Can we talk post partum?

[peekay]

Since I had C I've become kind of nervous, maybe just a notch shy of anxious. I have these images that flash just before I fall asleep of horrific things happening, like I'm suddenly falling out of a plane or C is drowning. Even things like walking my dog in a leash free makes me nervous, I'm always worried he's going to get attacked. I'm also finding myself super paranoid about driving, Im always telling H he's driving like a maniac. I'm at the cottage right now and I drove C and myself up and was white knuckled the whole time.

None of this is debilitating, like I haven't stopped getting into cars, but it's a different experience for me. I'm usually a very chill person.

The thing that's really setting me off are stories of awful things happening. H told me a story tonight about someone he knows whose little newborn baby died of SIDS and I can NOT stop thinking about it. Like, I feel actually nauseous and I'm so paranoid of C sleeping now.

This is normal, yes? I'm just a normal new mum who is experiencing a realization that everything is fragile and it's making me a little unsettled? I think it's normal and I would feel ridiculous telling this to a doctor, so... It's normal right?

[eddy]

Sounds normal to me. Parenting makes you very vunerable feeling.

[HiC]

My dd is 6 and I still do this. Yes, very normal. Fun, huh?

[lazyphoque]

How old is your kid? It sounds not normal to me. AND IT'S OK!!! Go talk to your doctor. I spent the first year and a half of my daughter's life being not normal, and I really, really wish I'd done something sooner.

ETA - I think SOME increased anxiety and worry is normal (additional upset at tragedies, occasional worst-case ideas), but if it's all the time, I'd go talk to someone.

[OHMBLEEGOHHHHH!]

I had that bad with Cami. I mentioned it to my doctor and he immediately prescribed me with Xanax and Zoloft.
I had a history of PPD from my first, but still. It's NOTHING they haven't heard before. They would much rather you ask them then don't.

That said, I imagine a bit of anxiety is normal, but if it's starting to make you nauseous and disrupting sleep, it won't hurt to ask.

[Deleted]

Totally normal.

[scotty]

I act like this everyday. I have a history of anxiety. Are you able to exercise? I find that helps a TON. Also, eating a very balanced diet, no caffeine (this is key), low sugar.

[lazyphoque]

Also, I think if you think it's too much/out of your normal, that is the best indicator that you should talk to your doctor.

[Marle]

That's what she means when she poetically put it: “Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.”

It's normal! How old is your baby?

It isn't fun but it'll be ok.

[Deleted]

I think just because lots of people have felt this way doesn't mean you should live with it. Talk to your doctor, if it's normal and just something that will pass they'll tell you, but if they can help take the edge off I'd want that.

[mamasaurus]

I am pretty much constantly freaking the fuck out about one thing or another. If it's not normal, then we both have a problem.

[ElizabethBennet]

I experienced the same thing. I eventually talked to my doctor with how bad it got.

[Deleted]

I vote not normal, says this "brush it off" style mom. Heightened concern is one thing. Active, emotionally consuming anxiety over normal behaviors is another. Call your doctor or counselor.

[peekay]

Okay, thanks. I think that's the big differentiator - It feels like its normal so it probably is. I mean, I'm not walking aroun all day freaking out, it's just a heightened sensitivity. H is the only person who's even hinted that I'm kind of sensitive lately and that's because he's the one im shrieking at to slow the fuck down! (note- my H is an excellent driver)

C is 9 months old. I'm glad to hear others say its okay. I don't know, everything is fine and wonderful, but the world just suddenly seems kind of scarier.

[peekay]

Ps... I get chatty as fuck in the dr office for some reason so I'm sure I'll bring it up! It's clearly on my mind!!

My sister told me after she had her little one she went screaming into her dr and was like "I have cancer". Her dr was like "yup! Right on schedule with the new mom cancer self diagnosis" and sent her to therapy for PTSD instead. (she does not have cancer)

[lazyphoque]

If you think it's your new normal then you're probably right. I'm perhaps quick to suggest talking to someone due to my own experience.

[idris]

Please speak with your doctor. I'm not saying your situation is the same or anything, but it doesn't hurt to see what the doctor has to say.
I had these things as well when DS was born. I would see the most horrible things happening to him. At first it started out as random things. Then it turned to seeing myself doing these things. I was terrified of my son. I waited until he was almost a year old to get help. By then, I was so gone mentally. I don't remember a big chunk of his first year.
Please get it taken care of now rather than later.

[peekay]

Aug 14, 2012 21:30:58 GMT -5 idris said:

Please speak with your doctor. I'm not saying your situation is the same or anything, but it doesn't hurt to see what the doctor has to say.
I had these things as well when DS was born. I would see the most horrible things happening to him. At first it started out as random things. Then it turned to seeing myself doing these things. I was terrified of my son. I waited until he was almost a year old to get help. By then, I was so gone mentally. I don't remember a big chunk of his first year.
Please get it taken care of now rather than later.

Omg, I so sorry this happened to you.

Yeah, it's definitely not like this at all, but I will run it past my dr.