Anxiety in pregnancy

[sachron]

hi everyone

I've been having anxiety attacks regularly since about 7 weeks (now 21 weeks), I've been referred for CBT which starts this week, thank goodness.

I have a lot going on, a parent diagnosed with a serious illness, partner suddenly unemployed so massive financial worry, plus were generally not getting on very well. I had HG (thankfully seem to be getting over that now though) so got behind at work and my boss just seems to be piling on the pressure as for us this is a crazy time of year and to be honest, I've realised I'm just not coping well with all of it at all.

I feel as though no one is taking me seriously when I say I'm really struggling and I am petrified of the damage all the stress, tears and anxiety attacks are doing to my baby.

Would it be selfish/unreasonable of me to ask to be signed off for a couple of weeks to try and get on top of my life a little bit?

I constantly feel like I can't breath and I'm drowning in my stress! (I really don't mean to come across like I'm moaning about my pregnancy - my child is the one that keeps me going and I just want to keep them safe and healthy in there!!)

No it wouldn't be unreasonable at all, in fact with two of you to consider I think it's a good idea. You're starting your therapy soon but perfectly fine for you to get you and baby some time to get on top of things beforehand. If anyone is funny about it (work) then tell them your GP/other medical professional wants you to look after the baby.

Don't use the time to rush around will you, make sure you relax and breathe as much as you can. If you can't do it for you at the moment, concentrate on doing it for your baby.

Good luck - this is such a short time, means to an end, and baby will be here soon.

You poor thing OP. I remember only to well suffering with crippling anxiety in my first pregnancy, I had miscarried previously, I had been made redundant, my partner wasn’t earning very much, constant stress. looking back I’m glad I wasn’t working at the time and could attend CBT and my GP regularly and look after myself as much as possible for baby. I think u should definitely take some time off just to get yourself feeling a little less overwhelmed, work will always be there but you and baby’s health comes first. Please keep in touch with GP and look after yourself. It will all work out in the end, I didn’t think it would but life really does have a funny way of working itself out xx

Thank you both so much. I'm always worried I sound like I'm being dramatic but things have really come to a point now where I know I need some help and I definitely need to take some of this pressure off. Thanks again xx

Well I've been signed off. Our policy states that I have to call my direct line manager rather than our HR dept but I really, really don't want to speak to my manager. Happy to call HR and happy to be honest about everything, but just don't feel I can face talking to my manager. But obviously I don't want to break any rules or be petty.

Any advice?

Sorry only just seen this, what did you end up doing OP?