Hi there Anxietyisdestroyingme92,
Welcome to the Forum. It is so great to see you reaching out here for support. I am a new mum myself and the stress it places on you can be quite incredible. I am so sorry you are experiencing such distress especially three weeks postpartum. I recall the hazy sleep deprived recovery at three weeks post-birth. It was tough. I am really sorry to hear of the loss of your step mum from cancer. Grief can take shape in many forms such as sadness or stress or as you mentioned, health anxiety. You are not alone.
It is really great to hear that you are seeking some mental health support next Friday. This sounds like a good plan as along side the amazing and challenging experience of birth and motherhood compounded with increased anxiety, getting support sounds like just the right thing to do. You will find that there are many other people on the forum that can share experiences and stories that you may relate to. If you use the search feature and look up 'Health Anxiety' - there are many threads that address this.
I will attach a few links you might look at between now and next Friday. There is a site specifically for people who have low mood and worry in the perinatal period (this is during pregnancy and up to one year post birth). The site is called PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia) and can be found here https://www.panda.org.au They have a support line as well as some good resources for people experiencing increased stress during this time. Their contact number is 1300 726 306 and is available between M-F 9:00am - 7:30pm AEST.
Another supportive site to look at is COPE (Centre for Perinatal Excellence) and has some helpful and support information for people who experience increased stress during the perinatal period. You can visit here on https://www.cope.org.au/new-parents/
You are doing such a great thing by reaching out for extra support both here on the forum and by seeing someone for you mental health next Friday. This takes strength and courage. You are doing a great job as looking after yourself despite having a new little baby is such an important thing. Please take a moment to acknowledge yourself for how tough this time is. Anxiety can be treated and cured with the right support and I really hope that you keep posting about your journey towards healing and that you find a positive start to your recovery.
Wishing you the best possible outcome,
Nurse Jenn
