PND. How and when did yours start and how long did it take to get better?

[LastHope30Something]

Posting here for traffic. Struggling with mental health at the moment and had a baby last year. Defo had undiagnosed antenatal depression (and let’s be real have had boots of depressive slumps throughout my life). Coming to terms with what I went through during pregnancy and finding it hard to regulate my smotions, struggling with motivation, feeling like I’m an angrier person, having outbursts and bouts of anxiety over stupid things in the future. Hoping things will settle soon. If you had postnatal depression when did yours start and when did it get better?

Mine did once I returned to work and felt the return of an identity outside of child-rearing. Being able to put my needs first for a couple of hours a day really helped.

Have you spoken to your HV or GP about how you feel? You don't need to hope that things will get better - there are things they can do to support you (medication, talking therapy, baby groups for other mums with PND etc). It's hard reaching out but it will be worth it in the long run.💐

2 years

Medication helped me.

Medication helped. But mainly once I went back to work and had my identity as an individual and not just a mum back

Same

A long time ago now, my kids are 30s.. they were close in age..I had reoccurring PND after each, so probably 4-5 yrs severe to the point of hallucinations. Then another couple before I felt remotely 'normal'.

I had little help, beta blockers initially, and then antidepressants. No other help. Was told if I wanted help, social services would be involved, and DH was 'brought up' in 'care' brutally abused So absolutely not.
I just had to get on with it, but I've never enjoyed parenthood.

Same as pp mine got better when I returned to work at 9 months. It was 12 years ago and I remember my first day back at work as if it was yesterday. I sat at my desk and had a cup of tea…. A whole one…. While it was still hot…. And then after about a week back at work I remember laughing for the first time in ages. I hadn’t realised how depressed / anxious I actually was until I got better.

go easy on yourself op! Don’t put too much pressure on yourself.You will adjust.