PND - the next chapter

[natsyloo]

Morning,

The lovely people on this thread helped to get me through a v severe bout of pnd nearly four years ago and I'm really grateful for that. I wanted to reassure those of you in the thick of the horrors of pnd that there is light at the end of the tunnel. While it brought me to my knees for nearly a year, my life is v different to back then. My DS is 4, after agonising about my feelings for him I can firmly say that we share a v special bond. I also started a charity for families affected by pnd and it's continuing to flourish. I can without doubt say experiencing pnd was by far the toughest challenge of my life and took me v close to the edge. With medication, CBT and more latterly mindfulness I have come through it and learned a lot of coping techniques. I am now expecting baby no 2 in a few months...not sthg I EVER expected back then. I'm excited and scared. It may come back, it may not, but either way I know in my heart that I will cope. Thank you all and remember that through your darkest days there is always someone out there feeling the same. You are never alone.

[inthewoods4]

Hi Natsyloo, what an amazing post!! Thank you so much for sharing this. I'm in a very similar situation, had PND nearly 4 years ago and now expecting no. 2(very early days) I've also had relapses of anxiety/depression since getting over PND so I'm very nervous too xx

[natsyloo]

Hi inthewoods4, thanks for your message and congrats on your news. It is scary facing the prospect again but I'm determined not to let pnd stand in the way of having a sibling for DS. I reassure myself that I came back from the worst time ever and that has given me real confidence. It's good to know others in a similar situation..esp for moral support :-) Take care of yourself.xx

[natsyloo]

Apols for bumping this post. Anyone else had or experiencing pnd & foundit was or is exacerbated by stress from parents or MIL? Last time they both stopped talking to me for a time when my DS was v young as I asked them not to crowd me & they took offence. They know all about my pnd but now baby no 2 is due in 4 wks they're already competing over who will mind DS1 while I'm in hosp & discussing visiting hrs! Feel annoyed that they appear to be putting themselves first. Wondering if I'm overreacting?

[inthewoods4]

I don't think you're overreacting at all! This time I'm going to limit visitors until a few days later, even a week. I hated being so swamped last time, I'll never forget just wanting to be alone. X

[natsyloo]

Thanks...just feel so overwhelmed when parents and outlaws start to take over. Sounds silly but I revert to feeling like a child when I'm the wrong side of 35!! X

[natsyloo]

Ps..baby is due in 4 months not 4 wks (baby brain)..so I feel all this is a tad premature!!