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weird fears of something happening to DS

daisycookdaisycook
in Postpartum Depression
LO is almost 2 weeks old.  Ever since about a week ago I've had these really weird "what if" thoughts of horrible things happening to him.  They are really disturbing thoughts.  I would never do anything to hurt my baby, which is why these thoughts are so disturbing & outrageous.  For example sometimes when I walk past the stairs i'll think 'what if i fell down the stairs while holding him'; things like that.  Has anyone else experienced this? I feel like these thoughts are robbing me of happiness. I love my baby so much and I have no idea why I am thinking these things.  Any advice is appreciated.
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Re: weird fears of something happening to DS

  • BlairWaldorfBlairWaldorf member

    I think a lot of those types of fears are common - the question I would ask myself, though, is whether or not the fears are keeping your from living your life.

    Is it a fleeting fear?  Or is it one that sticks with you for hours?

    Either way, it is always worth calling your OB & getting his/her opinion on the matter.

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  • Stace814Stace814
    I have the same fears. I am so glad that someone else spoke up because I thought it was just weird I was having these thoughts. For example, when I'm walking on the sidewalk or something I have these thoughts that his head will bust open if I fall and it will be all my fault. I think its just my anxiety is really bad. I'm also paranoid to leave him with anyone other than myself because I fear they will shake him.
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  • EmilyAndSammyEmilyAndSammy

    I think these thoughts are actually more common than people think, especially for a new or first-time mom.  I know I had them a LOT when DS was super young, but still have them occassionally.  The one I still have all the time is, when parking my car at work, I get out and always stare at his (empty) car seat to make sure he's not in there (even though I dropped him off at the sitters 10 minutes before this).  I get an awful feeling each time, thinking about the horrible possibility that I could forget him.  It makes me feel sick and I can't shake the feeling for several minutes.  :( 

    (Lurking)

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  • miss.jessmiss.jess

    I have the same fears.  I recently decided enough was enough and made an appointment with my OB.  After asking me a few questions and evaluating my answers she said that even if I don't realize it I am suffering from PPD/PPA.  She set me up with a local group that specializes in PPD counseling and prescribed me Zoloft.

    For instance: I am constantly afraid to drive over bridges because what if it collapses?  First I need to plan how I will get myself out. [I put my fingers on the automatic windows when I am driving over them.]  Then surely I need to pick with baby to save because saving both would be near impossible.  But what if I could?  

    I was afraid to take the girls to the zoo because I was afraid that one of them would fall into the exhibits.  Either someone would drop them over or some crazy person would rip them from my arms and throw them.

    It goes on and on and on...

    If you are having trouble functioning, please talk to your OB.  Even if you do not go to counseling or get medication it will help to talk it through.

    Brooke 10.15.08 & Molly 6.15.10

    Photobucket

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  • jenny1980jenny1980 member

    Intrusive thoughts are pretty common during the post partum period and are a feature of PPD/PPA. Describe what you're experiencing to your doc if they don't improve.

    I had PPOCD, so I had very disturbing/repetitive thoughts and responded really well to therapy.

     

    image Lucy, 12/27/2009
    Pregnancy Ticker
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  • tbone22308tbone22308
    These thoughts were one of the main reasons I sought help. I thought to myself "what happens if i drop her down the stairs?" or "What happens if i accidentally suffocated her while rocking her?" At my worst my thought was "what if i left her in her stroller in the middle of the intersection?" Obviously i wasn't going to leave her there, so it was a completely irrational thought. Now that i'm on Zoloft i have them much less often, and i'm able to better reason with myself when they pop up. Definitley talk to your OB!
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