Moms, does this happen to anyone else? (anxiety related)

I feel like I am part of a viscious cycle lately. I am having anxiety lately, so I try to stay away from caffeine, which triggers it for me, but then I'm so tired that I need that afternoon cup of coffee to get me through to bedtime, but then, it triggers anxiety, then I can't sleep, then I'm tired the next day and need coffee, then the anxiety again, etc, etc, etc.

I'm spread about as thin as I can get these days and even though I tend to get 8 hours of sleep, I'm working so much and taking care of the baby all by myself and I'm absolutely exhausted. I cannot get by without caffeine everyday. But my anxiety is through the roof, at the same time. Please, someone tell me how to end the freaking cycle

Re: Moms, does this happen to anyone else? (anxiety related)

I don't have any advice - just wanted to give you some

Re: Moms, does this happen to anyone else? (anxiety related)

Caffeine, as you already know, is a huge anxiety trigger. BUT...diet soda has about a tenth of the caffeine as coffee. Can you maybe have a soda instead of the coffee for now OR maybe try half decaf, half caf until you can eliminate it completely? I know how hard it is. I had a bad period where i felt i couldn't get enough oxygen from the anxiety. Chugging cold water, exercising and doing breathing exercises all helped. I hope you feel better soon, I know how it is

Re: Moms, does this happen to anyone else? (anxiety related)

Rachel, I understand what you are going through! I have been suffering from anxiety since I was a teenager, it sucks! I can't have caffeine either, and there days when I really need it. If you want to talk, FM me!

Re: Moms, does this happen to anyone else? (anxiety related)

Thanks, girls. It's really bad lately, but last night, I was able to fall asleep easily, so hopefully that will help. I'm going to try getting outside a bit in the afternoon and walking if I can and see if that helps. It sucks to feel tired AND anxious

Re: Moms, does this happen to anyone else? (anxiety related)

Re: Moms, does this happen to anyone else? (anxiety related)

Ahhhhhh, we're more siimlar Rachel, than I ever realized. Just last night, my heart was a-fluttering, not because of my oh so gorgeous and sarcastic hubby, but because of my coffee earlier in the day. I felt so breathless, so anxious, and I couldn't sleep. But, I'm just so exhausted from taking care of my father, working full-time, running to and from the hospital, taking care of Alex, and taking care of the house, that I just cannot function without my one cup of coffee a day. But, like clockwork, about 3-4 hours later, I feel my heart pounding in my chest, I feel breathless, and become very anxious.

I have advice, though I don't follow it very well - EXERCISE. That's my release - it's the only and best way that I manage my stress and anxiety, even if I have one cup of coffee. I usually make a point to go to the gym during
lunch at least 3 times a week, but I haven't been able to the last 3 weeks because I've been visiting my father at the hospital during lunch, so as you can imagine, I'm one big ball of anxeity and stress right now.

But, seriously, even if it's just for 10 minutes - try to workout - it helps to get the physical tension out of your body. Even a nice long stroll with the baby and hubby at the end of the day would help, if they are amenable.

Message edited 5/8/2007 7:59:56 AM.

Re: Moms, does this happen to anyone else? (anxiety related)

The exercise will also help you to stay awake. Maybe try that (even just a brisk walk around the yard if you're home, or up & down the hall if you're at work) instead of the cup of coffee when you feel yourself fading in the afternoon.

Re: Moms, does this happen to anyone else? (anxiety related)

Ive been there, Im not able to have ANY caffeine whatsoever not even ice tea and I suffer from insomnia. But for me I rather not have the anxiety and just be tired because then I wont be able to sleep and lack of sleep causes anxiety. Its a vicious cycle... Im on antianxiety meds and that has helped alot.

Re: Moms, does this happen to anyone else? (anxiety related)

what about something else that may give you energy? Up your vitamin C intake or a vitamin?

An energy/protein bar?

I'm the same way.

Re: Moms, does this happen to anyone else? (anxiety related)

do you take vitamins??
Try eating more proteins.

Re: Moms, does this happen to anyone else? (anxiety related)

I'm an extremely anxious person/mother and can relate. Have you considered talking to your doctor about medication? I'm thinking about going that route myself. I'm driving myself and DH nuts.

Re: Moms, does this happen to anyone else? (anxiety related)

I understand how you feel- right now I've been taking Ambien which helps me fall asleep initially at 10:30 but then I am wide awake at 2:30 - for the rest of the night. I am a walking zombie.

It doesn't help that Matty is up on and off from 2:30 on as well.

I'm debating starting effexor (I've almost weaned him) or trying Ambien CR (with DH being in charge of Matty for a few nights).

I know how you feel- let's just tell ourselves that this too shall pass.....

Re: Moms, does this happen to anyone else? (anxiety related)

You're anxiety can be higher b/c you are not getting enough sleep as well. If I don't get enough sleep my anxiety level is through the roof. I know you really dont have a choice though between taking care of a baby and working. Is there anyway you can "take a day off" just to relax and get some you time?

Re: Moms, does this happen to anyone else? (anxiety related)

I don't have any advice but wanted you to have some of these...

Re: Moms, does this happen to anyone else? (anxiety related)

I suffer from a lot of anxiety and take paxil for it. When I am in a cycle of anxiety the only thing that REALLy helps me get out of it is to take xanax for a day or so.

If you don't want to medicate I would suggest stopping the caffeine and struggling through a day so that you can sleep wellt hat night.

Re: Moms, does this happen to anyone else? (anxiety related)

Hi girls. I just wanted to thank all of you for the advice. I fought through today on only a half a cup of coffee (I usually drink one full cup, but lately have been drinking three cups ) So that seems to have helped a lot. Plus, instead of sitting inside with the baby this evening, we got out, walked around, went to the store, etc. So I think it really helped. I also slept really well last night. I honestly think just posting this helped get it out of my head enough to relax and go to sleep. So thank you so much. I am going to definitely try to exercise more. I know that after next week, it'll be better because I have a lot going on until then. At least there's an end in sight

Re: Moms, does this happen to anyone else? (anxiety related)

Just wanted to give you some 's. Anxiety really really stinks. I wish I knew how to end the cycle! I have the same cycle.

Re: Moms, does this happen to anyone else? (anxiety related)