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Anxiety and depression after ectopic

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Pinkflamingo89
Posts: 1
Joined: Fri Aug 30, 2019 10:37 pm

Anxiety and depression after ectopic

Post by Pinkflamingo89 »

I had an Ectopic pregnancy 2 months ago which was life threatening and resulted in emergency salpingectomy and a blood transfusion, Prior to that I had a very complicated miscarriage aswell over christmas. I'm really struggling with anxiety and depression which is normally under control but has been triggered off badly by these events. I wake up having panic attacks most nights thinkomg I'm going to die. I have really not been enjoying work. Management were great to me and put me on phased return to slowly get back into it but now im full time again I hate it and dread going in. I feel like getting another job but know its not the job itself it's me feeling fed up. I feel irritable and angry about the smallest of things and I struggle to concentrate. I have referred myself to a depression and anxiety service which I hope will help but now Im getting anxious about the whole thing and have an urge to cancel it rather than follow through with it. I'm feeling weirded out and nervous in social situations and getting headaches all the time and have an extremely low libido which doesnt help the relationship :( I just hope that in time I will heal. Has anyone got any advise or tips or can anyone relate to how I'm feeling? :cry:

NinjaPenguin
Posts: 17
Joined: Mon Jul 22, 2019 12:00 am

Re: Anxiety and depression after ectopic

Post by NinjaPenguin »

I suffer with anxiety and depression. Please please please dont cancel. Not therapy got me through the first horrible parts and then I slowly started exercising and eating better. All these things help massively. I know you wont feel like doing those things yet but even if you step out your front door it's a step. After a few weeks I started by saying i had to go to the gym/swimming pool. I didnt have to stay but i had to get there. But definitely get some therapy to start with.

EPT Host 20
Posts: 3155
Joined: Thu May 31, 2012 10:58 pm

Re: Anxiety and depression after ectopic

Post by EPT Host 20 »

Dear pinkflamingo89,
Thank you for being brave enough to share your feelings on these boards. I suffered with low mood for over 2years after my ectopic pregnancy and never sought help. The fact that you have referred yourself to a clinic is a huge positive step and I would definitely see it through. I too had counselling which helped enormously. It helped me realise that although I will never forget my pregnancy or baby, I could learn to accept what had happened and crucially understand that it wasn't my fault.

The feelings you describe are very understandable. You have had so much to process in a very small timeframe - the ordeal of a life threatening diagnosis, surgical treatment, losing a pregnancy and concerns about the future. Any one of these is hard to contend with and putting it all together is immense. After a frightening ordeal like ectopic pregnancy, some women find that they suffer from Post Traumatic Stress and symptoms can include anxiety and not being able to focus on everyday things like work. There are a number of avenues that you could look into to get the help that you need.

We at the Trust believe that talking through what happened and your emotions as and when you can helps the healing process. We operate a helpline service and there's no pressure whatsoever but if you would ever like the opportunity to speak over the phone to someone who has been through a similar experience, do feel free to call, details are below. We can take things at your pace entirely and you are free to ask any questions that are on your mind. You can talk about the ordeal you have been through and express your feelings to vent and let off some steam. We can exchange emails too, if you prefer that route. We'll simply be here for you, however you wish and for as long as you wish.

I know you have referred to a specialist service but you can ask to see a GP at your practice and ask them to explore ways in which they can help you to discuss your mood or any other referrals for "talking therapies" or counselling. If work is too much at the moment, they may also be able to provide you with a sick note for additional time off work so you can concentrate on looking after you.

Many women experience feelings of isolation after an ectopic pregnancy - I did, too. It is a frightening experience. Like you, I reached out to the Trust for support and we will be here for you to lean on for as long as you need.

Sending much love and warm hugs,
Karen x

The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust
Registered Charity Number: 1071811

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