Hi everyone

[Chelsey1991]

Hi everyone I'm new here and would just like to introduce myself. I had ppp a year ago and I'm recovered from that but I have been hit with extreme anxiety now. If anyone has any tips please throw them my way

Thank you

[Sally_at_APP Administrator]

Hello Chelsey 1991,

Welcome to the forum, where you will find lots of amazing women, family and friends who have been affected by PP.

I am sorry you went through PP, but it is so great you are now the other side and feel recovered.

I had PP in 2015 after the birth of my daughter. It took me some time to get to a place where I felt recovered. I had severe depression after the initial PP, but over time that got better. I did however suffer from anxiety afterwards. It is not always the case after PP, but I know some mums on here have experienced this too.

For me, some of it was all wrapped up in the fear and panic of getting unwell again, but I think some of it was related to the trauma of everything that had happened.

I tried some medication for it, and also I saw a psychologist who helped me work through it all. We talked about relapse, triggers and used some relaxation and mindfulness techniques. I have to say now, that although I do feel the worry increase sometimes, I feel so much better than I did.

It does take time to recover from everything that happens during this illness. Are you able to talk to anyone about your anxiety? A friend, or even a health professional if you are struggling.

I’m sure the ladies on here will have similar experiences and some things that will hopefully help you too.

Do take care,

Sally x

[Chelsey1991 in reply to Sally_at_APP]

Hi Sally

Thank you for your reply. I have been having CBT therapy and I'm on mirtazapine and propranolol for my anxiety but it's still heightened. I have a lot of support which helps too

[Maria_at_APP Moderator]

Hi Chelsey1991,

Welcomed! Thank you for sharing your story.

I had pp in 2018 very soon after the birth of my daughter. I spent 2019 still on medication but very stable, I went back to work when my baby was 8 months old and I was able to cope with an staggered return to normal life. I have remained well, though recently certain events have triggered my anxiety and caused me some insomnia.

It sounds like you have great support in place, it makes such a difference to recovery.

If I can give any advice it would be to take it easy, its perfectly normal to experience anxiety after ppp as Sally says, I feel it is a normal part of the process, its OK. Sometimes I have to let my thoughts only be thoughts, and wait for them to pass.

You are doing really well, and day by day week by week you will feel how you are getting closer and closer to the person you were before.

Take good care, thinking of you.

[Chelsey1991 in reply to Maria_at_APP]

Thank you so much. I have come a long way and do see my progress xx

[Elcee844 Volunteer]

Hi Chelsey,

Lovely to meet you. I also had PPP after the birth of my 4th daughter in 2018 and I can say that after recovery there is a “shell shock” period and you said that it was a year ago so you are still in the process.

I juts took it day by day. I found “talk therapies” via my Perinatal team at the time really helped me.

I do feel it’s just the body adjusting...May I ask can you actually pinpoint what is making you anxious or what are you anxious about?

[Chelsey1991 in reply to Elcee844]

I get anxious over silly things like people coming round to the house and I pace up and down the kitchen all day like I cant sit still .. it's weird xx

[Elcee844 Volunteer in reply to Chelsey1991]

Oh yes this is quite normal I feel.

Don’t look into it too much. Even before having PP I used to feel like this about people visiting . Lol.

Try to occupy yourself with something nearer the time like watch a movie or read a book.

Watch some funny videos ...it will take your mind of the fixation of them coming over.

[Lilybeth Volunteer]

Hello Chelsey1991

Thank you so much for reaching out to the forum ..... I think you’re amazing considering you are only a year on from such a traumatic illness It’s good that you are having CBT as I think it’s helpful to hear your thoughts ‘out loud’.

I had PP many years ago and also suffered with anxiety .... I still do at times but I think we learn how to manage, which is probably why CBT will be good to give you coping strategies?

I wonder if you have seen the PP Insider Guide “Recovery after Postpartum Psychosis” which might be helpful as there are also personal experiences on the page at app-network.org/what-is-pp/....

Try not to put too much pressure on yourself to be ‘over it’ (PP). As a distraction I like to listen to music and my shout out song to PP is “I’m Still Standing” by Elton John (the video is good too as I think it was shot in Cannes)! Give yourself time and take things one step at a time for now. Take care .... we are all here for each other xx

[Lilybeth Volunteer]

Hello Chelsey1991

I hope you are finding CBT helpful and have coping strategies for managing your anxiety. It’s not easy just a year on from PP so be kind to yourself and take care xx