Verge of breakdown

[duskmum]

I know many parents have it a lot harder than me but I just feel like I'm on the verge of a breakdown.

My LB is 15 weeks and has a milk allergy and reflux. He is now teething badly and I think he is going through a sleep regression.

I have had a feeling a might have had a bit of PND but never seen anyone about it. Ever since I've given birth I've had ups and downs and lots of crying. But then I have really good days and think I've got a handle on things.

Recently it's been bad as my LB is whingey a lot and cries a lot due to the teething. We have changed his milk loads of times and things still aren't working. My OH isn't the best about talking about feelings and when I cry he doesn't know what to do. I'm very sleep deprived too. My mum is helpful but she just says I should get on with things and I should do this and that without realising how hard I'm finding things.

I really do feel like I'm close to having a break down. I try to put on a face to everyone but inside I'm really not coping. Anyone been in a similar place? How did you cope?

[duskmum]

Anyone?

[Mumelie]

So sorry to hear your struggling with your LB and lack of support. Please go and see your GP or HV about how you are feeling. Do you have anyone else who could give you a break for a few hours? I know how all consuming a new baby can be x

[duskmum]

Thanks mumelie. I might ring the HV tomorrow. Can't go on like this. He's asleep on me atm so tired but cries when I put him down :(

I do have support my mum has him a few hours per week to give me and the OH a break. Although she couldn't cope with him this week and had to give him back early!!
Now my MIL has him for a few hours on one day during the week. It's lovely for the help but I'm still struggling.

[ProfessorPreciseaBug]

How much of what you are feeling is simple fatigue and exhaustion?

Depression and fatigue are very similar, except that depression doesn't go away when you start to get some rest and sleep.

That apart I haven't had any children so I am sorry I can't help with any PND issues. Wishing you all the best regardless. Please keep posting. It can help to know someone is listening.

[MagicChanges]

I'm no medic but I honestly think you are describing PND. I know that the tiredness and lack of sleep and exhaustion that comes with a new baby can make you feel wretched, but you sound like it's more than that and you've not got anyone looking out for you really. OH doesn't seem that interested and your mother is not empathetic either.

I'm sure other young mums will be along soon (I'm a GM) to talk to you about PND but please contact your HV or GP - and tell them exactly how you are feeling - you aren't going to be telling them anything they haven't heard hundreds of times before. PND is very common - and one third of all GP consultations are mental health related. If you do in fact have PND there are ADs you can take while breast feeding. Sometimes it's a good idea to write down all your symptoms in a list (don't think "Oh I can't put that - it sounds silly) include everything and use it as an aide memoir or hand it to the GP. Most of us burst into tears once we are with the GP but that's OK as that's a symptom of depression. I don't have PND just common or garden depression but it's a bugger to be sure.

Now go and get some help before you get any worse. There will be brighter times ahead.

[ChocolateForAll]

Definitely go to see your GP as soon as you can. PND is no joke but it is very treatable and you'll be amazed at how much better/able to cope you'll feel with the right treatment. You can and will get better