Coping strategies for postnatal depression

[Winn16]

Hi mums. I've recently been diagnosed with post natal depression. Dd is 7 months and I was finding myself getting increasingly angry when she wouldn't settle for naps when she was clearly tired. Instead of feeding and sleeping she has been taking her dummy out and waving it around or rolling on to her front which worries me as I can't leave her to fall asleep like that. Anyway this week got so bad I decided I couldn't cope anymore and that the best thing to do was for me to leave her and my husband. I had a bag packed ready to go with no idea where and a was crying harder than I ever remember doing. So, have been to Gp etc and thought I would make contact on here to speak with other mums who are or have been through this and maybe discuss some strategies that might help me find my "mummy joy" again.

[KatyN]

Try giving yourself one little thing to do everyday. For me it was walking to the park and feeding the ducks. Once I'd done that everyday for a week I felt able to do a bit more.
Some parts of parenting are flipping tough. And I think 'we' put on a brace face and pretend everything is rosy. Do you have any friends you can talk honestly to? I had a couple and just saying how freaking exhausted I was made it valid. My mum used to ask every day how my daughter slept. It seems silly but just her acknowledging that I'd been up all night made a huge difference.
Also try and have some non-mummy joy. Some time being you. Maybe some time being a couple again. Those first few months are such a battle itMs easy to forget what you enjoy
And finally.. the 1st birthday is meant to be a celebration for YOU because you've done the horrendously hard bit. Honestly once you get through that you'll get more sleep, have more time, have a child who can communicate and actually be fun to be around. It's not like everything is suddenly brilliant but it does get significantly easier
Hang in there, kxx

[LadyNymeriaGhost]

I'm here too. I had it with my first, and have it again with my second. I have moments where I wish we'd never had him. Well, long stretches, not just moments.
You are not alone. It is the illness talking. Things will get better. We just need to have an endless supply of patience.

[Judesmum16]

Hi. Unfortunately I can't offer you any advise, but I am also going through this so maybe I can offer some comfort in knowing youre not alone. I have two sons, my first born is my absolute world, and my second born who I cant even bare to be in the same room with. I feel sick when I hold him, I feel uncomfortable when he chances to look in my direction. I myself have thought about leaving, but I love my partner and my eldest too much. I've thought they would probably be better off without me, but I know I wouldn't be better off without them. So selfishly I'm still here. I feel guilty that I don't have that overwhelming love that everyone bangs on about but as he lies here next to me crying now I know I can't bring myself to comfort him. I too need help finding my "mummy joy".