How Can You Treat Your Anxiety During Pregnancy?

If you've suffered from chronic anxiety for longer than you care to remember, you may find yourself spiraling into a panic attack upon finding out you're pregnant -- especially if you're then instructed to wean off your anti-anxiety or anti-depressant medication until you've given birth. Pregnancy can be a stressful time for just about any woman, and those dealing with unmedicated anxiety may have a particularly hard time. What are your best options to help you manage anxiety if you've decided (or have been instructed) to forgo the use of medication? Read on to learn more about some natural anti-anxiety treatments.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) 

In many cases, individuals utilizing this type of therapy (as opposed to "talk therapy") have reported an increase in their ability to cope with feelings of anxiety or helplessness. This type of therapy focuses on giving you the coping mechanisms to deal with anxious thoughts as they arrive, without letting them percolate in your brain and trigger greater anxiety. By using the methods you've discussed during your CBT sessions, you may find it easier to manage your anxiety even without medication.

Vitamin D

If your anxiety is more chronic than situational, you may find that increasing your consumption of vitamin D -- both through food sources and by spending time in natural light -- can leave you feeling freer. Gestating a child can sap your calcium and vitamin D levels, so replenishing them is important anyway; and ensuring that your body has a healthy balance of these nutrients can make it easier to quell feelings of anxiety when they begin to bubble up. If you find yourself becoming anxious, doing something as simple as drinking a cup of tea with warm milk or taking a short walk in the sunshine may be able to put these feelings at rest.

Hypnotism

Often, the source of your anxiety is internal, and stopping this flow of thoughts or feelings when you're sliding toward a panic attack can feel like drinking from a firehose. Some have found relief from these thoughts through hypnotism. A hypnotist should be able to place you into a deep meditative state where you're more easily led by suggestion; by instilling a belief that the source of your anxiety is truly nothing to worry about, you'll find yourself feeling calmer and better able to cope with stresses even after you've awoken. It's important to seek out a licensed hypnotist with specific experience in treating patients with anxiety to ensure this process doesn't go awry.

For more information, contact a business such as Comprehensive Behavioral Health Associates Inc.

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