Antenatal/postnatal depression
Is it worth seeing a doctor-possible PND?
firsttime17 · 26/07/2018 09:32
Hi everyone, so I have a 6 month old DS who I love more than anything but for the last 1/2 months I've not been feeling myself. Some days I wake up and have this permanent dread take over me that I've got look after my little one alone until my partner comes home from work, I find myself running out of patience when he refuses to nap or is whinging and I have to put him in his cot and just have 2 minutes alone to get myself together again. Then other days I feel numb and don't feel like getting me or the baby dressed, don't go out and won't do any housework as I just have the "what's the point" attitude towards everything. I didn't enjoy my pregnancy, there was no reason as to why as everything went smoothly and so did the birth but I didn't enjoy it, I had an easy birth too. I've found that my DS isn't easy, he never sleeps, he has a cows milk allergy so he had terrible eczema from about 8 weeks old which obviously made him uncomfortable, he won't be handed to anyone other than me or sometimes my partner, I know babies aren't easy but I just feel like mine is exceptionally difficult.
Do you think it sounds like depression and I need to see a doctor? Or do I need to pull myself together and step up... thank you for reading this and please share any stories xx
ratbaggy · 26/07/2018 19:33
You need to see a doctor.
These feelings will only get worse.
I felt exactly the same as you but just thought this is what a new mum was supposed to feel like due to lack of sleep etc etc. It's not!
A doctor may prescribe you anti depressants and/or CBT therapy. I did both and it got me out of this low you describe.
I was on the tablets for a year and they really boosted me, brought me back my joy and motivation and most importantly the happiness I had lost for being a mum.
I found it easy to come off the pills as was on a low 10mg dose but my god they transformed my world.
Good luck!
firsttime17 · 26/07/2018 21:25
Thank you so much for replying! I thought I was being silly and going to waste the doctors time... will make an appointment x
Stroller15 · 26/07/2018 21:28
Please see a GP OP, there is a lot of help available. Take it easy on yourself 
daughterofanarchy · 29/07/2018 15:23
Please see a doctor as soon as possible. I had severe PND (I wa suicidal) and I missed out on my daughters early years (it hit me pretty much soon after she as as born. She is now nearly five years old and I have a five month old) I didn’t seek proper Help until she was two. I wish I had sought help earlier. Have had it again with this second baby but not as severe and this time I am not suicidal.
ewanthenondreamsheep · 30/08/2018 13:51
Hi @firsttime17 I just noticed this thread after recently starting something similar - I’m experiencing the same feelings as you describe and also have a 6mo.
I went to the doctor who was lovely and prescribed citalopram and referred me for CBT. I’ve only just started the medication - despite me not wanting to take them I’d rather try them than leave things to potentially get worse.
firsttime17 · 30/08/2018 15:11
I totally forgot to come back and update you- hate it when posters do this so I'm sorry! I went to see a doctor and she pre scribed anti depressants and also put me in touch with a counsellor. Speaking to someone who isn't a family member or friend has helped me immensely as I don't have to worry about feeling judged as she's pretty much a stranger just with good advice. I've held off taking the anti depressants and so far feel like I can just about cope without taking them. Thank you to everyone who messaged it really means a lot x
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