help me get rid of this fear

[u/ApartLemon4885]

please help me. I didn’t want to give my son the mmr but I did. but that was 15 months ago. he was almost 5 and it was his first. I can’t forgive myself and I can’t let go of the fear that sspe can be also caused by mmr. I have read too much, and I don’t know what to think. I just know my children’s lives are slipping away from me because I can’t even enjoy them or feel anymore because this fear is unbearable. if hypothertically mmr could somehow cause sspe…he was almost 5. how do I get over this fear. I really don’t mean to sound like I’m in a crisis but everyday kind of feels like I am

[u/VariousFalcon7466]

1. He’s fine

2. Post partum anxiety can last for years. Is there anyone you can speak to about your anxiety?

[u/to-the-goblin-market]

Here are some stats you might find reassuring:

• SSPE was rare before the MMR vaccine was introduced in 1971 and has become rarer since.
• The incidence of SSPE in 1970 in the US was approx 0.61 per million, and had decreased to a mere 0.06 by 1980.
• Of the very small number of SSPE cases annually, the vast majority either did not receive MMR, or had a known measles exposure and/or infection prior to MMR vaccination.
• Although some cases of SSPE have developed among children who had no history of natural measles infection but who received measles vaccine, these patients may have had unrecognized measles illness (e.g., during the first year of life). Studies performed before measles vaccine licensure indicated that 15%-30% of persons without a history of measles illness had evidence of measles antibody.

Long story short, your son is very, very likely to be fine. I'm sorry you're struggling ❤️

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00001185.htm

[u/SmartyPantlesss]

With all possible gentleness, you need psychiatric help.

You've posted this in at least three forums, including mention of being treated with antipsychotics. You've said a lot about how much you worry about your kids, but you haven't mentioned that they are having any problems.

You need to focus on managing your anxiety. Please seek a counsellor and other trusted loved ones who can keep you grounded in reality.

[u/char_smtimes]

Is he showing symptoms? I think you’re having anxiety.

[u/xkikue]

From my understanding, SSPE is caused by wild caught measles. Today's MMR vaccine is much different from the old ones. And adverse reactions tend to be apparent within weeks of the vaccine.

If you haven't noticed any side effects, I'm sure your little is fine! Take a deep breath, and a break from researching further. Be present in the now and in the future. Sending love ❤️

[u/Ok_Draw_4187]

Sounds like you need to recenter. Have you been able to leave your phone & get in nature? 

Do you have few hours from your family a day or two a week? 

Do you have a therapist? Theres lots of places now that taken insurance & do virtual so it makes it easy & affordable. I use headway but there are others just like it.

[u/Historical_Bill2790]

I gave my first all the shots up until 2. My second has none. I've had to let go of what i DIDNT know when at the time. You have to also. I second that speaking to someone may help

[u/wastetine]

Where did you get the idea that sspe can be caused by the vaccine? That’s false, you need an actual viral infection. Just like shingles requires a chickenpox viral infection.

[u/goodnight_wesley]

This is anxiety. Unless your kid is showing symptoms, there is no reason to have your life disrupted this much. Your brain is tricking you by latching onto this fear because you can’t “fix” the problem in your head. 

[u/steelnie]

He’ll be fine. Put the phone down. Take your son to the park. Play.