This is a mostly unknown Postpartum Struggle that SO many people have...if that makes any sense.
Once again, I have done a lot of research to compile this list.
Disclaimer: I ain't no Doctor and I ain't no Professional.
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| I love this moment! Meeting Thomas for the first time...the little chubba-lub |
1. Trouble sleeping. You are more tired than you have been in your entire life, but when you lay down to sleep, it is as if someone is shooting you up with adrenaline. You simply can't sleep.
2. Intrusive Thoughts. Disturbing thoughts (of any kind) pop into your head unwanted and it is really, really difficult to get them to leave.
3. You can't settle down, your thoughts are racing (many times in the middle of the night when you can't sleep...go figure!), you can't relax.
4. You are worried a ton. Am I doing this right? Is the baby ok? Is something wrong with him/her? Did I do something wrong? My husband is late, did he get in an accident? ect.
5. You have trouble eating. It makes you sick, or you simply aren't hungry.
6. You have actual physical symptoms from your anxiety. Headache, sick stomach, knot in "pit of stomach", tingling in arms and legs, numbness in arms/legs, elevated heart rate, tense shoulders and muscles, muscle weakness.
7. Feeling as if something really bad is going to happen and a sense of dread.
8. Feel restless and on edge all the time.
9. A need to check things constantly. Is the baby breathing? Did I lock the door? Is it too warm in the baby's room? Is the blanket over the babies face? Did I leave the oven on? And always wondering if it was "inspiration" to check on whatever crazy thing pops into your head.
10. You feel the need to constantly be doing something. Cleaning bottles, cleaning house, washing clothes, checking on the baby.
11. Fear. Fear of your own thoughts, fear of sleeping, fear of eating, fear that something is wrong.
12. Repetitive thoughts that scare you. You are afraid you will harm somebody and maybe even your baby and thus you are afraid to be alone. You know these thoughts are not right, and yet you can't get them to stop.
13. Classic OCD behavior. A need to repeat things over and over. Obsessing over cleanliness, order, or routine to the point that it is interfering with normal life.
14. Fear that this is the new you, that these thoughts and feelings are who you are and that you have "gone crazy."
15. Embarrassment over what is going on in your brain, but too scared to let anyone know.
Not gonna lie, that was a little painful to type. While I didn't have all of those symptoms, some of them hit too close to home..yep.
As you were reading that, did you start to feel your muscles tighten up as the list was describing you a little too well? Then, yep girl...this is you! Now go get better :) Call your doctor, talk it out, and head down the road to recovery!
-Over and Out
