Have just been to the GP about it and been referred (well told to self-refer) for some talking therapy.
Baby is 7mo and I actually think the anxiety is not as bad as it has been but have been mulling going to the GP for a while. I've had anxiety for a while pre baby and it's affected my physical health at times (I've had a couple of ECGs, blacked out once and hit my head after a week with a few stressful events + intense work stress).
It's not affecting me physically at all now and I'm actually very happy to be at home. Dreading going back to work and having to put my baby in nursery even part time.
A few symptoms I've had and not sure if it's normal for new parents who lean anxious or actual PPA:
- really irritable (DH thinks I've not been so bad but I can feel the difference)
- brain fog, struggle to remember things, keep track of time etc. baby's needs are all taken care of but I can forget about myself
- bringing a ridiculous amount of stuff out with me just in case
- have to keep checking he's breathing, seatbelt fitted correctly, doors and windows locked etc, kiss him before getting in the car to drive in case we have an accident
- some ridiculous thoughts like should I go back to the baby group without multiple exits in the hall in case of a random attacker; worried about people walking out of my sight with him in case he's at risk/passed to someone else/ a bomb goes off and I'm not with him - and so on
Also not sure if the talking therapy is going to be helpful or too much strain atm as you're only allowed one cancellation (seems to include rescheduling an appointment) before they stop the sessions. Part of it is I really struggle to leave my baby with anyone but DH and even then I've only done it a handful of times. The assessment appointment is on the phone at least, up to an hour, which is okay.