Anger - Could I have PND?

[headintheproverbial]

I have name changed for this as I know several mnetters IRL. Naice ham, cutted up pear etc etc.

DD is 6 months old. I have a Reception aged child too. I think there might be something wrong - I've even made a GP appointment but just wondered if you'd think I'm being a time waster.

I'd say my main symptom is feeling 'on edge' or almost 'ready to pounce' most of the time. I get angry. Like properly fuming angry over stupid things. My husband bears the brunt of this - I feel like I'm always cross with him. My 4 year old is also getting shouted at a lot. To be fair, he's a normal 4 year old and so there is a lot of faffing and not listening but it seems to take so little for me to be shouting at him. I have felt like smacking him although I haven't and would never do this. I've even felt anger towards my baby - for example if she isn't sleeping when she should be. That's just bonkers - she's a baby and they don't always sleep! Sometimes the rage I feel is scary and overwhelming. My husband works long hours and I am often alone with the children from 7.30am until after they are both asleep. It's a long day.

A few days ago I just suddenly thought: this isn't right. I'm on edge, I feel almost in fight or flight mode. I'm not sad or scared which is what I would usually associate with PND but something definitely feels out of kilter.

Does anyone have any experience of this and what might I expect my GP to do?

[NolongerAnxiousCarer]

I've not got any personal experience, but it's definately worth discussing with youtr GP and HV. Your GP will probably ask you some questions and get you to fill in a standard questionnaire which will then help them fdecide whats the best thing to do.

[YouCantCallMeBetty]

Sounds tough OP and you're doing long days on your own. Anger can be part of depression but isn't always so well captured by the standard symptom questionnaires. You could look up the Edinburgh PND scale online and score yourself to see what you think then use this as basis for discussion with GP or HV.
Also sounds like could be anxiety, that can often manifest as anger and key symptoms are being on edge, being irritable and 'ready to pounce'. Consider whether you've experienced anything you'd describe as traumatic in recent past as those kinds of feelings can be triggered by trauma as well and leave you feeling angry and hyper vigilant.
Basically, yes talk to someone and hope you get some support.

[RiceButt]

I have experienced similar. Not necessarily feeling down or low all the time but rage and anger that just comes from no where. It's really frightening and I don't recognise the person during these outburst, it's like a red mist descending. I was so frightened by my behaviour I went to the GP who diagnosed PND.

Support is available should you chose to seek help. I empathise with your situation, however I don't have the added stress of having an elder DC, so it must be hell for you.

[ButtMuncher]

This is identical to how I felt at the six month mark when my DS was born. I felt on edge and angry, moody, really argumentative and just constantly clouded by something.

I was diagnosed with PND but by around the 8/9 month mark I felt a lot better. Going back to work helped it too as I realised I wasn't getting enough head space.

Much love - it will pass

[NeonFlower]

Could be. Was there any trauma around for you? Anger can be a symptom of PTSD.

[Naughty1205]

PND made me like this. Rage, low tolerance level, angry all the time, ready to snap, irritable as all hell. Medication really helping

[Imonlyfuckinghuman]

I could have wrote this.

Be very wary of what you tell your gp. I know it sounds shoulda shit but exercise got me though this. Very ragey fast walking really helped.

good luck x

[headintheproverbial]

Thank you all.

No trauma that I can think of. We did have a week long hospital stay after DD was born as she was jaundiced. I felt helpless and very anxious during that time and of course desperately missed my son. But nothing I'd describe as traumatic.

[headintheproverbial]

If the GP was to suggest medication, does anyone know whether these types of drugs are safe in breastfeeding?

[YouCantCallMeBetty]

Yes there are some that are considered safe enough. Thousands of women take anti depressant meds during pregnancy and/or bf. Your GP should know which ones or be able to seek specialist advice if unsure.
Good luck

[movingtowardsthelight]

Yes. I suffered horribly from PND with my second baby. I soldiered on regardless.

I remember all I felt was irritation and feeling angry. There didn't seem to be anything of the real me left. It robbed me of the first 9 months of my baby's life.

I sought help after a friend pointed out this wasn't normal. After only a few days on my meds I recall looking at the gardens holding my baby and thinking about planting lavender, looking forward, with a happiness. It was the first happy thought I'd had in a very long time.

We got though it, but yes, you could have it. Go and talk to your GP or health visitor.

Best wishes.