I think I have PND. Do I have to see my GP?

[Florencenotflo]

I think I have PND. Actually my DH thinks I have it, and now he's mentioned it I think he's probably right. Do I need to see the GP? What will they do? My Husband is great and is an amazing support, we have lots of family support available (if I was to ask).

I feel like a bit of a fraud because I can't pinpoint anything I actually want 'help' with which makes it harder.

I've bonded really well with dd2 who is 10 weeks but I just feel a bit useless a lot of the time. I don't feel like a very good mum to either of my girls at the moment and they deserve better. It takes all my energy to function and get the basics done (like getting up, dd1 breakfast, dressed and to nursery). If I didn't have them to look after I think I could honestly curl up in bed and never leave.

DH has mentioned PND because I've got no desire to see people, I just want to be on my own (and have been turning down invitations from friends to go out with the kids and putting off visitors too). I didn't think there was anything wrong with this but seeing it written down all together maybe there is.

So after all that waffle, is there actually anything the gp can do or will I just snap out of this in a few weeks?

I don't have much advice/knowledge but please don't feel a fraud.
I wish I'd gone to my GP as I'm sure I had PND but like you I didn't have anything specific I could pinpoint it to so I didn't and I struggled through and now I'm suffering SO badly with anxiety and other MH issues.
People don't always realise how difficult and life changing having a baby is. It may help to write down bullet point of why and when you feel the way you do? And take your DH with you so he can discuss too - he sounds a gem. Please look after yourself and book an appointment. Xxxx

I have no idea if this is PND but I was feeling pretty crap after DS was born and I went to see my GP who was great but said they didn't think I had PND. Honestly go and see them, it can only do good.

Be kind to yourself xx

I would say if it's enough for your DH to mention it then it's worth at least speaking to the Gp, they may give you coping methods and keep an eye on you.
I waited until 9 months and really regret putting it off so long
I bonded with my DD, that was never an issue, it was almost a feeling of loving her so much that I was letting her down and failing her because I would never been good enough for her

See your gp, they can prescribe anti depressants or refer you for therapy. You can also contact your health visitor if you prefer and they can help you access support services. Please do see someone, it's much more likely to get better with a bit of help.

I've got my 6 week check tomorrow (had to cancel the first one because dd1 was ill, DH was away) so I'll mention it tomorrow.

@jent85 hope you're ok. He's working tomorrow so can't come with me.

@rollon2020 exactly. I've bonded really well with dd2 and I think I always though PND typically meant you didn't bond with your baby, but I love her so much. But I feel like I'm failing her, like she deserves better. And so does dd1. She's coped amazingly with all the changes but now she's got a mum that doesn't want to go out, who doesn't do fun things with her.

I honestly thought that too, I do think it's a common misconception, but speaking to the gp really helped.
I did go on ADs for 6 months and feel so much better for it, I hated the idea of tablets but I really did feel like a fog lifted and I enjoy my time with DD so much more

Good luck tomorrow, I feel like it's easier said than done, but do be honest with the HV x

OP when I was diagnosed with pnd I didn't have any concerns about bonding with ds, I loved him dearly from the very second I met him. I felt utterly incompetent though, and like a failure because I found everything so so hard, I was mentally and physically exhausted just trying to do the basics. It felt like I was stuck in treacle sometimes. I also struggled to keep my temper under control, and my emotions were all over the place. I thought ds deserved a mum who could cope without shouting at everyone or crying all the time. Anti depressants helped for me, as did stopping taking the contraceptive pill.

There are specialist perinatal mental health services. They will try to see you quickly. You deserve to get help. x