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Preemies
Where to find a counselor?
I've reached my breaking point - I can't stop thinking about our NICU days and how we almost lost our DD a few times along with remembering all the babies that were lost while we were at the RMH, the families that we became friends with and share their grief. I know it's their grief but my heart is still low and I just can't seem to move on. And every time I see news report about another baby/toddler/child missing or abused, I'm sick to my stomach.
Did anyone else seek counseling? Did you just ask your primary care dr. for a referral? I'm already on anti-anxiety meds, have been well before we had DD, but recently the dosage had to be increased and I think I would be better off talking to someone.
TIA.
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Re: Where to find a counselor?
As soon as I had my daughter, I called up my therapist. I only see her when things get hard, so this defiently qualified. I was unable to express any emotions about the birth of my daughter to dh or anyone else in my family, but as soon as I walked into her office I broke down and sobbed histerically. She DEFIENTLY helped me through my NICU stay. She has helped me stay off any medication and really deal with my emotions. DH is currently seeing a therapist because he is still having issues about our stay there. I found his therapist online. You can always ask your social worker if they can recommend anyone. God luck!!
1. Contact your insurance company/look online for in-network therapists
2. Do an online search for mental health services in your community or search on your state's website
3. Ask your OBGYN or primary doc for referrals
4. My initial reaction is that therapy will be helpful but also perhaps your medication may need switching or adjustment that a psychiatrist will be better at doing than a primary doc...
I didn't seek counseling but part of that is my stubborness because I was a therapist myself prior to being a SAHM.
The one thing I've noticed is I get angry a lot at others (not LO or DH).
I feel like a lot of my friends don't get what DH and I went through, and in a way I am jealous that they don't know, I'm mad when I hear people complain that their "birth plan" didn't go as planned and they whine about needing medication or whatever... (I had a friend who wasn't able to have a med-free birth and bitched about it incessantly to me a week ago. I told her to try seeing her LO on a ventillator and get back to me) I also get mad when my friends think I'm being paranoid when I say I can't do playdates right now or go out ot the mall with LO.
I try to make time for myself each day to do something for me, and that seems to help a lot. What matters is my DH and my LO and I have to block out all the rest sometimes.
It sounds like you could be suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I have read that this is QUITE COMMON with people who have been through the NICU.
I am seeing a counselor to help me deal w/ my high-risk pregnancy. Some sources:
1. My hospital has a high-pregnancy support group that is for Postnatal as well as Prenatal patients. They also do one-on-counseling
2. My employee assistance program and insurance companies will give referrals to counselors who deal with PTSD as well as high-risk medical issues
Good luck and if you don't feel like you are getting the care that you need, KEEP PUSHING!!! Most people do not understand this issue and how being in the NICU can be traumatic for parents as well.
Thanks for the responses ladies, I did go thru the insurance to see who was available in my area. I have an appt. with a counsler tomorrow, so we'll see how it goes.
amjra - I hate to self-diagnose but I thought the same thing PTSD. I see you have a Michigan Baby badge - can I ask why? DD is a Michigan / Mott baby.