Feel like I'm going to die.

[Jamiyma]

Had a baby 3.5 weeks ago.

Suddenly developed this health anxiety that I'm going to die. Not going to wake up in the morning and DS is going to be left without a mother.

Every night I go to bed feeling like I'm not going to wake up. It's absolute hell,

Has anyone ever felt like this before? I don't usually have health anxieties and am not one to visit docs all the time. This is very unusual for me.

Any advice? Not sure how much longer I can feel like this...

GP. Asap. It’s an illness in itself to feel like this so get it treated.

Most mums get some health anxiety post baby but yours is clearly a bad case.

It’s really common for these sort of worries to pop up when you’ve just had a baby.

The best thing is to talk to ypur gp.

Yes. Right after my grandma died.

U could have pnd definitely get checked out

Oh yes. Poor you. Yes I've had this after all 3 of mine - apparently it's a form of pnd but I didn't realise that the first time
I also worried about everything - couldn't drive as I was always convinced I'd had an accident without knowing, or driven through a red light. And all sorts of stuff.
See your HV or gp. It does go, but best to get it checked out.

Heart goes out to you OP. It sounds like your anxiety levels are through the roof after your baby arriving. Mine were high too, with so many worries about my baby’s health. In some ways heightened anxiety is a natural reaction to the huge new responsibility, but you shouldn’t have to suffer. There are so many people who can help - start by making an appointment with your health visitor. Anxiety can be a form of post-natal depression and she will be able to help you access professional support.

Ah OP I have this it’s horrible and I can tell you from experience that left untreated it gets worse so please go. I’m managing mine with Antidepressants and propanol as and when a panic sets in but hoping to ween off soon. Best wishes to you and don’t worry about seeking help. It’s an illness that’s not your fault xxx

Sounds like anxiety. Please go see your GP and discuss it with them.

I had this, it is hell. You are absolutely fine, there is no reason for you to suddenly become unwell. I think it’s part of the protective hormones for your new baby gone a bit wrong. It does go on it’s own, but if you are experiencing it every night definitely see your GP or health visitor.

I had these sort of anxieties with DC1. I tried to talk to my friends about it and said that I thought I might have PND, but they were dismissive of it so I just brushed it under the rug and spent the first year of DC1 life with extreme anxiety about various things. I really regret that now. It’s only since having DC2 and not experiencing the same anxieties that I can see how it wasn’t right and I really should have sought professional help.

Speak to your HV or GP and get as much support as you can.

I had this with mine too, Constance Hall isn’t my cup of tea but she actually wrote a great piece on her FB page about this yesterday.

Please speak to your GP if it’s effecting you this much. It could ease off, it could be a sign of PND.

Op this is very common....please know you are not the only one to feel like this.

Keep reminding yourself it is just random thoughts, brought on by the birth of your dc..

I had horribly realistic drowning nightmares about both my babies after each birth, l was terrified to fall asleep! It does pass but is dreadful at the time.

Go to your GP and get some CBT you may be able to access this online now....

Konow that it is normal and it will go...

Oh poor you. This is so common though. Be kind to yourself. And talk it through with someone who won’t minimise your concerns. I became extremely aware and worried of my safety and health after each birth. I think it’s overdrive of a natural instinct to protect our newborn. Mine wasn’t debilitating but did affect my thoughts and everyday lifestyle. Eg last thought before bed and on waking would be a “what if ..... happened”. It eased off once my children became less dependant on me and they developed stronger bonds with their father ( only happened once stopped breast feeding).
But I would speak to your GP, get some support.

Wow, didn't realise this was so common. I feel awful. I have GAD already and have been treated for it before. I just feel like I'm not going to wake up tomorrow. I'll call gp on Monday... thanks for helping me see I'm not entirely crazy!

I've felt like this since my sister died 4 years ago. No gp I have ever spoken to since has remotely cared. I really hope you have better luck than me.

@Funnyface1 a real fear of mine. My dad is a gp. Might try him first... so sorry you lost your sister and that you feel like this. If my dad gives me any sound advice I'll absolutely DM you.

If it's any help I find listening to podcasts through headphones as I go to sleep is a good distraction. And if I'm getting panicky it's something comforting yet boring like Gardeners Question Time. I don't think I've ever heard one through to the end!

Jamiyma that's very kind. I don't think I've really dealt with losing her properly at all. But leaving my children is what won't leave my head. It's very hard, I hope you can get help with it.

OP I had this after both my babies were born too. I kept going back to the hospital demanding to be checked out. Checking my temp constantly etc etc. Get to your GP and get it sorted. It isn’t nice. Good luck OP! X

It could also be your thyroid. Apparently it often goes into overdrive after birth and can cause higher anxiety. Might be worth asking for a blood test for peace of mind.

Yeah, I did after the birth of all three of my children. Felt like I would die, or lose control and hurt them, or be attacked if I left the house.

It's horrible isn't it OP?
I had it when DS1 was born.

How I have it again because I have two kids and I'm due DC3 in the next few weeks. I worry that I'm going to leave DH with three boys and no mum.

I just have to make a conscious effort to think about something else and recognise that it's not a rational thought.

I've had it too. I actually had it before having DC, but it ramped up big time after DC1. My main fear was dying from DVT, and saw the out of hours GP and my own GP more than once absolutely hysterical, convinced I had a clot.

Definitely a chat with a GP/your dad needed.

Thanks everyone. It's such an odd feeling. Genuine fear of death. And I'm not scared for myself. I'm scared for my son...

My friend was a little like this when she had her baby but she was overly anxious that her baby was goin to go (can't say the d word) they were both fine and it did pass but I do recommend just mentioning it to your health visitor x