Have I got post natal depression

[catmommyoftwo]

I have a toddler and a 5 month old baby- I cannot complain about my children they are my absolute world I wouldn't be without them.
However I cannot help feeling low, I don't want to leave the house unless necessary I don't want to make an effort with my appearance, when any friends ask me to go out or make plans I avoid it at all costs ! I have terrible health anxiety over my children, which plays on my mind a lot. I don't want to spend time with my partner, I don't feel I can talk to anybody about it either I feel I'm being selfish an stupid.
Also the general house gets me down with daily chores getting on top of me, my partner always works permanent nights so everything is always on me.

I need advice can anybody relate ????!

You might have but you’re probably knackered which doesn’t help. Health anxiety is very draining. It might be worth self referring for some CBT. They see you quite quickly if you’ve got a baby.

Hi OP, I felt like this when my oldest two who were close in age were that age and wondered if I had PND. It’s such a busy time and two small children is really draining. I bet you’re doing better than you think. If your kids are fed and cuddled, that’s all they need. Housework will still be there when they’re a bit bigger. We watched a lot of telly - I can still sing the whole Wiggles back catalogue - and stayed in a lot especially at this time of year. It gets easier!

One trick I found useful - at the end of each day, write down three things that went well. Sometimes I struggled to find three, and resorted to “toddler brushed teeth without a tantrum tonight”. But gradually you start noticing good things and thinking, ooh, there’s one for tonight’s list. It just refocuses you on what’s going well. I found it surprisingly effective.

But equally you don’t have to suffer in silence, and the health visitor - do they still have those? - is there to help if you need it. I hope you feel better soon xx