Post Natal Depression- just been diagnosed... glass of wine needed!

[LPO]

I was diagnosed with PND this afternoon after having my bloods checked and everything being clear there.
I cry almost everyday, mainly due to my self confidence being lower than zero (why does my fiancé want to marry me when i look like this?). But also because my 7 month old is VERY clingy at the moment and is teething big time so needs me more and more.

I have been prescribed Fluoxetine and another herbal remedy to help with stress. Took my first dose this evening followed by a glass of wine and a pizza!
My partner works very long hours so i'm on my own every night which doesn't help. I had drs appointment at 4pm and he hasn't even phoned to check all is ok!
I live in Belgium and my families in England which is also not easy.

anyway, anyone else in a similar boat or have advise to make me

[IBlameThePMT]

Hiya, I just spottted your post and didnt want it to go unanswered. Im sorry to hear you have been diagnosed with PND, altho at least you are now being treated for it. I am on anti-depressants too and it took a while to kick in but they have done a brilliant job and I feel pretty much normal now (which I hadnt done for a long time) so hopefully they will help you too. I expect you will find that your self esteem improves for one thing. You really will have to accept that your fiance wants to marry you because he loves you and no one really looks as awful as they feel (probably not even me!!)

Have to say tho, being isolated and feeling lonely combined with a clingy demanding baby is hell. Its no surprise you feel low, it is really hard going. But things will get better. I have 2 now, and second time around with clingyness etc I do at least now know that it is a phase that will pass. It sort of helps to know that!

Anyway, I do hope you start to feel better soon and dont be hard on yourself in the meatime.

[GibberingGinger]

Sorry to hear you are feeling so low, but at least you are doing the right thing and have been to the doctors. I was diagnosed with PND about 6 months after my DD was born, and started on citalopram which I found really helped.

I also think it gets easier as they start to get a bit older. I found the 6 month stage really tough. All your energy reserves have gone and the new baby flush of excitement has gone. But it does get better. It sounds like a cliche but it does. Try to get out at least once every day. Walk to the shops. Go for a coffee. Also try and find some baby groups in your area. Its tough at first walking into a baby group as you feel everyone knows each other, but most people are really friendly. They are all in the same boat as you! Some just seem to hide it better than others.

Try not to be too hard on yourself. And remember, happy mummy makes happy baby, so if you get yourself into a better place (and the fluoxitine will help with this) then I'm sure your baby will relax a bit too and everything all round will be a bit easier

[Gmac2009]

Hi LPO I'm in a similar place as you just now. DP works all hours and I am very lonely with 7mo dd who is teething and clingy and I have an older ds who is also very demanding.
I have been told by other sufferers that this will pass, however bleak it feels.
I'm not in a position to offer advice as I've not taken any myself but I would say don't stay in the house. Make yourself get out for a walk and fresh air, make sure you talk to at least two other people besides your dp and baby every day.
I've just blown 250 on a Wii with Wii fit plus as I am too ashamed to go to a gym and couldn't afford it anyway. I've been repeatedly told that exercise is great for PND so I'm going to make myself do it.
I hope you find some relief and some friends to connect to.

[Peta100]

Heya, it all sounds very familiar i must say. When I first started on Citalopram i was convinced I'd be the first person they wouldn't work on, but be assured, anti-depressants DO work and u WILL get better. I feel nothing but sheer gratitude and relief that i went onto them when i did - I feel like I have my life back again!!

Hang in there, and try talk to others about how u feel - PND is a temporary condition, and apparently if it's straight PND u're getting treated for there is a 100% success rate.

[LPO]

Thank you for your advise and caring words.
DS is currently screaming at me but after a full day of him being in a foul mood I am now ignoring him for a few minutes while I eat chocolate and drink tea (it would be wine but have read the tablet packet and it says I'm not allowed!!!).
I actually seem even more tired and low today than yesterday, do the tablets make you go down before you go up???

[Peta100]

Yes alot of these anti-depressants can worsen the anxiety in the very beginning, it's an unfortunate side effect for people already living a nightmare. Just don't be afraid to go back to your GP.

I felt even more panicky, anxious and low after just 2 days of starting Citalopram. Went back to my GP and he gave me Diazepam (like Valium) which certainly took the edge off things! I was able to calm down while giving the AD's a chance to kick in.

And kick in they did!!

[Cloudspotter]

Good luck. Having a baby is a really lonely experience at times, made so much harder by your dp being away. And PND is so common that there's really no need to feel it is only you.

I love prozac and have been on them ages. they really work, and it is like coming out of a tunnel. Also when the kids get older, they do keep getting easier and easier.

x