OCD made actress think she was a danger to her baby

University courses Medicine & Psychology
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Welsh actress Kimberley Nixon, known for her role in Fresh Meat, shared her experience with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) after giving birth, which led her to fear she was a danger to her baby. Initially, her natural concerns for her baby’s well-being escalated into intense anxiety and obsessive thoughts. Diagnosed with perinatal OCD, Nixon described how she became hyper-vigilant and terrified of unintentionally harming her baby, despite deeply loving him. Before her diagnosis, she struggled to find relevant support, as much of the advice she encountered focused on “baby blues” rather than the fear she felt. Nixon now has an “incredible relationship” with her son, but her journey highlights the challenges of recognizing and addressing perinatal OCD.

How can greater awareness and understanding of perinatal OCD help new parents who may be struggling in silence?

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Raising awareness about perinatal OCD is so important! It can help new parents feel less isolated and more understood. Knowing that this condition exists and that support is available can make a big difference for those struggling with intense anxiety and obsessive thoughts after giving birth. It’s crucial for more people to recognize the signs and get the help they need

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What steps can be taken by healthcare professionals and communities to improve the early detection and support for new parents experiencing perinatal OCD, given the challenges of differentiating it from more commonly discussed postpartum issues like ‘baby blues’?

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How might increased awareness of perinatal OCD change the approach of healthcare providers and support systems in addressing mental health issues for new parents?

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That sounds like such a challenging experience for Kimberley Nixon, but it’s really inspiring to see how she’s opened up about it. I’ve heard of “baby blues” and postpartum depression, but I didn’t realise perinatal OCD could be so intense. How can healthcare providers or communities do a better job of supporting new parents who might not even realise they’re dealing with something like perinatal OCD?