Bad health anxiety after having baby. HELP

[Misstots19]

Since having my daughter who is 11 months old (I don’t think this year has helped with covid either) I have had worse than usual anxiety. I was an anxious person before her birth, but this year I have found myself dealing with quite bad health anxiety in particular. I am constantly worrying about my babies, my husband and my own health, worrying about things that could happen, and that are completely irrational things to worry about, but I can’t help it. Every twinge, pain and bit of nausea I feel terrifies me, I automatically think the worst and my mind goes straight to “omg am I dying.” And “what if I have cancer” among many other thoughts and I Google..! I have been to the doctor for health issues more than ever before this year, usually everything is fine, I’ve just worked myself into this cycle of worry and focusing on symptoms that I probably make up in my own head. I know it sounds stupid and I feel really embarrassed that it has gotten to this point. I’m embarrassed to even talk to my husband, friends and family about it, I feel that nobody will understand me 😞 Have any others dealt with this after having their first baby and how did you get past it, were there any techniques that helped you get your emotions and life back on track? I know this is something I should be talking to a professional about, I just worry about how long that could take (I even feel embarrassed to tell my GP about it) and wonder if there’s anything else I can do myself in the meantime to help. I feel like I’m missing some of the most precious, joyous moments of my life due to this vicious cycle of anxiety and I really don’t want that 😞

[Nurse_Jenn]

Hi Misstots19,

Congratulations on your new bubbas. I am sorry you are going through this tough time right now with health anxiety. As a fairly new mum myself I can relate to having an increase in anxiety and worry after birth. This is fairly normal when becoming a new parent however when it doesn't resolve or starts interfering with the "precious, joyous moments...", getting some support sooner rather than later can be really important.

You have taken brave steps by reaching out here on the forum. What a great start and I encourage you to continue to do this. There are many threads on 'health anxiety' here too. You could do a search and see how others have gained support. You have also identified that your need to seek some support and you are right, a GP is a good start. GPs are very used to hearing all kinds of concerns and anxiety is a really common one. Sometime writing things down on paper can help when you go in to an appointment. And if you freeze up, you can just give your GP the notes you have made about why you are there.

I know that you said that you are embarrassed to talk about about your anxiety which must feel difficult. I am sure your husband would be willing to listen and help out with any ailment (physical or mental), and when you have a near one year old, having extra support can really help with symptoms in itself.

You might be able to get some support that could make you feel more comfortable talking about your anxiety with others like your husband or GP. I am not sure if you have heard about PANDA which stands for Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia. This org has specific counsellors who are trained in helping people either before or after they have a baby with low mood and worry. You could have a look and a chat to these phone counsellors and see how it goes? 1300 726 306 or you can read about the service here by going to this site https://www.panda.org.au

If you do call, let us know how it goes.

If you have any other questions, or just want to unload your worries here - this can also be really helpful.

Sending you strength,
Nurse Jenn

[Helarctus]

Hello Misstots19,

Concern about you and your baby is normal, especially if it is your first and you don't know much beyond what you read or see on tv. The whole Covid-19 preventing a lot of travel where nannas'* etc. can come help and provide insight into what works and didn't work for you and their other babies has really hit hard.

I learned much with my first which made the second easier, then the third even easier and the fourth and fifth felt like no problem at all. Even with all the support back then, there were bad days. You are doing it in some of the hardest times I can think of in the modern era to be a new parent, that you came here and sought some help is great, it shows you are working on getting it right for you and bubs.

Ideally you should be able to speak with your husband, but sometimes you need to bounce the thoughts off another mother first. It may be worth checking your local council to see if there are any active mothers groups at the moment (depending on your state and the restrictions in place) where you can meet and chat with a variety of ladies who may have experienced similar feelings or just to get some time for a chat and a biscuit.

[maccaz]

this is very common, especially post partum. I am a man, and developed crippling health anxiety after my daughter was born. Seems to be quite common my psychologist thinks. Hope it eases up for you

[Rach93]

Hi Misstots19

I am a first time mum currently 4 months pp & I too have started feeling Intense anxiety lately - especially health related .. I have convinced myself I have MS - I have on and off tingling all day in my legs mainly right but it can happen in the left also , I get muscle twitches and spasms I feel so exhausted and it’s ruining precious time with my baby, I’ve cried infront of him twice and after this he has started acting up ! He is sensing how upset I am & it’s gotten to the point where I don’t wanna be infront of him anymore because of it..

it’s ruining my life at the moment - I haven’t been diagnosed with health anxiety but I’m pretty sure I am experiencing it because I’m so obsessed over my symptoms. I really hope you find the help you need and that it is better for you soon.. especially with a new bub in the house