 7 weeks

Lilypie First Birthday tickers 
01-18-2013 at 1:05 AM
hoopduck
Not Ranked
Joined on 10-17-2012
16,033 Points
hoopduck is online. Last active: 05-25-2013, 1:18 AMBronze
I'm so sorry about your Grandmother passing away, OP.

I usually use a paper bag if they get really bad, I am prone to panic attacks as well although lately I'm better at getting them under control. I usually find that I'm breathing weird and that exacerbates them, hence the paper bag. I also tell myself to stay calm, it's just a silly panic attack, and than I firmly try to distract myself. It doesn't always work, but it helps me. I hope you can find some relief!

TTC since 2004 Ectopic 2005, lost right tube. Multiple miscarriages.  BabyFetus Ticker 
Hot Topics

New dad or dad-to-be? Chat with other dads here!
Visit the Dads & Dads-to-be board

Need baby shower inspiration? Get ideas here!
Visit the Baby Showers board

Chat with other crafty moms here!
Visit the Crafty Moms board

search boards

choose another board