Did returning to work help with PND>

[petula]

I have returned to work part time following the birth of my 2nd child nearly 18 months ago. I have suffered from severe PNI which I am receiving treatment for. I really need to improve my self confidence and have returned to work this week. So far I feel really tired and a bit over whelmed really. Has anyone found that returning to work helped with their PND??

[petula]

.

[ThePrisoner]

Can't give a definite "yes" to this as I had PND but didn't return to work - in retrospect, I think it could have been a lifesaver, so that I was no longer in the "mummy" role and felt as if I was being a bit more useful. I certainly wouldn't have gone back full-time, but a couple of days a week would have been nice.

[Skribble]

Yes it did for me, it wasn't so much a return as a comletly diferent job.

I was pretty much a recluse and would hardly speak to anyone, the job I got was only part-time, It involved a lot of customer care and working with all sorts of people. I had to step outside of myself and play the part. Once I put on the uniform I was me again and not just mummy. It made such a differance to me. Yes it was overwhelming and people don't know the other pressures you are under but I prefered that.

Good luck with whatever you end up doing but don't over do it though, you are not superwoman and you can't do everything .

[petula]

Thanks for the positive messages. I am only working 3 mornings a week, 15 hours in total. I have been doing well on my recovery but having been to work today I am feeling anxious this evening for no reason. I suppose I am worried about relapsing. Luckily I have a really supportive family who help me with my children etc. I just want to be the old me again and hope that my returning to work I can achieve this.

[Skribble]

I found also that I was restless and unsetteled in the evenings. I started walking, some nights I would head out for a walk as soon as DH came in. It is a great release and was better than biting DH's head off as soon as he got in. I explained what I was doing and why. I got so into it that I even started jogging. Walking or running either way it is a great mood lifter.

[lazycow]

definitely worked for me

[slug]

A total lifesaver for me. I will forever be grateful to my inlaws who took dd for two afternoons a week when she was only 3 month old. They saved my sanity.

[FairyMum]

Yes, had PND after having my first and it lifted when I returned to work. I hope it does for you too

[scatterbrain]

Yes definitely !!! Part of my PND was I think boredom - I just wasn't cut out to go to toddlers groups and endless chit-chat with women I had nothing in common with (other than a child !).

It saved my sanity by giving me back the sense of WHO I am rather than WHAT I am (ie, a mum) - it's nice to be ME again and to be valued for something ! Also love not having to have 5 yr old conversations all the time ! Really not my cup of tea !

On the flip side though - I now feel guilty that a childminder picks my dd up from school, guilty that she has to go to playschemes for much of her holiday and guilty that I can't do playdates at home very often ! Oh and very tired obviously !

But - PND has gone !