How do you cope with the constant worry?

[HotToast]

Hello people, I am not generally a user of these forums so forgive me if I don't know all the correct shorthand etc, but I feel the need for some support today.

I have got myself into a frenzy of worry about my 2.5 year old DS. He's a bit below par and for the last week or so has started complaining about a pain in one of his knees. It woke him at night last night and he's complained at other times of day too – so it doesn't seem like classic growing pains, which tend to be at night only. I'm taking him to the docs this afternoon, but what I want to know is this: how does everyone else cope with the worry that comes with motherhood, especially when it comes to your child's health? All it takes is a few complaints about a random pain or for him to be slightly off his food and I'm googling horrible diseases and spiralling into a panic. I couldn't sleep a wink last night because of the worry, even though I'm utterly exhausted as I also have a 4 month old.

I'd love to know how you all manage this kind of maternal angst because I'm finding it hard to cope with. Any thoughts welcome.

Hot Toast it does happen to a lot of mums, in the old days there was the medical encyclopaedia now even worse with Dr Google. When my kids were little, I too believed I was the only one to worry and panic to such an extent, and I envied the "normal" mums who just enjoyed their children. Eventually I found that the only copying strategy was to take them to the doctors asap listing all symptoms and also what my concerns were. This way you don't let the anxiety fester and any problem can be dealt with straight away.

I also have health anxiety and worry about my son to no end, it's mentally and physically exhausting so I completely sympathise. I think pp is right that you should go to the doctor and raise ur concerns but also discuss with them your anxiety especially as your new post partum xx

I don't cope well tbh. I have a 13 week old and I am constantly worried sick at every little hint of a rash, severe crying, change in behaviour etc.

I have to constantly remind myself that if he is 'gaining weight, alert and wetting nappies' (HV advise) then he is fine.

Ohhhhh boy, do know how you feel. It's constant worry.