NC for this.
I’ve had PND and PTSD since the birth of my DC. I’ve tried medication - it hasn’t made any difference and GP has now advised to withdraw this. I’m BF so there’s no alternative medications I haven’t tried. I have been referred to peri natal mental health team but due to Covid they aren’t offering any of their normal groups / talking therapy services so all that’s available is Italk CBT over the phone - I’ve engaged with this and it’s finished and tbh although some helpful tools it hasn’t really made a big difference - you only get 6 sessions including assessment and I’ve used them.
My HV is supportive but again everything is cancelled due to Covid so there is nothing she can do but call me every 4 weeks.
My family are supportive but my mum had to sheild and 14 weeks of being in the house on my own without support and isolated myself due to circumstances (DP is a essential key worker and has been very busy at work and working long hours).
Life has spiralled and is desperately hopeless. I guess I’m lucky that I am bonded with my baby and I love him more than anything. I have dark times where I don’t want to be here anymore but I could never leave him and I know he needs me for milk, I literally sustain him so I know I have to get through this for him.
Am I being dramatic to think this pandemic has created a perfect storm for people already in a desperate situation / facing real life challenges and to the prevention of Covid has been prioritised above MH services which are going to be life saving / changing / essential to many many families.
My situation is not going to be unique and it terrifies me that there are families in crisis being left to their own devices because of Covid.
I agree Covid is serious and I actually think we should have locked down sooner / be doing more at time’s whilst recognising life must continue.
I’m lucky that my DP and family will drag me through the bad times even if I don’t want to drag myself. What about people without that support?