Can this be postnatal depression

[Notebook30]

My daughter is nearly 3 months old. When she was about 10 day’s old I started to feel anxious about everything and worrying excessively about her, myself and my husband. I worry all the time something bad could happen.

My dad passed away when I was 6 months pregnant and I’ve had no time to grieve. I had to keep going to get through the birth. I’ve noticed the anxiety has got worse and worse.

I’ve seeked help from the doctors at least 4 times and they have given me medication (sertraline) which I reluctantly started taking 13 days ago and it’s not helped so far just made everything more on edge.

My anxiety is bothering me so much daily.

The doctors are refusing to see me because of covid and so I can’t have that face to face reassurance. They seem annoyed when I phone and almost say “what’s the problem?”

My anxiety has caused a load of physical symptoms as well as mental and I’ve had widespread burning sensations throughout my body. My doctor ran blood tests and all ok they said I don’t need to be seen. I’m obsessively worrying there’s something wrong and I’m going to die. It’s consuming my life and making me feel I can’t enjoy my little girl. I feel so stuck and unsupported.

Please can anyone tell me is what I’m going through actually depression or anxiety?

Can anxiety really do this to my body?

If I knew I was ok I might be able to chill out but I just can’t stop worrying.

Thank you x

[Oceania23]

I’m sorry you are going through this. It sounds like you’ve got a lot to deal with. Loosing your dad not long ago and a little baby to look after sounds like a lot. I advice that you ask for another appointment to see the doctor and specifically mention on the phone that you are worried about yourself , that you’ve got a little baby to care for and that you need help.

Having been through both, loosing my dad at 17 and suffering from post natal depression after the birth of both my boys I empathise how difficult things are and how fast they can spiral out of control.

Even with the restrictions from COVID-19 the doctors have got a duty to care for you. So please call the doctor again. You do not need to suffer alone.

Here if you need more help. Keep safe

[JCPrague]

It sounds like postpartum depression to me. It affects many people, unfortunately. The sertraline may help, but it takes longer than two weeks to have any effect. And I know it is a lot of work taking care of a baby. It is not easy.