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?

Well done. Make sure you try and go out for a walk tomorrow and show off your new hairstyle.

@Changeismyname

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?

I am pleased with it, yes.

I feel really refreshed. I know that sounds silly.

I’m so glad you went. It doesn’t sound silly to feel refreshed at all.
If you feel anxious remember the things that can help. Mindfulness? Exercise? Reasoning things out. Distraction.

Not silly at all, you need to do things for you. Glad you like it.

And re your anxiety - hairdressers have had months to learn and adapt to the new circumstances, so you'll be as safe as anywhere.

Well done op. Sorry you're having a tough time. I had my second in feb so our babies are about the same age. It's been so hard during lockdown, I'm grateful he's my second so I had some idea what to expect but it's still felt like a bloody marathon at times. Having your first this year must have been so difficult - I'm not surprised your anxiety levels are high.
Keep up the little steps - you will find yourself again at the end of this.

Ah so glad you went, OP. Well done! This was a really big step to take and it's understandable you're anxious now but you're as safe now as you were before you went. Be proud of your achievements and take it easy this evening.

@mamatalks well done for plucking the courage to go. That's fabulous.

I’m so pleased you went and it’s made you feel better.

@Mamatalks it's easy for me to say but I always try and squash that anxiety buy telling myself that it's done and I can't change the outcome.
Yes there is a slim chance you may get covid.
Yes there's a big chance you'll be absolutely fine.
Either way you went to the appointment and so you can't change or control the outcome. Try to focus on the fact that you feel better even if it is only temporarily.

Wishing you lots of love! Breathe and go with it.

I’d say go, but if you don’t feel safe, then can you practice a nice self care routine at home? Maybe treat yourself to a lovely hair mask and have a candle lit bath with a glass of Prosecco

If it helps, there was a case in the summer in America where 2 hairdressers caught CV19

Of the 139 clients they had treated none showed symptoms of CV19. 67 clients agreed to be tested and all came back negative

www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6928e2.htm

@Mamatalks

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. 🙁

Yay!!! I'm so proud of you x