How long after having a baby is it classed as PND?

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Hi

My ds is almost 3 and I think I may have depression. My HV thought I had it when I first gave birth and was really on my case - which made me pretend more that I was fine. I stopped going to see her in the end (I was always on the verge of tears, paarnoid about hurting my child, etc.) and she never contacted me.

However, now - after a few other things happening in my life - I am starting to feel that I have depression. I have blown a few things totally out of proportion (to the extent of talking to dh about giving up work and moving!) which, in a good momnent, I can see have been completely unnecessary.

I suppose it doesn't matter whether it is PND or normal depression - does it?

Sorry, not sure what I wanted to ask, just wanted to talk to someone who won't judge!

I had depression when DD was 3.5 and my diagnosing doctor said it was post-natal depression as it had clearly stemmed from having DD. Another doctor that I went to for a check up (See any doc in surgery) said that it wasn't post-natal as it was too long after DD.

I still believe that it was post-natal depression that I had just been ignoring and trying to belief wasn't happening.

Thanks Makingchanges. Does it really make any difference to ho it is treated? What happened to you? Where you taken seriously? I actually feel stupid going to the doctors ...

I was diagnosed when my dd was 3.5. The doctor did say it was pnd as it seemed to begin when my dd was about 6 months old. I guess it doesnt really mAtter but it's good to know what's triggered it I suppose.

Have you been to te doctors yet?

Hi, please don't feel stupid going to your GP. I am a specialist practitioner for PND and a mental health nurse. PND affects about 13% of women clinically, but in reality is more likely to be higher. Help starts when you speak to your GP and talking therapies are very effective.

If left this is unlikely to go away, but you should also ask your GP to run HB (iron) and Thyroid bloods as these are both common after birth and can cause similar symptoms (loss of interest in things, no energy, lethargy, tiredness, dizziness, anxiety).

the baby blues site opposite has some good info on it and there are things you can do such as increase your nutritional intake also. There are also some statements there from mums who have sought help.

I hope this is helpful?

Steve

Just an update (sorry for the delay). I didn't go to the GP. I spoke to a friend who told me she didn't think I was depressed as she knows someone who has depression and it made me feel bad that I was just feeling sorry for myself...

I seem to have things in perspective at the moment but I am aware that next time something goes wrong (work is usually a trigger, I work in a very political environment!) I will feel the same. I think I may just go to the GP then (would feel a fraud if I go now) and by-pass my friend and her opinions!

Thanks for your insight Steve. I will definately ask for those tests when I next feel like that.

Thank you all for replying to me. I am very grateful!