Postpartum psychosis

[Jessbp98]

Trigger warning -post partum psychosis

Hi all . I’m not really sure what I’m wanting from this post but here goes.I have had Depression and generalised anxiety disorder since a child .As a teen I was on antidepressants and had CBT .I am now back on antidepressants after an 8 year gap .
I already have a 4 almost 5 year old little boy .Myself and my husband have decided to try for a second baby which I’m so happy about yet so extremely anxious.since deciding to try for a second I have developed a really intense fear of postpartum psychosis,being sectioned under the mental health act and put in a mental ward /mother and baby unit .Honestly I don’t why this fear has developed but I know my anxiety is making me catastrophise and over think it .any way My Gp and a friend who is a midwife told me roughly 1 in every 1000 mums experience post partum psychosis ,that anxiety and depression do NOT increase the chances of a mum having this and that it’s incredibly unlikely I’ll get it ,I also never had it when I had my son 4 years ago. .Despite the reassurance and previous pregnancy I can’t get the fear of post partum psychosis ,being sectioned ,being in a mental health ward or mum and baby unit out of my head .Like I said previously the anxiety is likely making me over think ,catastrophise and get stressed about something that probably won’t happen .I really don’t want people to be triggered by this or find it stigmatising but needed to get this off my chest .any experience,reassurance or advice welcome .

I'm so sorry that you have this level of anxiety. Are you still TTC or are you PG now @Jessbp98?

Hi candy .not pregnant,but trying to conceive a second baby .I already have a 4 year old son .

First of all, lots of love and hugs your way from me.

I completely understand the toll it can take mentally. I have an 8 month old son and this was my first pregnancy after a miscarriage. I stopped antidepressants like 3 years ago. However, the anxiety was always there especially since becoming pregnant worries for baby creeped in.

So many worries came in to a point just like you I was scared that if I voice any anxieties I was worried what if midwives think I'm not capable of having a baby or take my baby away!!

However, when I got pregnant they went throughy history and put me on perinatal care and got me in touch with a counsellor. This was indispensable help for me personally.

I felt like I was able to talk through my fears, irrational thoughts, ocd etc.

Slowly I realised that I was just being a normal mum worrying about normal pregnancy related things, if I weren't worried and done whaetevr the hell i wanted that would have been concerning. You're just wanting to be the best mum and worry for your child and getting pregnant, it just shows you care. You'll be an amazing mum just as you are to your 4 year old.

I know it's easier said than done but please get those worries out of your head. Instead, why not think about you can discuss getting put in touch with perinatal care when you get pregnant and they can give you a counsellor? Something to think about.

I wish you nothing but healing and love and happiness x

I do really feel for you. Anxiety is awful to deal with at the best of times.

Realistically the chances are small and you'll be aware enough, hopefully, to seek help.

What I would say though is if it was me, I'd be pausing the TTC whilst I tried to get some help for my anxiety