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Babies: 9 - 12 Months
buzzbee24
member
Post Partum anxiety and OCD
buzzbee24
member
I've recently seen in the news recent studies about PP anxiety and OCD being seperate disorders than PP depression. I believe I have the anxiety and possibly the OCD. I am going to see a therapist in the next week for an evaluation. I am so overly nervous about DS health, sleep, development that I barely sleep or think about anything else anymore. I know most of my worry is unfounded but I can't help but to worry all the time. Has anyone had experience with this? DH reassures me LO is doing great and part of me agrees, but it's as if I am constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop and its exhausting. TIA for any input or advice
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Re: Post Partum anxiety and OCD
Are you a SAHM? Dd is 11 months and I was very very bad with the anxiety. Afraid to go back to work. I just finished my first week and I feel sooooo much better.
I noticed my anxiety about 6 months pp and it just skyrocketed. I was worried about absolutely everything. Things that may never happen. I was over protective of dd and couldn't figure out how the h ell I was going to go back to work. I did go to a therapist and of course they recommended meds which for me I was hesitant about. I have started work again and people are right. I have mellowed out DRAMATICALLY. Well, so far.
But for you, I feel your pain. You should definitely reach out. It's hard when you don't have a support group. Don't completely bank in meds, maybe try something more natural. How about yoga? Can you get away for that. It would really help your breathing and learn how to channel the anxiety.
There is a good book called the postpartum pregnancy handbook for anxiety and depression you may find helpful. Good luck and you're in my thoughts. If you ever need to vent give me a personalized post.
I have always suffered with anxiety during major moments of change in my life.
I had 2 losses prior to DD, so pregnancy was stressful every single day. I developed pregnancy induced hypertension towards the end and had to have non-stress tests every week for 5 weeks. I had a horrible L&D.
My PPA was through the freakin' roof. I worried about her health and mine every single day. I think it is awesome that you are going to see a therapist. My therapist was 95% of the reason I was able to move past it.
It definitely sounds like PPA to me.
I had post partum anxiety and I,too, never really felt like it was outright depression. I had horrible isnomnia because I would stay up worrying, etc. I do have a history of both depression and anxiety. I am also a mental health therapist and I knew I was not OK. For what it's worth, I absolutely think much of my anxiety improved when I stopped trying to breastfeed - it was a terrible experience for me. I also was upset that I had to stop and I still struggle with the guilt.
It's totally expected that all of your challenges over the last year would increase your chances of having anxiety and/or OCD. Don't beat yourself up over it- you've been through a lot and therapy/medication will help. In fact, all the research points to the best reuslts with both therapy and medication. It's how your brain is working at the moment and not a sign of weakness. If you sense that something isn't right, you are doing the best thing for yourself and your baby. I guess the best thing I can say is - you're not alone. I'm doing much better, but I can't say I feel like myself again (I'm not sure mothers ever do though). I wish you all the best!
((HUGE HUGS)) It totally makes sense that you would have anxiety after all of that. Very normal reaction to all of that scariness and stress. Sounds like we have similar stories. You are not alone.
I am not sure your situation specifically, but is there any way you could volunteer a day a week and have DS watched by a family member or trusted friend?
The only reason I ask, is going back to work 4 days was HUGELY helpful for me. I needed a bit of a separation from DD in order to not obsess.
I stayed home for 2 weeks over winter break and the anxiety started to creep back.
I am not sure your situation specifically, but is there any way you could volunteer a day a week and have DS watched by a family member or trusted friend?
The only reason I ask, is going back to work 4 days was HUGELY helpful for me. I needed a bit of a separation from DD in order to not obsess.
I stayed home for 2 weeks over winter break and the anxiety started to creep back.
I'm calling them right now. Thank you!!