Intrusive thoughts

[cbbo]

Since having a baby over a year ago I have experienced, what I have now learnt are 'intrusive thoughts'. This is new to me, I never experienced anything like this before having a baby.
I am not wanting to cause harm, it's totally the opposite. Scared of something bad happening.
I don't have PPD or PPA but the intrusive thoughts are hard to get out of my head. I know it's irrational.
I would like to understand how common is this. Do I just need to live with the worries now I have a child? Maybe it's all normal.
Would like to hear other peoples experiences please.

Very, very normal. You are suddenly responsible for this tiny vulnerable being, that you love with all your heart, and the thought of some harm coming to them is unbearable. I don’t know anyone who doesnt think like that tbh, especially in the early years when they are so helpless and relying on you to keep them safe.

I had this postnatally. I won’t say what incase it triggers anyone. I just managed it by keeping busy & didn’t tell anyone or talk to anyone & it went away. I now realise I should’ve maybe had CBT as I’ve had it again 24 years later in perimenopause. I have had CBT this time & it’s been helpful. One tip was to visualise the thought in your head then kick it out. Also to tell yourself it’s just a thought, nothing more. Do speak to your HV if you can as they can help.

I think normal up to a point, as long as they don’t stop you functioning day to day. As pp says you are suddenly responsible for a tiny helpless baby and you want the best for them. It should get easier as they become more rubust.

Hi op, I had intrusive thoughts after my ds was born. It took me a while to recognise that it was part of PPA. Again I won't give specifics so as not to trigger.

I would say it's normal- but it's not something that should stop you doing the things you want to do or put you off getting out and about freely. I'd also say it's not something that you should have to feel you need to live with.

Ds is now 14 months and I still get intrusive thoughts and need to be more careful in terms of what triggers this, lack of sleep is a huge factor for me, as is watching anything that's tense, involves strongly emotional storylines, caffeine, feeling out of control etc. It did get better for me when I went back to work and hormones probably settled a bit but it's still there and can flare up at any time but I've got better at managing it. I sought counselling and I spoke with my health visitor about it which were both helpful. And just trying to get a balance in my week between doing things to push myself, and not pushing too hard that I wasn't enjoying things.

Thanks everyone, that's been reassuring. It's not like it's every day and it's not stopping me from doing anything. Tends to be in the evenings... I think I need to work out my triggers.