does this sound like anxiety?

[wild.blue]

I'm wondering whether or not I have a real issue with anxiety and if I should seek help. I think it might just be post-partum depression since I just had a baby 1 month ago. Here are my symptoms: I absolutely hate myself, I'm insecure, I get nerveous about seeing people, even thinking about seeing people. I feel like I'm not worth talking to. I avoid interactions. I have lots of thoughts that race through my head about stupid things like how I'm standing, what I say, how I appear, what people think of me. Also I have become obsessed about cleaning the house. If it isn't spotless I feel like everything is NOT ok and I'm a bad mother. During the day when my fiance isn't home I just sit around and do nothing. I'm too afraid to go out and meet new people (we just moved to a new town) and I don't have any confidence. I get jealous of other girls looks and personalities. I feel dull, ugly, and nervous all the time. does this sound like anxiety?

thanks

[Pum]

Firstly, congratulations on your new baby. Well done to you and your fiance. You have had two major life changes, a new baby, and moving towns, in a short space of time and this will affect anyone.

It sounds to me like the early stages of something and a great time to try and address it before it gets worse. So well done on trying to help yourself out. Your little one needs a happy mummy. Are you getting enough sleep? are you eating well? do you have any support other than your fiance?

You are a good mother. You are the best mother for your little one. No-one knows them like you do and no-one feels for them like you do. The house doesn't need to be clean to be a good mother but your baby needs to be loved and cherished.

Next time you have a check-up for the baby (vaccinations are at 6 weeks where I live) make sure you mention your struggles to someone. Do you have any friends with new babies?

Good luck and take care.

[VicZag]

First of all, I think saying your problems might "just be post-partum depression" is downplaying the significance of true PPD.  That can be a very serious problem and you should definitely seek help if you think you are experiencing PPD!

As for everything else...it seems to me like you're struggling with depression and a sort of social anxiety.  Depression and anxiety definitely feed off of one another.  You have a lot on your plate--just having a baby, moving to a new town--it's no wonder you're having a hard time adjusting and are feeling the way you do!

Also, how long have you been feeling this way?  It may be helpful for you to keep a little journal of how you feel from day-to-day as a starting point for when you seek some help (which I think you should!).  It definitely sounds like you may be having a little trouble adjusting to your new life, which has brought on some depression and anxiety.

My advice would be to speak to your doctor and tell him/her everything.  If anything, he/she will be able to refer you to a psychiatrist or therapist if it does not seem like you need any medication.  Since you just moved to a new town, speaking to a therapist will help you get some social interaction and talk therapy is very effective!

Best of luck to you!  Keep me posted on how you're doing.

[Jikan]

Namaste,

Your symptoms could be indicative of a number of psychological disorders, to include anxiety and panic attacks.

You do need to see a mental health professional who can complete a thorough evaluation of your history and your current symptoms and make recommendations concerning medication(s) and or adjunct theraphy that night be appropriate.

Michael