To cancel my appointment. What should I do?

[Mamatalks]

First time mum this year.

Diagnosed with PND & post natal anxiety.

Have really struggled to leave the house much other than for walks or activities that involve being outdoors.

My self care has been pretty rubbish.
I shower daily and that’s as far as it goes.

Barely wear make up anymore, don’t make much effort with getting dressed.

My husband suggested taking some time to myself to go to the hair dressers, something I used to do very regularly before Covid.

I booked my self an appointment for this evening but now today has arrived I’m really considering cancelling.

I haven’t been anywhere indoors since before the birth of my baby in February.

I know the salon have made changes, they wear masks, screens are in place between stations, hand sanitiser available and they do temperature checks before entry.

Even knowing this, I just cannot imagine sitting in a salon and being so close to another person.

I’m not particularly “at risk” other than that I have a BMI of 34 so I am in the obese category, which I understand does put me at more risk.

I feel like a hair cut would do wonders for my self esteem, but then I just don’t know if I can cope with the worry of spending the next few weeks thinking I’ve caught Covid and being on edge for any little symptom I may develop.

I think PND is really clouding my judgment on things and I’m finding it so hard to make even the smallest of decisions.

The hairdresser doesn’t offer mobile appointments and I don’t think I’d feel comfortable having anyone in my home anyway.

What should I do?

You should go.

And that's from someone who'd rather go to the dentist.

Baby steps etc.

I would go too.

Please go to your appointment! It will make you feel so much better, even if it’s just for a little while. Anything whilst your feeling this low will help!

Take soon time to enjoy & love yourself
Xx

Do go.

I would go. It sounds like you need some pampering x

Go go go
Force yourself out there, it will be hard but you can do it.
When you sit in the hairdressers chair you will be brought back to old feelings of comfort, excitement, happiness.
Then when you have your new do, you'll get a boost.
If this works, book yourself to get your nails done next week.
Self care is always the first thing to go, but when you get it back, you will start to feel more confident
Hugs xx

The likelihood of you catching COVID whilst having a haircut is really small.
The likelihood you’ll feel more like you after a haircut is massive!
Are you having treatment for the PND and anxiety?

Go - and tell them it’s your first outing in a while. They will understand. Businesses doing personal services atm are very, very safe.

Yes go. It may feel scary but you will feel so much better for going.

Absolutely go. And a daily shower is a great achievement, believe me.

Go. You will feel better. Seeing that people are continuing to live will help. Having a new do will help. Tell the hairdresser you are anxious. (Would listening to music help? Headphones on and mumsnet in hand?)

Good luck.

Go. You'll be fine once you're there.

I would definitely go and if finances stretch to it and if it's something you fancy then get your nails done too.
You need to look after yourself, your husband is right to encourage you.
Take care of yourself xx

@Wolfiefan

Are you having treatment for the PND and anxiety?

I had CBT to begin with, I’m now having counselling (remotely) and I will be doing remote group counselling in the New Year.

@Mamatalks I’m so glad you have a plan. I found CBT helpful. Have you discussed medication at all?
I really hope you manage to go.

I would really try to go. I had a baby earlier in the year and pnd; little acts of self care really helped.

Go

Go!

I went last weekend, first hair cut in a year. I wore a mask throughout, so did the hairdresser. They had clean/dirty cards for stations so it was clear which had been sanitised, they all had their own box of brushes and such with new ones for each client.

It was wonderful, having my hair washed, the head massage, the inane chat about nothing with a stranger.

It felt so normal and yet so missed, I hadn't realised how much I was craving that human contact and it made me feel great.

Go.
I cried in the chair and the hairdresser said that every third person does at the moment. Your anxiety is completely valid and lots of people are struggling in the same way.
You will feel better afterwards for having pushed through. Good luck.

Please go, been in a very similar position to yourself as have alot of women. Its bloody hard. Self care is so so important too though, take care x

Please go and enjoy yourself. Come back to tell us about your lovely new hairstyle

I would go. You will only be close to the hairdresser who should be masked and have a visor, mine does. You will also be masked. Seats are every other seat, they have to maintain distance so you won’t be close to others. Most hairdressers ask you not to take bags, I had my card to pay in my pocket, and to arrive at the time of your appointment not ages before so you should not be waiting for long. They will wipe down between customers

It will make you feel so much better

Go, OP. You'll never know how you feel about it if you don't try it. If you don't like it, you don't have to go again but you need to try. You're unlikely to catch covid there if all precautions are taken. You are safe and will be back home soon enough for a cuppa and a cuddle with your LO. Remember you're doing so well, it's a really difficult time and even showering is a great achievement when you feel so low.

Hope you feel better soon, bet your new hair will look fab! You can do this, OP. Let us know how it goes!

Well, I went.

It was nice. I had a lovely head massage during my hair being washed.

It felt really safe but not I’m home I am starting to feel anxious. 🙁

Well done for going OP. That was a really big step and you should be really proud of yourself. Are you pleased with your hair cut?