Is it PND if diagnosed around a year postnatally?

[CulturalBear]

My son is nearly 1. I'm depressed. I've been there before. I know what it feels like to sit in the dark corner with the window blinds down and eyes set to teary.

I hate my job. Detest it. I don't get a huge amount of emotional support from my partner (he doesn't understand emotions therefore won't discuss them). I love my son to bits but when I'm not at work I'm itching to get some 'me' time away from him.

I'm dreading his first birthday - I feel like I could crumble at any moment. I'm teary and anxious and I don't enjoy anything.

Could this be PND or normal depression? Am I just having a natural reaction to the upcoming anniversary of a crappy birth and a very tough year?

My friend was recently diagnosed with PND at about a year with her second DC but she had a lot of other stuff going on that may have been a factor. It maybe a natural reaction but it's worth seeking help whatever the cause. Birthdays and anniversaries of significant events can sometimes raise memories and emotions, hope you get some help and support soon.

Thanks. Thing is, I genuinely don't know what can be done. There's no way I'd ever consider ADs, and I expect there's a typical 8 month waiting list for CBT or whatever it is the NHS have adopted.

These problems could also be partially hormonal - my AF recently returned with, seemingly, a grudge to bear after such an extended absence.

Cultural bear .have you got frds around from whom you can take emotional supoort .
If you are fighting on both ends a crappy job which you hate and birth which was not smoothe is natural tobe sad . What is the solution is the main option . Find something that makes you happy and relax in the present situation . Like for even if I spend some time out in a coffee shop that composes me .CBT Is very helpful to be honest I have done one but the answers came from my mouth only .
Hope this helps

It can still be classed as pnd but if it continues after the child is no longer a baby 12-18m then it is called depression. Much depends on its origins. The fact that you hate your job, lack family support, need more time for you may show there are other factors? A HV or a gp would be a good person to talk to for support if you not seen them. I think your child may be too old for you to be referred to a peri natal mental health team but you can still access pnd support groups that your HV can refer you to if any in your area or as you say the usual NHS short term talking therapies or medication. Sadly no medication can change jobs or people but some find them helpful to change their jobs or be more accepting of their situation of not wishing to change things perhaps.

cultural just offering support. I am in a similar predicament (just written my own thread on this forum). I am pretty sure mine is depression linked to situation (no job, lack of family support, difficult relationship). I just don't see how things will get better tho - am considering anti deprrssants however as I am trying for number 2 I just don't know if I can take them... I do think they numb you out though and don't address the 'real' problems. I have relationship issues but i think its more to do with the fact i feel stuck at home with my son and little outside contact other than mums - I used to be very independent so missing that - is so hard to know what to do!

hugs