Hormone Changes Caused My Anxiety

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Mine was the standard stress-filled life of a married mother, and during one spring season I decided to undergo a procedure that would provide me with long-term birth-control without the need for a daily pill.  However, the device disrupted my hormone levels in a way that adversely impacted my mental state, and this led to a sudden experience of fear, anxiety, and physical upset.

I remember that I would usually switch to part-time work during the summer season, because that provided me with the opportunity to secure more rest with less stress.  However, when I came back to my regular position, I began experiencing sudden flashes of worry and anxiety.  Although these were temporary incidences, I knew that they were unusual – I developed strange and obsessive worries about how my family needed to be protected from some unknown threat, and my knowledge that these were irrational fears further compounded my anxiety.  One day my husband began to experience an upset stomach, and I was so worried about him that I developed a stomach problem as well, and these recurring events led me to see my physician.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

My physician informed me that I had something called Generalized Anxiety Disorder, which is also known as GAD, so I began taking medications, started therapy, and visited with my mother for support.  Whenever I was alone I would experience sudden flashes of fear, and so I stayed in bed, and I imagined that if I continued in this way I would need to move into a hospital, because I felt so powerless to change anything.  I constantly wanted somebody to be near me, and I was unable to work or concentrate on anything, but I decided that these symptoms must have been linked to the contraception device.  As soon as I recognized the connection I had the contraception device removed, and within a few days I began to feel better, but I was not yet completely normal.

Techniques

Each day was a challenge, but I continued going through the motions of my life, and I returned to work after my most intense period of anxiety had passed.  During that time I began to explore a variety of relaxation techniques, cransiosacral therapy, massage, music, breathing techniques, and meditations designed to shift my focus away from feelings of stress, dread, and fear.   As I continued these techniques I also began practices Yoga, journaling, and some new Ayurvedic treatments in order to change my state and calm my anxiety.  

Success

Nearly one year after my GAD, I felt that I had improved, but I was afraid that if somebody became sick that I would have another anxiety attack.  However, I had an opportunity to test my fear of this recurring anxiety when my son got sick, and I felt no sudden increase in anxiety – Thank goodness!  This was an incredible relief for me, and I felt that a tremendous weight had been lifted from my shoulders – I no longer needed to fear my world or my anxiety attacks.  I now know what my problem was - My brain was always telling me that I was sick as a result of the hormone changes, and once I removed the slow-release medication from my body and began practicing yoga, I was able to shift my body chemistry as well as my thoughts.  My mind was back under my control and back in balance.

Today I feel much stronger, and as a result of releasing my worry about my worry, I have been able to more deeply engage with my relaxation exercises from a place of strength and fulfillment rather than fear.  I now regularly practice Yoga, meditation, breathing techniques, long-walks, relaxing music, and journaling as a way of enriching my life and bringing even more peace to my mind.  Since this experience I have released my negative feelings, and I don’t get nearly upset as I used to.  

-Anonymous Contributor