To not be happy with my GP reaction to depression?

[foxcote90]

So I spoke to the doctor a couple of weeks ago about my postnatal depression and she just told me that I need to go outside and exercise more. I don't know what I was expecting, but I suppose more help than that?!

Apologies in advance for the ramble and general brain dump...

I've had 2 babies in 18 months of each other - the youngest is now nearly 1. I'm self employed so in both cases had to go back to work within 3-4 weeks but part time ish and then build up from there.

The first was born in early lockdown and despite having to work with no extra childcare I really enjoyed that time.

When second was born we had childcare in place 5 days a week as both me and OH are self employed so couldn't take paid leave.

After 2nd birth all was great but over time I have felt more and more detached from real life and now I think of it, feel like I've just been in a haze for the past year. I've definitely struggled to find joy in situations and whilst I can easily engage with friends, I definitely don't feel like I am enjoying that time as much as normal.

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.

I said to my husband the other day that I definitely haven't had a years worth of cuddles which makes me desperately sad. Partly because I'm working but even when I'm there I'm not really 'there'.

2nd baby is also a terrible sleeper so I haven't had a full nights sleep since she was born - which i know is very common and not helping the situation

Also - TMI, sorry - after first baby, periods came back after 6 months and suddenly I felt back to my normal self. This time they came back at 3 months but I don't think the hormonal response came with it and I still feel really flat.

So after all of that, what I'd love to know is, is it NORMAL? Is my GP right and I just need to get outside and exercise more. She said she can prescribe pills but doesn't think I need it.

I don't know whether I should be calling her back and trying to push more or whether this is all normal and I should just take her advice.

Or should I be pushing for pills or something else?

If you have any similar experience I would really appreciate knowing what you've done. Thank you so much

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.

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.

Zombie thread

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.

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.

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

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

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.

Two years ago though.