PN health anxiety - can social services get involved?

[saratustra]

I suffer from health anxiety which has become really bad after having my baby 10 weeks ago - in my mind, I jump from one cancer to another - my mother died of cancer very young and I was the main career, so that's always been on the back on my mind and now I have my own child I'm scared of not seeing her grow up.

I know this is fairly typical after having a baby. I'm not depressed but this was ruining my time with my newborn so I decided to ask the GP and HV for help and they referred me to mental health services.
My DH is quite upset because he thinks social services can get involved. Have I made a huge mistake?

Thank you for reading x

You have done the right thing getting help. Social services would only be involved if they were concerned about the wellbeing of your baby. It doesn't sound like you are having trouble looking after your baby so no need for them to be involved.

Hi OP

I'm sorry you are having such a rough time at the moment.

I suffered with PND after having both of my children. My second spent a month in NICU and this really sent me over the mental health cliff. I told my GP very honestly how I was feeling, including that I was often suicidal and felt like I didn't want my baby at all. I had intrusive thoughts about harming him.

At no point were SS involved with me or our family. My GP was able to organise support (medication and counselling) and in time I recovered. I hope that reassures you a little bit that SS involvement is unlikely.

You are going to be OK

@BendingSpoons thank you, I don't feel my baby is neglected but you hear horror stories... just my anxiety playing up I guess!

@Rockandrollwithit thank you for sharing your story, you had an awful time! It's reassuring to hear they (ss) don't just jump at any situation.

Tbh I didn't think it could happen till dh told me.

To be honest, there is usually more to the horror stories. Social services are stretched and have to focus on the neediest children. Mother accessing mental health support, baby being looked after, dad doing his bit, there is no reason for professionals to worry. Good luck with it.

@BendingSpoons thank you that makes sense