Do I need help with my mental state regarding my child?

[Waitingforthistopass]

Hi wise mumsnetters

8 years ago I gave birth to a beautiful boy, I love him more than anything else.

when he was a baby I suffered with intense thoughts of harm coming to him. For example on the ride home from the hospital I was petrified of him being in the car, and potentially another car hitting us.

I hated anyone holding him as a baby….

as time went on I seemed to get better.

I mentioned these thoughts to a few female family members who either shrugged it off or just said it was normal to worry about your children. As he got a bit older my worries had more to do with water, swimming pools and rivers. Along with dogs, I think triggered by the rise in XL bully attacks.

Whenever I read news stories or watch TV shows that involve harm/death to boys my heart races and I feel physically sick. I start to think that could be my son. Stories of girls are obviously upsetting but do not affect me in the same way.

I guess my question is do I worry about my child in an excessive way or is this just a normal part of being a mum?

I was the same. I think the only thing that helped me rationalise it was constantly reminding myself that nothing had happened the day before so why should something happen today. It’s just practice re-wiring those thoughts.

I don’t think it’s normal to feel physically sick about fictional stories on TV. It’s normal to want to keep your child safe but your worries seem to go far beyond that.

This is helpful thanks

I catastrophise everything relating to my now adult children. I don't know if this is normal but I have to remind myself (for example) that most late teens go out to London/gigs/clubs.... and survive. I think it's my problem.