TeenHealthFX - Answers - Anxious Since Having My Baby

Worries, Fears and Anxiety Disorders / Question
Published: May 28, 2008

Dear TeenHealthFX,

Hi, I just had a baby 3 months ago and the whole 9 months i was pregnant I was constantly nervous, I thought it was just hormones, but ever since I've had him, it's kind-of gotten worse and turned into anxiety. I worry about everything, especially getting sick. Is this normal and will it go away and is there anything i can do to help mself get through this....Thank you and your response would be greatly appreciated...

Signed: Anxious Since Having My Baby

Dear Anxious Since Having My Baby,

There are many hormonal changes for a woman during and following pregnancy, and these kinds of significant hormonal changes can certainly affect mood and behavior in various ways. Since this is a website for teenagers, FX is going to assume that you are a young mother – and we can certainly appreciate that as a young mother there could additionally be a significant amount of anxiety during and following your pregnancy in terms of all of the responsibilities that come with motherhood and the special challenges young mothers face.

TeenHealthFX recommends that you speak with your OBGYN, as well as with a mental health professional, so you can determine whether this is more of a medical or mental health issue, and so that you can get professional help in dealing with your anxiety and the underlying factors that are contributing to it. There definitely is help available for the kind of emotions you are currently dealing with – and getting that help will benefit you as an individual, as well as your baby in terms of having a healthier mom to care for him or her. In addition, while you are scheduling these appointments and seeking out help for yourself FX also suggests that you look to family and friends for help with your baby if moments arise when you are feeling overwhelmed by your anxiety. A good support system is helpful for all mothers, but is particularly critical for young mothers or mothers going through a particularly difficult time (whether emotionally or physically).

If you don't have a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973-971-6475 for an appointment or contact your local teen health center or Planned Parenthood. You can also contact Girl’s Street – A Young Woman’s Health Program – at 908.522.2555 if you live in northern New Jersey.

If you live in northern New Jersey and need help finding a therapist you can call the Access Center from Atlantic Behavioral Health at 973-247-1400. Outside of this area you can log onto the US Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website for referrals in your area. You can also contact your insurance company to get a list of in-network mental health providers.

Signed: TeenHealthFX