Can social services get involved if I have history of anxiety?

[Merrydoula]

I have a history of anxiety, was quite bad at one point but hadn't been to the docs for a while before getting pregnant. Never had suicide attempts or severe depression. Never been seen by psychiatrist or anything.

Went to docs the other day because a housing situation has got a me a bit stressed out so I went to the docs to talk about it. Since leaving there I couldn't help but worry that because I've got a history of anxiety and I've bought the fact that I'm feeling a bit anxious about my housing situation that they might report me to someone?

I've read some horror stories online about social services turning up at people's births and taking their babies away on the spot due to their previous mental health issues.

Am I overthinking? I was in bits yesterday severely regretting my decision to go the doctors.

Unless there’s anything else they would be worried about social services won’t get involved for anxiety. It’s a good thing to have gone to the doctors as extra help can be given while you’re pregnant to support you and after the baby is born.
Also those stories you’ve read are largely untrue or missing a lot of details. The police can remove children if there is immediate danger but social services need a court order and therefore need lots of information and need to have demonstrated they’ve tried to support you before even getting near that stage

Yes you are overthinking. A history of mh is not grounds for a referral.

A history of mh ALONE is not enough for a referral.

Hello.

I'm a mum of 4. I've been on and off antianxiety and depression meds for about 15 years. I've been to the Drs dozens of times and they've never refered me to social services as my children are well looked after and no issues with school.

Try not to worry. One of my anxieties revolves around SS taking my kids so I do understand x

No! Your anxiety is making you overthink this. Even if a SS referral was made because of your housing situation, it would be so that they could support you and ensure you had appropriate housing and your anxiety was lessened before the arrival of your baby! They wouldn’t take your baby away!

Do you have children’s centres in your area? It might be worth betting in contact with them and seeing what groups and support they offer for mums with anxiety and if they can give any advice on housing and benefits. They are a completely invaluable service!

Anxiety for which you are seeking help? They won’t refer for that alone. Take the horror stories online with a massive pinch of salt. There will undoubtedly be other issues (drugs, alcohol, abuse, domestic violence etc) they haven’t mentioned.

Absolutely nothing to worry about.

Thanks so much guys, I feel so much better and reassured! I have literally been severely stressing over this for last 24hours. To the point where I have aches and pains all over. The thought of anyone taking my baby away from me just sends me into a panic. Xx

Gosh no, how many people do you think have seen a doctor for anxiety! I went myself the day before I found out I was pregnant and it's not even crossed my mind. I think social services have a lot more on their plate. Please stop worrying (easier said then done when you've got anxiety I know x)

They won't refer you without telling you. I'm a midwife and the risk to the child has to be so so severe for a baby to be taken at birth, and more to do with previous history of severe neglect/domestic violence etc. Don't be frightened of asking for help, everyone will want to be making sure you are very supported

I also suffer from anxiety. After my little boy was born I struggled a bit more than normal because I was so tired. My lovely health visitor referred me to a support course for new mums with anxiety and / or low mood. It was absolutely brilliant. So lovely to meet other mums having the same worries as me - and to realise I was actually not that unusual! And at no point was there even a whiff of a social services referral! The important thing is that if you are struggling, you ask for help. Then help can be given and then you will cope. Best of luck lovely. You've got this! X

I suffer from anxiety. I've been to my doctors several times over the years- even been prescribed two different types of medication although I didn't stay on it. Been referred for counselling.
I had a baby two years ago and nobody reported me to anyone. If I'm honest the midwives didn't seem interested that I had anxiety! I had to tell them, and they never put any extra support in place etc... although I have a good strong support network so maybe they didn't feel a need to.
I had a traumatic birth and had a lot of flashbacks afterwards. I shared this with my midwife and my doctor and I've still never had any referral to social services etc..
My daughter is so happy and loves life.
as long as you are looking after your child and they are healthy and happy then that's all that matters!
If you were neglecting your child due to anxiety or treating them badly then of course they would get involved.
You'd be surprised how many pregnant women have anxiety, how many mums have anxiety, it's so common!
Wishing you well xx

I have a history of MH problems, I have let midwives know with all pregnancies and I have never had social services involved with any of my children despite being on and off medication over several years for anxiety and depression.

God no!!

I’m a midwife, I would say approx 70% of the women I see have anxiety or a history of. Unless your anxiety had in the past caused you to neglect, harm etc your children then no way would I refer to children’s social care.

I would however offer you lots of support, care and reassurance

It is your anxiety talking to you Merry - it is making you overthink and over react. SW will categorically NOT remove your child from your care because you spoke to your GP about feeling anxious. I know parents with many different kinds of mental health illnesses, on various different medications, and they are wonderful, loving parents, as I'm sure you will be too.

Having said all of that please, please don't ever be worried about asking for help for your anxiety. It is better to go to the GP and get the help you need than to allow it to get worse.

I've had anxiety for years - I mentioned it at the beginning and they just check how I'm feeling. It's good for them to be aware to give extra support if you need it. Nobody is going to take your baby because of it.