"I now feel more confident as a new mum"

I didn't realise how hard it was going to be when I became a mum. It had taken me three years to get pregnant and I was over joyed. When my daughter arrived instead of feeling joyous I felt anxious, scared and depressed. I underestimated the responsibility. My anxiety got out of control and I wasn't sleeping even when the baby did. I was sure some harm was going to come to her though me being so anxious. This couldn't go on. I was honest with the health visitor who told me about Bromley working for wellbeing iapt service. I was refereed quickly and within weeks seeing a counsellor. I also started taking medication but I don't believe that alone would have worked as I needed to talk through and process my thoughts. I was helped to recognise that thoughts aren't facts and I was indeed doing everything I could to be a great mum, just telling myself I wasn't. Recognising my thinking errors was a great help and I will continue to use the tools I have gained to maintain good thinking habits. Thank you to my counsellor who gave me a personalised and in-depth service. I now feel more confident as a new mum.