PND: anyone cut their maternity leave short in order to recover?

[Verso]

I have recently been diagnosed with PND after my second baby (had it with my first as well but thought that was due to her traumatic birth). I am finding maternity leave really really difficult and long to go back to work. Whilst I know I would feel guilty if I did so, I think it might be better for my mental health and by extension for my DDs as well.

I felt much MUCH better once I went back to work after DD1 - but the thought of struggling on for another three months (I've said I will return in June) fills me with sheer dread. Does anyone else have similar experience?

(By the way - it's probably not even possible for me to go back sooner as DD2's nursery place doesn't start for another couple of months!)

How do I get through the maternity leave part? How do I survive? It's awful. I hate it!

[bradsmissus]

My sympathies. I suffered with mild PND with my second baby and, like you, longed to go back to work. I discovered that I am a creature of habit and need the stucture of a working week to help me get through.

Is there any way you can return for very few hours to begin with?

I too felt much better once I went back to work after 5 months. Looking back, I'm really glad of the time I had with DS.

Is there anything else you can do that offers you the stimulation and structure that work provides? Not sure what? Will it get a bit easier now the weather is cheering up? More chance of getting out and about.

Sorry, not much help, just wanted to say you're not alone! Hope you can work something out.