Hi, anxiety strikes me lately after so long of not feeling it. I thought I were already at peace with myself, during my pregnancy and few months postpartum I feel so relaxed, I didn’t get triggered , I was calm. After I gave birth, I started a new job 3 month postpartum and I feel so refresh after a year of not working. However, there’s one day I get random and sudden panic attack which also lead me to call the ambulance as it was my first panic attack after years of suffering from anxiety.
I have a manager who is passive aggressive towards everyone and me, I didn’t care at first and I don’t feel affected I just take whatever she said as constructive feedback. I am still on 9 month postpartum still losing sleep and exhausted from work while caring for a baby. However, that is one day I was not feeling it and she said something that trigger me. From there on, my anxiety strikes again. I feel hopeless and useless.. I’m starting to have morning anxiety again, stomach issues starts to come back. Is it the pregnancy hormone mask my anxiety? I thought it went away but I guess it’s not.
Hi @user6726 , I can sense that you’re worried about the anxiety you’re experiencing right now after the pregnancy. The panic attack, anxiety episodes, losing sleep and feeling tired from work, you seem to be carrying a lot right now.
While it is common to experience post-pregnancy anxiety, the experiences that you’ve described sound quite distressing, and it seems like they’re severely affecting your way of life. Perhaps for the first step, you can talk to your partner/family/close friends about this; having strong support from your loved ones can sometimes help to manage these feelings of anxiety.
You’ve mentioned that the first few months were okay, but then the attacks and anxiety episodes kicked in. It may have been a delayed response from your body to the huge change that has occurred in your life (parenthood, going back to work), and if this continues to affect you greatly, it would be good to seek help from a professional.
If you’re open to it, you can try dialing the national mindline @1771, it puts you on the line with a trained counsellor, who would be better equipped to refer you to more relevant counselling/therapist services to help you and support you. Remember that you’re not alone in this, and there are people around to help you out, okay? 
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Dear @user6726
Thank you for reaching out to share what you have been going through. Firstly, congratulations on the baby and securing a new job.
What you have described feeling is very understandable. Remember you have been through a lot; pregnancy, birth, postpartum recovery, lack of sleep, caring for a baby, and returning to work. I see this is a heavy mental and physical load. Anxiety resurfacing suggests your system is exhausted and overwhelmed.
I have observed that many women feel calmer during pregnancy because of hormone changes, and then anxiety can return months later when hormones shift again and fatigue builds up. Add a passive-aggressive manager and a bad day at work, and it’s completely understandable that your body reacted with a panic attack. It is an indicator that you’ve been holding everything together for a very long time.
You deserve support right now. Talking to a counsellor or a mental-health professional can help you feel grounded again. Do also consider reaching out to the national mindline at 1771 to speak to a counsellor for immediate guidance and emotional support. The mindline operates 24/7.
You’re not alone in this, and what you’re feeling is valid. I encourage you to take time daily to you rest, relax and and reach out to someone to talk to. Please also continue to reach out here whenever needed.
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I’ve been missing from work for days, and today I have told them honestly of my absences. Will employer understand my situation? I just started working coming to 8 months and I already feel so defeated. I am also studying at the same time, so there’s a lot on hand. Sleepless night caring for my child, as he’s at sleep regression phase. I want to be calm again and st peace with myself again, I don’t know why I start to feel this all over again.
Dear @user6726
Thank you for reaching out with the updates. Juggling study, work and taking care of a child with erratic sleep is understandably very demanding. While you have already shared with your employers on the demanding responsibilities you are currently facing, do also consider discussing with your family if they can better support you during this trying period.
Please also consider reaching out to the national mindline at 1771 to connect with a counsellor. The counsellor will provide a safe space for you to unpack what you are feeling and gain clarity on next steps. The hotline operates 24/7 and is immediately available.
Please know that your wellbeing matters a lot. Don’t feel alone, I encourage you to seek help soon.