Confused by GP visit RE PND

[illhaveashiraz]

I have been to the doctors today because I've been feeling very low since I had my baby eight months ago. I have intrusive thoughts and replay things that I have seen in films and TV shows and magazines in my head all day. I am also on a very short fuse and really really panic when I'm going to be on my own with the baby for a long period of time. Sometimes I shout at my other son and I just feel like the worst person in the world. I have good days too but when I have bad days they are really bad.

I'm not sure what to make of my GPs response. He said all parents get those thoughts and being a parent is physically and emotionally draining for everybody. You have to just try and force them out of your mind. I explained to him that I have been doing that for last 8 months. He said you sound like you might have postnatal depression and you should've come in sooner. I said I know I didn't though because of everything what you have just said and I was thinking the same too.

He said he will send the health visitor round and recommended that I have a "girly chat" with a friend or family member. And to go back into weeks for a follow-up appointment.

My problem is I don't really want to speak to a friend or family member about it, I don't want everyone knowing and I know they all say the same to me like he just said, it's hard for everyone and snap out of it.

Not sure what to do next really?

That sounds like an unhelpful response. He has basically told you it is nothing (everyone feels like that) and a big deal that you should have come in sooner about. You need more than a girly chat if you have PND. I think you need to see another professional, either your Health Visitor or another GP. I hope you get the support you need.

I know

A girly chat though

I am not sure what I was expecting when I went to the doctors after feeling like this for eight months but that certainly wasn't it

In fact he made me feel a bit daft

It sounds like he has a really poor understanding of PND. Totally understandable it made you feel that way, but that is unacceptable. Please do speak to someone else and get the help you need. Otherwise there is a risk it will get worse. The Health Visitor could be a good person, they often have drop-in sessions you could go to, or request another GP? Does your partner or anyone know how you are feeling? I know you said you were worried family/friends wouldn't get it, but if you had someone supportive they might help you to fight your corner. Sorry that you are in that situation!

what an unhelpful response i know it's hard but ask for help from someone else, and keep asking until you find someone with empathy, they are out there