Scared - depression

[emmajoy93]

I have had depression well before motherhood. I'm 6 months into being a mum and worrying I may have it again. I'm scared if I go to the doctors social services will get involved.

[TipsyMcStaggers]

Please don't worry. My DD is also 6mo and I've got pnd. I'm on a low dose of antidepressants and starting counselling. Please speak to your gp or hv, pnd is so common and they can help nothing at all has been mentioned about ss. I think people would only contact them if they were concerned about the child's welfare. Hope you're ok x

[kalidasa]

If you have been depressed before you are at greater risk of PND, and 6 months is a classic time for it. It is very common and your GP/HV will be used to dealing with it. SS do not get involved just because a mother is depressed - on the contrary, seeking help for your depression is the responsible thing to do for your child's sake as well as your own.

I had v. bad PND after DS was born but made a full recovery.

[NanaNina]

Oh Emma it makes me SO sad that so many young moms with PND are afraid to go to the GP because of social services. I am a retired social worker/manager with 30 years experience in Children's Services. PLEASE believe me there is NO way social services are going to get involved because you are depressed.....no way at all.....I can remember a time when they might have offered some support, but not now - they are totally inundated with child protection issues and overwhelmed with work. In any event there are thousands of people suffering with depression and caring for young children, you only have to look at this mental health thread.

SO please see your GP - as Kalidasa says - you are at greater risk if you have had a previous episode of depression. There are ADs you can take while breast feeding I think. Next week is going to be mega busy at GP surgeries as there is a lot of illness about, so maybe wait till mid week to make an appointment, but please make sure you do, so that you can get the help you need.

There is a special thread for PND as well I think so you could have a look at that.