Do you think it's possible to work with mums with PND if you have suffered yourself?

[HappyBeeMe]

I suffered very badly with PND. I am well now, but have found a post (I am a nurse) working with women with peri/post natal depression.

A friend made me think that this role maybe isn't right for me as it would "push my trauma button".

What do you think?

I would think you would be better able to understand what the women you're supporting need as you have experienced it yourself.

Yes, this is what I thought. But hope I wouldn't feel an overwhelming responsibility.

I'm not sure. I had pnd for roughly 5 years and it's now a terrible, gripping anxiety 7 years after.
I don't think i could go there. All i could do is listen and offer to take baby for a walk in the buggy while mum gets some space.
That's what helped me. My Dad was an unexpected source of such help. I'll never forget that.
It could trigger you. Only you can decide.

Ugh, I hate not knowing how it will make me feel.

I can't give advice on your specific situation but I have two friends who went into fields that were related to traumas in their lives -one was in family law after a neglectful and abusive childhood. She is no longer in this field and found it very triggering and hard going. Another friend has gone into physiotherapy after needing a fuck tonne of physio as a child and young adult following an accident. She is very succuesful, and adores her work.

If you feel it's a vocation, then give it a go???

I had postnatal depression and my job involves working with women with postnatal depression. I don't feel traumatised at all. I find it deeply rewarding. If you feel drawn to this work it could be the right thing to do.

I had/have PND after my baby died and I now do a lot to help out with other women who have suffered a stillbirth or neonatal death as it helps me. I don’t find it triggering but I can see how for some people it would have the opposite effect.

I think it’s 50/50 - you’ll either find it triggering and traumatic and it will affect you or your experience will make it worthwhile, rewarding and you’ll love it. It’s very hard to tell. Personally given my own PND and anxiety I don’t think I could support others with it but I can see that someone else with my experiences could excel.

Could you ask to shadow someone who already works there for the day? Might not be so straightforward if you work for a different trust but worth an ask.

It's what I want to do when both my children are in school and I have some experience personally.

You'll need good supervision /mentoring but professionals always do working in mental health as it's tough going.