5 months postpartum - health anxiety

[LifeOfRiley1]

Hello, apologies for the long post.

I had my first born 5 months ago. Around week 5/6, I started experiencing some low moods and some anxiety which I haven’t ever struggled with previously. This has subsided gradually from its peak at around 7/8 weeks. I have also struggled with health anxiety - worrying that every little symptom is something huge and I’m dying. It sounds ridiculous, but I really get myself into a state panicking. I’ve been at the doctors a few times since having baby, and they have no concerns about anything I’ve reported to them.

i continue to get sore heads daily. At first I convinced myself it was a brain tumour (..I know) however I’ve had an eye test which I was advised would show if anything to be worried about.

I guess I’m asking for some reassurance from anyone that’s been through the same, or anyone that has also had the sore heads? I wonder if it could be hormonal?

thanks

I suffer really badly with health anxiety and it felt like it got so much worse after my dd was born. Not only did I panic and worry about myself but I then over analysed her every symptom. I eventually went on some anxiety medication but it didn’t agree with me. I then did some cbt and it really did help. It taught me better ways to work through my anxiety.

Some days can still be bad but it’s much easier and more manageable than before.

Hey, I second the CBT for health anxiety. The biggest thing I learnt from that is that seeking / getting reassurance actually reinforces the health anxiety cycle. It may make you feel better for a short while, but then something else crops up! And you then seek reassurance for that also. It's about learning how the body has so much going on, and with health anxiety you are often VERY in tune with all the sensations - which means you pick up on lots of things that most wouldn't, and worry about them. So yes, short term the headaches are likely linked to stress / tiredness / hormone changes - but long term, highly recommend CBT or something similar :) all the best x

Hi, how did you get on with this? Reading your post this is exactly what I am going through. I am 5 months postpartum and if I'm not taking my children to the docs for every little thing . I also think I have something very serious wrong with me , firstly my tummy , I was having pains for about 3 weeks, then I got tested and nothing and then they went. I have spoken with the doctor as I am aware I have health anxiety and I am currently waiting for my CBT appointment but have had a headache for the last 6 days and am now scared it's something serious. I feel like I can't trust my own judgement atm because of my health anxiety but it is really getting on top of me atm, effecting me a lot. I am thinking about trying acupuncture as a friend has recommended. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thank you x