Postnatal anxiety, I'm loosing my mind.

[Laulie98]

Hi everyone.
My LO is 5 months old soon from he was about 2 months old I have been suffering with what only I can describe as severe anxiety it's consumed my life and I haven't told a single soul. I can't bring myself to ring the GP I'm so ashamed, my partner knows I have some anxiety but doesn't know the extent of it, none of my family know I've never been so ashamed and I put a smile on everyday. My anxiety might go away for a few days but it comes back 10 ten times worse it makes me feel sick. Its mainly health anxiety constantly worrying if I get the slightest pain or twinge, or worrying about my kids or partner. It's giving me panic attacks, making me so scared. I'm almost at breaking point I just don't want to be judged especially because because love my kids more than anything in this world and don't want people to question my parenting but I can't go on like this much longer it's going to destroy me has anyone any tips especially on managing the health anxiety? Thank you

Don't be ashamed. The GPs will have seen it all before. You're not alone please talk to them it's the best thing you can do for your baby.

Please don’t be ashamed You’ve got a young baby, of course you’re going to be more anxious than normal. Add hormones and a pandemic into the mix, and it’s no wonder you’re feeling like this.

If your partner knows a little bit of how anxious you are, then it’s only a bit of a stretch to tell him you feel like you need some extra help. An appointment with your GP would likely be over the phone as well, which might make it easier to have a difficult conversation? Like Polka said, they will have seen it all before and more than likely a lot worse. A bit of support will give you some breathing room to enjoy this time with your baby.

I burst Into tears when asking my GP for help with my postnatal anxiety. They couldn't have been more helpful and understanding. I was terrified theyd tell me I was a terrible mother but they didn't and reassured me it's common to feel this way.

Came back to say that you’ve been brave enough to put it down in black and white here, you haven’t been judged and we’re just strangers on the internet! Try and think how you’d react if one of your friends confided in you that they were suffering from anxiety - you wouldn’t judge them at all, you’d want them to get help.

I had this too. I went to the GP and he very calmly said "Ok, well I can prescribe you some medication which should help, if you're happy with that?" and I said "yes". And the medication kicked in after about 2 days and my life massively improved.

Honestly, GPs see this all the time - they won't be shocked or judge you or anything. They'll just offer medication, or talking therapy, or whichever route you feel would be suitable.

If you find it hard to talk to the GP, write down how you're feeling and hand them the note.

Hope you feel better soon!

I had pretty much the same and don’t be ashamed of yourself or afraid of asking for help! I developed really bad anxiety about 3 months postpartum mainly because of some unexplained pain in the tummy and no tests/doctors could find out the reason. That was exacerbated by the life change and challenges for taking care of a baby. I had some talking therapies and it helped me massively. I didn’t go to GP as it was so difficult to book in due to the pandemic. I just got it covered by my insurance and was ready to pay for therapist if it wasn’t covered as I was desperate to get some help. Good luck and believe things will get better xx

Sorry you’re feeling like this OP.
Have you looked up NHS talking therapies in your area? Most are self referral so you can find out about them and then just refer yourself online, you might not need to go through your GP.

Are you getting much sleep op as this will make it worse? Please go see gp, I had this after my first and it peaked at 4 months when I went to see gp and asked for amitriptyline. Mine was triggered due to a lack of sleep and life change a first baby brings. I never thought I would feel normal again but I'm here 3 years later and I'm ok now. I took a low level anti anxiety medication for 1 year. I think hormones also play a big part in the first year. You will be ok but nip it in the bud now.

Don’t be ashamed. I had never suffered anxiety until after dc3 was born and it floored me. I was sleep deprived and the endless worrying stopped me sleeping for the few hours dc3 did. I worried about crossing the road, and should something happen, I convinced myself they would stop breathing if I slept at one point. Some of my worries were so irrational I look back and can’t imagine thinking that way now however it’s driven by hormones, lack of sleep, stress a baby brings. I finally sought help from my GP (after sobbing down the phone to the receptionist, who was lovely to me) when dc3 was 6 months old. I was diagnosed with postnatal anxiety and mild postnatal depression. I tried sertraline but I didn’t get on well with it so stopped, I also had CBT on my own and group sessions which did help me. It took another 6 months for it to ease so I felt normal. I look back now and only wish I had sought help earlier as it was awful. Speak to your GP no one will judge you, but get you on the road to feeling better.