Can't smile? Social anxiety.

[NinaBeee]

Hi ladies I'm new to this so not sure of a lot of things here. I'm wondering if what I'm feeling is normal? I've got a 5 month old and since she was 2 months I've just suffered from social anxiety? I don't know what it is but I'll be having a conversation with a friend and my smile will just randomly drop. It happens all the time and I can't control it. I can't fake a smile. Whereas before I was more bubbly and smiley etc. I also am really awkward when socialising with my friends, I can't give eye contact and just straight face sometimes. It's made me stop socializing with friends as much. I think I'm overwhelmed as obviously my life has changed. Also I was really depressed when healing. Maybe it's because i haven't socialized in ages and I stopped working. I'm just in the house all the time and don't do anything for myself. Any advice or has anyone experienced any thing similar ? :(

I think having a young baby naturally makes you more anxious about things.

Can you go to mother and baby/ toddler groups? Ie. Socialise a bit more.

@Loveislandaddict I actually haven't been to one yet, thanks for the suggestion. Just anxious about being awkward around the mums lol ah well

Hi,

I had felt like this up and down but the feeling did always pass until around 3 weeks ago I was constantly on edge snappy, moody, and nervous all the time. I went to the doctors and she said I have PND my little one is nearly 1. I've referred myself for some counseling and have spoke to the doctors.

Speaking to someone and admitting to love ones and even some mum friends how I was feeling has made me feel so much better.

It can be a lonely place when you have a baby. But your not alone. Xxx

@DMP123 That's good I hope the counseling/doctors is helping hun. Thanks it is nice to hear that someone else can relate xx

@NinaBeee thank you. Honestly tho the doctor said to me that any mental health issue in the first 2 years falls under the pnd bracket. So if you are struggling I really would recommend speaking to your GP or health visitor. Xx

Everyone feels slightly awkward at first when going to a new group. However, you will soon find like-minded people. Its helpful hearing about other people’s experiences, feelings, tips etc, as well as good from a social point of view,

Aww Nina, glad you have found mumsnet 😀. If you explore the boards you’ll find loads of examples of where mums struggle socially for a while. Next step would be to share your concerns with your HV and/or doctor. There is help and support and you deserve to find it.

@DMP123 Oh I didn't know that! Yeah I think I'll speak to my HV about it x

@Loveislandaddict yeah that's really true, thanks for that :)

@tiktok I'm glad it does helps reading all the threads of similar situations!! Thank you

Your HV may know about local groups which are geared towards supporting mothers who need a bit of extra help. It can be hard to go to a ‘normal’ group alone if you’re feeling anxious although nine times out of ten people are warm and welcoming. Don’t worry about your smile dropping. Nice people won’t care and if they notice at all, they’ll just think you’re a bit shy 😀.....and it’s ok to be shy.

Aww thanks a lot for that message @tiktok need to build my courage up I shall have a look!