To think postpartum anxiety isn't that unusual?

[UbicornsFunkyTop3]

I've always been sensitive to hormonal fluctuations but never more so than after having DC2. Her birth was traumatic and I suffered with alot of postnatal anxiety (alongside being diagnosed with PTSD) and I was a bit of a nervous wreck for some time / panic attacks / feeling not quite right / sense of constant impending doom and not being able to relax.

I got better eventually, over time, and years later we decided to have DC3 who is now a couple of weeks old. I was dreading the postpartum stage but felt confident I'd be ok this time providing all went well with the birth (and it did)

But low and behold, the postnatal anxiety is back with a vengeance. I've had 3 panic attacks this week and feel familiarity out of sorts. I keep reminding myself that this too shall pass but jesus, it's not nice

AIBU to think that as unpleasant as it is, it's actually very common? Can anybody relate?

Thank you @Bunny2607 I was on 150mg of sertaline for 8 weeks but felt really bad on that. Iv been on citalopram for about 71/2 weeks but they increased it a few days ago to 30mg. I'm trying to be optimistic and doing meditation and mindfulness but I still wake up everyday with this dark cloud. My partner is great and my parents are really supportive. I'm under the perinatal team who check on me every week. Iv been diagnosed with PTSD too from the labour so going to ask for some therapy regarding that and see if that helps any. Did you find mornings the hardest? Xx

@Jayann89 I can't actually put my finger on when it subsided but it was definitely during taking my meds. Looking at this thread I can see I was put on different ones, I was prescribed propranolol (not it's intended purpose) and it calmed that horrible shaking panicking feeling giving my rational side a chance to take control if that makes sense. Anxiety, real anxiety, is truly awful and all consuming (it both amazed and horrified me how it can manifest physical symptoms) but there is help out there and for me, knowing I wasn't alone has always been very comforting.

@Jayann89 yeah mornings were the hardest. I had a brief moment of “ok we got through another night” then it quickly went to “how the hell am i going to get through this”. I used to go into the bathroom for a wee after i woke up and just think I can’t do this.
just keep putting one foot in front of the other, talking to the professionals and your husband, doing things that you can find enjoyment from even if its getting a nice coffee from costa while the baby naps. And then in time you will see that “oh i’ve had more of today where i have felt ok than not”. With me it wasn’t an overnight change. The first few days i just had an hour or so where i felt ok and positive then i slumped again. Then it went to two hours. Then it would be the morning where i was ok etc. its absolutely brutal having a baby the effect on your body and mind is immense. Honestly you will get through this 💐 keep chatting on here if you find it helps. What part of the country are you in?

I have voted YABU.

I think it would be abnormal to not have a certain level of anxiety when you have a new baby - have I fed her enough, is she wet, is she tired - why won't this baby sleep?! But that's all normal?

Unless my understanding is wrong, the level of PNA that you're describing is not usual - in my experience of course.