Bipolar type 2 low mood and anxiety post baby number 2

[JM]

Hi i have a diagnosis of bipolar type two because of a history of depressive episodes along side hypomanic ones. My second child is nearly 8 months old i have a toddler to. Since having my second child i have been struggling with low mood and anxiety. The last few weeks the anxiety has been really bad. I feel constantly sick and panicy. I'm also over analysing everything and getting worked up about things i wouldn't normally. I feel really rubbish right now as i feel I'm not being the mum i want to be to my children.

[monica]

Welcome JM

I'm sorry you're struggling with anxiety/ low mood. Feeling this way is awful especially with a young family. Are you getting any support atm? Do you take meds for the bipolar condition? It would really be worth talking to your dr. Counselling or they talking therapies can help hugely also taking or changing meds might be an option worth discussing.

Try not to be hard on yourself. Get some support of you can , perhaps a little bit of me time would give you a bit of s boost too. I found exercise massively beneficial - even a brisk walk /run can go a long way.

Do feel free to post more as we really do understand x

[JM]

Hi thank you for your reply I have been back and seen my perinatal mental health team and they are referring me for CBT which I'm willing to give a try. I didn't really want to increase my medication anymore as its hard to manage it making me drowsy with two small children. I tried a lot of medications in the past and it took a few years to finally find something that worked (quetiapine). Hopefully cbt will help. its just how long I will have to wait for it!

[monica]

Hi

Have a look online - there are some freebie cbt programmes. Also YouTube can be really good for finding relaxation techniques . Sometimes these little things can give you that much needed boost . Do feel free to offload on herex