Anxiety & Social Services

[FirstTimeMumWorries]

Hi. Im a 20yo first time mum and ive got a little boy on the way. Im really stressed out and panicked as I feel I have nowhere to turn.

I have been in NHS talking therapies for a few weeks however ive just had my first session. Turns out i have severe anxiety and it’s obviously on my doctors notes. I really struggle with my stress and I have a lot going through my head all the time.

It’s already on my notes with the midwife that I am unable to work due to having mobility issues and my anxiety but im getting extremely worried.

My partners family have said that social services will get involved due to my anxiety and they will think that as I struggle going out alone that our little boy will be caged in his home and just a lot of stuff. They could also deem me as an unfit mother due to my mobility issues. They have also told me that i could end up loosing custody of him and it will roll over to my partner solely.

I guess what im asking is will social get involved and will they take my baby because of my anxiety and my mobility? I also was going to apply for PIP as this will help massively but Im concerned that anything i say to them will go straight to social and they will think I cant look after my son. I have had so many panic attacks over this and im 28 weeks pregnant so it’s not good at all. I don’t wanna talk to the midwife incase she thinks im crazy or if she will refer me and i’ll have my boy ripped away. i can’t talk to my own family because they don’t understand and my partners family are just terrifying me.

They’ve also mentioned that someone they know has anxiety and the midwives were keeping an extremely close eye on her. I have even been told that we will be “riddled” with social before we know it.I have heard so many horror stories and I am just terrified. I don’t know what to do, has anyone been through this or does anyone know what to do??? I have a midwife appointment tomorrow so should i talk to her??

Applying for PIP doesn't give anyone ammunition! If you qualify it gives you extra money to support your needs. PIP has nothing to do with whether you work or not. Also, mobility issues or mental health issues don't equal social services involvement, why are your in laws even choosing to fill your head with this rubbish?
Talk to your midwife, make sure you have a workable support plan in place (maybe in laws think they are being 'helpful' if they may need to help with support, but filling your head with distressing information isn't going to help you)

just reiterating what others have said. Social services are incredibly stretched. They do not have the capacity to get involved with every single person who has anxiety or depression (in 2023 at least 1 in 6 adults!), let alone take babies away from caring parents.

Look at the recent news articles about the terrible things that happened to children well known to social services, and they still weren't removed from their parents.

They have no idea what they’re talking about. I work in mental health and know the SS system well as a result.
I know loads of mums/dads with severe anxiety and very very few have any SS input at all.
and those that do have input? Taking a child away is a real last resort. There are so many supports SS can put in place before even considering taking a child. And anxiety alone isn’t enough.

I hope this helps! Best of luck with the rest of your pregnancy

Hi I’m a MW. About 40% of the women I see have anxiety. You’re fine.

I would advise against this. Having therapy is actually a really good sign that people are trying to get better. Not seeking help is more of a red flag. And PIP won’t have any effect either, again it’s just to get the money you need to live with your condition. Has no effect on parenting ability, and SS don’t view it as such either.