To not be happy with my GP reaction to depression?

Two years ago though.

There is a great charity called APNI (association for post natal illness) who offer phone support from mums who have been through the same. Give them a call.

THIS THREAD IS 2 YEARS OLD. Why have you resurrected it?

So you are upset because they didn't say what you wanted to hear?

Tbh I'd be glad that they were suggesting ideas as it's easy to be put on the pills and then be forgotten about except a call once a year to ask if all is well. If your depression is bad that ain't going to help.

I get it. I have memories of bawling my eyes out while exercising for my depression. I knew it was supposed to help but I was more seriously depressed than anyone realised. I’ve had to go back on anti depressants recently as things were deteriorating and, as much as I dislike being on them, the drugs work for me. Losing interest in hobbies and interests is a clear sign for me that all is not well.

I’d go back and say you don’t feel it is enough and not helping, ask what options are available for therapy or counselling and/or anti depressants and go from there.

Zombie thread

Postpartum depression is a difficult issue. You may have that and you need medication for it. I had it with my son second child and I didnt get medical help with it and I had long term difficulty pulling out of it. Take care. Hope you feel better.

Hi @foxcote90 , i had PND with both my kids and although it was fairly dramatic for me, i didn't get great medical support(like many women) plus it took a different form each time.The bit in your post that stands out to me is this : "Also, because I have been working since baby was born, I've realised I have become very detached. Until very recently I genuinely think I would have struggled to identify her in a line up and although I breastfeed I've really struggled to register the cuddles and time I have with her""". Bonding is important to both you and your kids health and future relationships ( i have had to do a lot in later years to try and recompense for being emotionally "absent") so I think you are right to feel that your concerns aren't being taken seriously. It's worth investigating what else is available for mums with PND in your area - check in with your HV as they may know; also in some areas, charities operate that give counselling/other support. It might be that you just need some support outside the home to process events; if you are a busy working parent your brain might have switched into auto-pilot to cope with your day to day situation but this can likewise push out time to understand your feelings and experiences.

OP if your baby's almost 1 self-refer for therapy now. They class you as perinatal until 1 and will prioritise and fast track you. My GP told me it was a 6 month wait. The mental health service contacted me the same day as I self referred. Probably about 4 hours later. This was the week before DD turned 1.

My GP was the opposite and I felt all they suggested was antidepressants and I was so against going on them that I kept fighting it and getting worse and more anxious and more depressed. When I finally gave in and went on a low dose of sertraline it changed my life. Literally changed everything. They don't make me feel like a zombie, quite the opposite. I feel so much more engaged and I enjoy my children so much more x

Postnatal depression is usually taken far more seriously. I don’t know what’s going on here.

Getting to that point in depression where you’re feeling detached is quite a significant one, IMO, and it’s at that point that I found medication helped find a way back out again.

At a minimum you should be referred for talking therapies and, depending on the age of your baby, for postnatal mental health support too.

Please don’t be put off by dismissive responses on here or from your GP. Arrange to see a different GP or speak to your health visitor.

When you start feeling better again you will be so glad of it.

@foxcote90

There is, usually in the form of counselling. Paying privately is the best and quickest option just make sure you find someone accredited, too many counselling cowboys around these days.

There are many tools you can add to your kit. I am sure your GP will prescribe if you’re persistent but overall his approach is the right one initially.

@lljkk

Yes you’re right. The book spark for your brain goes into this in huge detail. Most people think it relates to the immediate high you might feel after exercise. This is true but engaging in regular exercise actually changes the structure of your brain over time and balances many neurotransmitters whilst increasing seretonin over the longer term etc. I’m certainly guilty of angrily dismissing exercise but I’ve recently tried a consistent approach to exercise which I’ve never done before and I am having really positive results for my MH. The weight loss is just an added bonus.

My vague understanding is that what the GP is prescribing (outside, exercise) is more or effective than pills for depression in most people. And brings wider benefits (not just in mood). It's worth a try.

OP, I'd try what the GP suggested before going on medication. By what you're said, you've got a massive load on your plate with two young children and running your own business. Added to which, you must be shattered! Can you reduce your workload (including household) so you have time for self-care?

You can also self-refer to your local NHS IAPT programme. It's therapy. (Google IAPT and your area)

It sounds like OP's PND is entirely different to yours.

It wasn't incorrect advice even if it could have been delivered differently.

You do need to make your own changes too.

When I had postnatal depression if I had a doctor say that to me it probably would have tipped me over the edge. Genuinely. Antidepressants saved my life at that time. If you aren’t happy I’d find another doctor who will offer you more help. For mild depression of course exercise helps but sometimes you need a bit more to get you going. Best of luck OP, I know how hard it is.

I tend to agree with your GP, medicine should t be the first go to for mild depression or low mood. Being outdoors and being active had proven positive effects of low mood and is far more beneficial long term than medication. I think it’s more you wanted a quicker easier option than she was offering without putting effort into your recovery which is quite often the case.

Your GP sounds good to be honest. I went to the GP with very similar circs when my two were very little. He gave very similar advice. On reflection I am very, very happy as I didn’t need antidepressants in the end. See how you feel in a few weeks ….

Exercise is always recommended for depression and low mood . It's about breaking the cycle aswell .

Mild to moderate depression is generally not medicated, so she was right to suggest lifestyle changes as these very often are enough.

I think you need to be a bit kinder to yourself.

You seem very focused on what you are not doing instead of the fact you are coping. No it's not perfect. Yes you could have more cuddles but I doubt your baby is even aware. You are meeting all of their needs in a loving way.

With two so close and a business to run it is about surviving. It's okay to admit it's totally relentless and not always picture perfect. Anyone who claims otherwise is lying.

That said time away from the house and work is vital. Is there any way you could take a day or two out? I have very fond memories of a cheap caravan holiday at a similar stage. It pissed down and there was no WiFi or signal. The bad weather was actually great as it removed the pressure that I should do something other than chill out. Not my house to clean so no looking round during the cuddles thinking 'i should do that'. Couple of swims, out for tea where chaos was the norm!

I think your bond with your youngest is much better than you think. You just don't have the luxury of time. Lock down removed a lot of the other normal life pressures and you only had one so of course it was different.

Can you try and build in nothing time to your schedule a bit more? I do agree that fresh air and a change of scene is a huge help when they are little.
Give it a couple of weeks and if none of that helps at all then do go back.