Postpartum mental health

[Mary9011]

Hi ladies
I had a child 3 years ago and developed PTSD after a traumatic birth. Hypnotherapy really helped with reducing the replay/intrusive thoughts and the poor sleep has improved a lot too, but 3yrs on I still have overwhelming bouts of anxiety, and irritability. I never had mental health issues before the birth. How can I sepparate PTSD from postnatal depression/anxiety? Or is it neither and its the perimenopause? Who is the best healthcare professional to go to for help? I just dont know where to start. Has anyone else had a similar experience? I feel like i'm having to figure it all out alone.

I'm sorry to hear all of this. Have you expressed this to your GP? There are perinatal teams but they usually only offer support up to a year after birth. There are mental health services available through the NHS, mostly cbt based, called talking therapy. I think reviews on that are mixed but I found it helpful personally. Then there is private therapy, which I have also done and probably found most helpful. SRIs can also really help manage symptoms to support progress in therapy. But your first port of call is the GP. And try to be as honest as possible, even if it feels silly or embarrassing.

Good luck to you. You're not alone, even if it feels like it.