Hi AnxietyMum. Without knowing the why's and wherefores it's hard to know how to answer you. You say your kids were taken as you had a relapse. Are you on meds, are you receiving counselling? If the answer to both questions is 'yes' your counsellor will be working with you to help you get your kids back. Kids are usually removed when there is a danger to their health and safety. If this danger is being addressed through counselling, you're on the right track. You were advised at the time you have 3-5 weeks to 'settle down'. I think your anxiety comes from whether it will happen again. No-one but you knows how you feel when you have your kids. If you're completely honest and open with your counsellor about why they were removed, this will help you understand whatever happened. Are you seeing the kids with someone who can observe your interaction with them? If you are, they will make an observation with the courts/family services about your interaction. This will go in your favour too. If you feel unable to cope, don't be scared to tell whoever's working with you, help can be arranged if you're willing to accept it. You obviously love your kids, tell them you love them, if necessary apologize for whatever happened for them to be removed from you. Let them know it wasn't their fault. Kids are pretty resilient and forgiving, once they know you love them enough to get help, they'll be keen to get home again.
Family services only remove kids as a last resort, they don't like separating families.
Remember, nothing's impossible, if your heart is really wanting to.
Best of luck.
