How To Manage Intrusive Thoughts With Dr Caroline Boyd

Show Me The Way

Content Warning: intrusive thoughts of harm

Being a new parent can be very, very tough. Amidst the delicious snuggles and downy smells can be upset, anxiety and sometimes even rage. This can be compounded by lack of sleep and it's quite common for women to experience intrusive thoughts of harming their baby. Often these thoughts are accompanied by intense emotions of shame, horror and fear.

Clinical psychologist Dr Caroline Boyd specialises in intrusive thoughts and anger particularly around parenting.

Her new book ‘Mindful New Mum’ helps women find more head and heart space to transform those early years of parenting with compassion and kindness.

In this episode she explains how common these thoughts are and explains that research backs up the fact that when women feel ashamed and horrified it's a strong sign that they're not going to hurt the baby.

Caroline's new book 'Mindful New Mum' goes deep into this stuff and helps the reader manage the muddle of motherhood through mindfulness and meditation. For Emmeline's bookshelf Caroline recommends The Tigon and the Liger by Keilly Swift - a story about appreciating your differences and learning to love the skin you're in.

Warning: in this episode we talk about depression, anxiety, and unwanted, intrusive thoughts including harming babies.

If you are in the UK and struggling with unwanted intrusive thoughts or are experiencing any other mental health challenges, please do speak to a trusted health professional or your GP who can refer you to further support.

The PND charity PANDAS is a great resource with a free helpline as well as free email and text support.

Or you can contact Samaritans whose 24hr free helpline as well as email and in person support options.

Or text the word 'SHOUT' to 85258 to start a conversation with a trained Shout Volunteer, who will text you back and forth, sharing only what you feel comfortable with.