Anxiety and OCD resurfacing in pregnancy

[Sophia1984]

Hey everyone, I've just reluctantly recognised that the obsessive thinking I thought I had sorted out is well and truly back. I've never had OCD in the way that the media portray it, but have a huge problem with obsessively googling symptoms and seeking reassurance. I hadn't thought it was that much a problem, but have realised today that I'm doing it a lot, both about my pregnancy and other life stuff.

I'm sitting here reading descriptions of OCD and crying cause it's so familiar. I'm having to change GPs, so need to get a new booking appointment, but was wondering if anyone has sought help for this during pregnancy and what was available. Is there any kind of priority for therapy on the NHS during antenatal care? I'm also on anti-anxiety medication that my GP is happy for me to keep taking (and that I'd be lost without to be honest). Just feeling really sad and annoyed with myself that I've got to 31 and haven't dealt with this crap I've had since I was a teenager :-(

I'm pretty sure I was prioritised when I sought help fairly late in pregnancy. I got to see a counsellor very quickly, then a psychologist post-natally. Given what I read about waiting lists for therapeutic services at the moment, I feel very grateful to have been offered support immediately.

I can utterly empathise with the frustration you're feeling, about things resurfacing that you thought were dealt with. The last couple of years have been largely OCD and anxiety-free, and I thought it was because of some work I'd done on myself that had 'fixed' me. Then, a couple of months ago, an event challenged me and it all kicked in again, so I must have been deluding myself this whole time. It's bloody annoying!

Hoping you have some good RL support.

Hi,

Just wanted to say I have OCD and anxiety and am 36 weeks. I have a specialist midwife and have been offered CBT. The care has been a bit patchy and slow (I was told i'd get CBT a while ago and I'm nearly at the end of my pregnancy and so far nothing) but that could be down to area. I will also get extra visits from my health visitor. So there is help in some places. Do ask for it. And I'm 30, and still haven't managed to tackle it so don't punish yourself for that, it's a horribly debilitating illness that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.

Don't be cross with yourself :( I'm 33 and I suffer from anxiety and I'm 40 weeks. It's by far the worst thing I've had to deal with in my life and like you I've had phases where I thought it had gone but it always comes back. I've tried to come to terms with the fact that it just has to be managed. I didn't seek support for it during pregnancy as I've never found counselling helpful in the past, but definitely make your midwife aware so you can at least find out what support there is. I was asked about my anxiety at my booking appointment as it was on my medical record so I think there is a system in place to help women cope with anxiety during pregnancy. I think it's pretty common. And don't beat yourself up. It's like any health problem. You wouldn't be so hard on yourself if you caught a virus or had any other illness, after all. Good luck and you'll be fine :) my GP said that pregnancy can sometimes help ease anxiety naturally. I hope this is the case for you. X

Also it might help to discuss with your partner or family member? My OH is incredibly patient and supportive and that makes a big difference. Also, stop Googling! Also my downfall and not helpful at all!

Hi April. How preggo are you? I'm 31, same as you and too have severe anxiety and OCD. Don't beat yourself up. I'm having a major anxiety at the moment and have done for several weeks. I'm around 12 weeks pregnant, I have my scan tomorrow. I told my Midwife I was not coping and she referred me for an assessment which I went to the other day. I am being referred to another team but am happy it is in hand. That doesn't stop my anxiety! I'm here with you and understand. Xx

Thanks for all your support. I'll definitely bring it up at my booking appointment. I'm only 7 weeks.