How to stop worrying about my child

[Dystrophin345]

Hi all

DS is 2 and he was an IVF baby. From the moment he was conceived till today I can’t stop worrying about him. I keep worrying about his development (and I’ve beeb posting about it and most response say he’s fine). It’s come to a point where it is affecting my daily life and how I cope with things. I feel like because of this I am unable to let him just be child and do what he wants rather than what I would like him to do or what he should be doing. Sorry if this doesn’t make any sense.

Also winter is coming and I usually feel really depressed during those cold dark days

Oh im sorry that you are feeling like this. Can you explain to me.....are you worried about his development or his health???

Sometimes just talking about it can help OP, even if it's to strangers on the internet. We can listen if it would help you to put your feelings into words x

Thank you. It’s just his development but I know I over analyse every behaviour. For example he recently started chewing on things and was eating a crayon the other day. I worried and worried about that thinking he might have pica but then he was also chewing on a straw so then I thought he might be teething. He doesn’t go to other adults and would only go if I push him to give them a kiss or cuddle (he’s only attached to me and daddy and grandma but I’m always his first choice). I’ve spend so long on the net looking for answers but I know I need to stop now as I no longer enjoy anything and I’m always in a bad mood. I love him a lot and just want him to be happy but I feel like I’m driving myself mad over this. I know there’s plenty of more things ahead so I need to toughen up.

Oh its ok you just love him and want the best for him.
Have you spoken to the gp or health visitor??

I have found duloxetine transformative in turning off my anxiety. I only take a low dose.

OP, I'm the same and decided to talk to my GP about it. She's referred me to a counsellor and I'm having my first session in a few weeks. She thinks it could be postnatal anxiety/depression, maybe this could be the case for you? If it's interfering with your life so much it could be worth speaking to your GP too x

Haven’t spoken to gp but I think I will now

You appear to have health anxiety about your son. Many women are over anxious about their children, especially if their baby had problems at birth or were premature. It can also apply to mums who had trouble conceiving.
Your doctor can get you therapy for this. I'm not sure medication is the answer because it doesn't deal with the problem, whereas therapy can.

Well medication worked for me. I think you might have some issues that would benefit from being talked through as well.

I also think a bit of talking therapy would help you. We all worry a bit about our children.

For your information, mine chewed a wooden ruler (so did I) but grew up perfectly fine. I bought plastic ones after that :-). Most children chew or suck things that they use.

Thanks all for the supportive comments. I’ve realised that I need to sort this out as it is now interfering with my daily activities. It also doesn’t help that I’m a complete loner with no real friends outside of family. But I will definitely speak to my gp as I also think I suffer from SAD