I've been dealing with postpartum anxiety for a year and a half. I am currently on lexapro 20mg, for 2 1/2 weeks, after slowly titrating up over the last four months. It has helped some but I still have these mini panic episodes.
All I have to do now, is think some sort of overwhelming thought or think about my anxiety sensations and they will appear- an immediate tight stomach and sometimes hot flashes or chills. They will last for under a minute but mentally destroy me. They leave me in tears and upset for quite a while later. I could be going along just fine and I will need to "check in" mentally with my anxiety and boom it's back.
How do I stop myself from thinking about these mini panic episodes and thus creating more? I can usually stop them but just the fact that they occur at all is enough.

Hi Jitzoo.,

I am sorry to read of your anxiety, and how it seems to be easily triggered lately.

That is kind of the definition of panic disorder...fear of having another episode, and getting into a cycle of fear=symptoms=more fear...

It is easy to see how anticipating (not in a good way) more of the most horrendous feelings one has ever experienced, can set the stage for this!

Have you been able to explore any therapy options...or tried any self-help techniques?

I can post a few sites that teach self-calming/relaxation techniques at your request. As WearyRA mentioned, they do help to reduce anxiety levels and symptoms.

Keep posting and let me know if you would like those sites.:)

S.C.