Post Natal anxiety

[Jemm89]

Hi all
Baby number 2 has been difficult. A trip from regional Qld to Brisbane for NICU, separation from baby, connection with him is growing but taking more time. My anxiety is manifesting in so many physical ways including indigestion, no appetite, racing heart, chest pains, nightmares, lack of sleep and much more. I'm feeling very observed by others and social anxiety is next level. I have experienced intrusive thoughts but never gone any further or acted on them. I'm ashamed I had the thoughts.
Am doing Yoga daily which helps immensely. I have such a new understanding of the black dog and I feel like that black dog is sitting there waiting. I don't have a plan to tackle that if it happens again. I've seen the acute mental health unit and they've told me I'm not severe enough to be seen by then. There are no professionals who have expertise in pnda. Any ideas? I have a social worker with regards to NICU experience and have made contact with panda.

[Nurse_Jenn]

Hi Jemm89,

Welcome to the beyondblue forum. Congratulations on the arrival of Baby number 2. What you're going through sounds really tough and I am sorry to hear that the black dog is hanging around for you. What is really important and positive is that you can name the black dog and know it is lurking. You are also taking some really proactive steps such as going to yoga and speaking to the health care team at the hospital. PANDA is also a great support option for people with postnatal depression and anxiety and encourage you to continue to touch base with them.

My best suggestion would be to visit your GP and get a mental health care plan so you can access some psychological sessions. Depending on where you live, there are some areas of Australia that can access telehealth appointments also (if you are in an identified area). Not all health professionals are trained specifically in PND but there are some that you might find helpful despite their specific expertise. In my experience it is often how you connect with a therapist and how they bring out the best in your own self discovery of healing.

As a new mother, I can appreciate that it would be really difficult to find the strength to progress all of these self care strategies so make sure that you acknowledge yourself for taking so many steps already. There are a few programs that you might be able to find some support in a different way. For example there is a program that is Developed by Beyond Blue called NewAccess. It is a free program supports people with depression and/or anxiety and does not require a GP referral. It is only available in some parts of Australia and you can check to see if it is being offered in your area by going to this site:

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/newaccess

Another support option that can be done online is a program called Mindspot. It also supports people with depression and/or anxiety and can be done online as well as support via telephone. You can about the eligibility for the program by going to this site. www.mindspot.org.au

If you feel that the intrusive thoughts are hard to control, you could contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the beyondblue support line on 1300 22 4636 or even the PANDA support line 1300 726 306

Having difficult thoughts is common. You are not alone and there is help around you. I am glad you have found your way to the beyondblue forum to get some support.

Wishing you the best possible outcome,

Nurse Jenn