Positive update

[MichelleO]

So my husband left for training for almost two weeks and sense I was manic being at my moms I decided to stay at home with my son alone for the first time ever. Well my husband comes home tonight and I feel so proud of myself for getting through this ! I didnt have any manic episodes of anxiety. I had regular anxiety mostly fear of if I was ready to do this land everyone is safe! I'm still struggling with trying to find a plan for when my husband leaves for a year but because I'll have just given birth to my other son I don't think I will stay home alone. I'm due in 19 weeks and I'm just wanting this pregnancy to be over because I'm creeped out by it this time around it's just a scary feeling and I'm just wanting it to be over so I can up my meds and add a mood stabilizer and hope nothing gets out of hand so I can enjoy my kids normally this time around. I still get very unsettling feelings when I see newborns it gives me a rush of anxiety and fear so I'm going to work on some imagery with my counselor soon. But today I'm just happy that everyone is safe and I was a great mom and accomplished one of my biggest fears ! Yay!!

[Hazello Volunteer]

Hi Michelle,

I'm so happy for you that you've coped so well with being left on your own, really good news. Thinking of you with the end of your pregnancy approaching. I hope that it all goes well. It's nice to have this confidence boost just before!

Hazello x

[Ellie_at_APP Partner]

Hi MichelleO

That's such wonderful news, you should be so proud of yourself, for taking the challenge and doing it. I had such fears of being alone for long lengths of time with my son, and sometimes I think you just need to face your fears. Often I found the reality wasn't anywhere near as bad as I thought it was going to be.

Thinking of you as you go into the second half of your pregnancy , we're here for you whenever you need us

Ellie

[Kat_at_APP Volunteer]

That is wonderful news! What an amazing achievement - I'm not sure I could cope without my husband for so long, and my son is now four and a half! It's fantastic to see how well you are doing, and also how much insight you have into your illness and risk factors.

For when the new baby arrives, have you been able to meet with a specialist midwife or similar to put a plan into place? Will you have support from your mum, or anyone else? There's lots of posts on here regarding planning for second babies so do take a look for those. There is also the excellent booklet produced by APP which goes through a lot of the things you can plan in advance for.

Very best wishes

Kat x

[MaryMary007]

Well done Michelle you should be so proud of yourself xx

[LOT1993]

I experienced this when my husband worked nights. It was so scary. I was fearing about the second child but it was much better. I wonder if I can put in a song link - probably not a good idea, but try 'every light in the house is on' by Trace Adkins. It reminds me of those tough nights.