I've suffered from anxiety and depression since i was 11, i've seen GPs etc.
Since having my baby *hes 3 months* My depression has basically disappeared and i feel good in that sense.
but i think i may have postnatal anxiety.
Please no harsh comments, as what i am writing is very difficult.
i keep having horrible thoughts about my son, i never hurt him but awful things happen, he falls out of my arms onto concrete, he drowns in his bath etc.
i never want anything to happen to him so i dont know why im thinking these things!!
I have no one to turn to, to ask for help and i don't feel comfortable saying these things out loud to anyone as i dont want my son to be taken away or something. :(
Please Help!
Post Natal Anxiety *Trigger warnings.
Post Natal Anxiety *Trigger warnings.
Posted in:
Mental Health, Anxiety & Depression, Health & Wellbeing
5 Replies
I think this is a fairly normal thing. I was the exact same with my babies, each and every one of them. I think when it becomes to consume you and starts really taking over your life and though process, it's time to seek help. Just know, your not alone.
Please see your doctor. It's not your fault you are thinking these things (it's anxiety) but you need to get some help. Your baby won't be taken because you have anxiety but unless you get some assistance in dealing with it, it won't improve.
GP needs to run a Full Blood count (rule out other causes of anxiety such as deficiencies) and refer you to a psychologist to help you manage your thoughts. Medication may also help.
Big hugs IM. It's Not an easy thing to admit to but it's more common than you realise and it can be fixed xx
Definitely go see your GP. They won't take your baby away. They do not remove babies for PND or post natal anxiety.
I suffered from PND and Anxiety after having my first, the depression started to fade so my biggest problem was the anxiety.It got to the stage where I could not leave the house, I couldn't be a normal mum and take my child to the park. I didn't seek help straight away as I thought I could do it on my own, I became depended on alcohol and it came to the stage that I only left the house to buy alcohol which was a mission on it's as soon as I left my house I would have anxiety attack. I let myself go 3 years to hit rock bottom and finally admit defeat and get help. It was a long journey and I too was nervous that if I told someone that I had anxiety and unrelated to you but also a problem with alcohol that they would take my daughter, but it was the opposite. I found a councilor and a support system that worked well with me (you may not like or be suited to the first councilor/support person you see) anad it has now been 2 years without 1 anxiety attack and alcohol, I am a complete different person and have my life back.
Your first steps could be calling lifeline, you can remain anonymous and be in the comfort of your own home, than once you start feeling comfortable go to your doctor and they will be able to help you find a councilor. Once you tell someone you have a problem you feel so much lighter, it really does take that weight of your shoulders.
Good luck!
I suffered from PND and Anxiety after having my first, the depression started to fade so my biggest problem was the anxiety.It got to the stage where I could not leave the house, I couldn't be a normal mum and take my child to the park. I didn't seek help straight away as I thought I could do it on my own, I became depended on alcohol and it came to the stage that I only left the house to buy alcohol which was a mission on it's as soon as I left my house I would have anxiety attack. I let myself go 3 years to hit rock bottom and finally admit defeat and get help. It was a long journey and I too was nervous that if I told someone that I had anxiety and unrelated to you but also a problem with alcohol that they would take my daughter, but it was the opposite. I found a councilor and a support system that worked well with me (you may not like or be suited to the first councilor/support person you see) anad it has now been 2 years without 1 anxiety attack and alcohol, I am a complete different person and have my life back.
Your first steps could be calling lifeline, you can remain anonymous and be in the comfort of your own home, than once you start feeling comfortable go to your doctor and they will be able to help you find a councilor. Once you tell someone you have a problem you feel so much lighter, it really does take that weight of your shoulders.
Good luck!