Help! Not sure what to do anymore.

[LynseyM]

Hi.Im 24 and have just had my first baby (DS 5 months old). Right now my life is completely upside down with family issues and I worry constantly.
I went to the doctors the other day and he said I have PND. It had never even occured to me that it might be depression. I dont sleep and often sit at the top of my stairs in tears,pathetic I know. I cant control myself and have no idea what the hell is wrong with me.
I always thought it was the shock of a new baby that would get you down but I love being a mum and I love spending time with my wee boy.
I am worried that because its my family that I stress over constanlty and not my home life, will it go away and will I feel better.
Doctor has prescribed me 6 sleeping tablets(which are bl*y great)but I can have no more as they are highly addictive. I have to makean appointment with him in twoweeks and also speak to my health visitor.

Ask your Health Visitor about counselling or therapy. I had PND and my HV helped me to access one free therapy session a week at my local hospital. Talking through my worries with a trained therapist really helped. If you're problems are with your family then you could probably do with somebody impartial to talk to. Please don't despair there is help out there and just because you are depressed it doesn't mean that you can't be a good, loving mum to your son. I've been there and it does get better. You're already doing the right thing by talking to your doctor and your health visitor. You're right about the sleeping pills though - probably best not to get too reliant on them. They are a short term fix and your sleep will improve once you start to deal with the issues that are making you unhappy. I was also given an antidepressant called citalopram which worked for me but you should discuss that with your doctor. Good luck.

Don't take medication i am a very experienced pnd sufferer and ended up in the priory through being prescibed junk medication from my gp. They just think they can give you tablets and you'll be ok. It doesn't work. My advice is get out your house every day, go swimming, go to toddler groups keep mega busy, fill your life with fun. Try to keep a positive outlook especially when you feel negative. Write lists of things your grateful for and pin them up. The way to fight this illness is in your head be inspired. You are not pathetic its caused by a hormone imbalance thats all. Tablets will mask it temporarily but they dont make it go away. Don't be scared you are not alone its really common, they even offered me anti depressants when i was in labour with 2nd baby!!!! I said no thanks weirdos!!!! I wasnt even depressed the baby wasnt even born!!!! Tell yourself youre a fab mum and be independant sometimes the experts just drag it on forever and you end up wallowing in self pity. You are ill yes but youre not an invalid. Be strong and psoitive and it will go quite quickly chin up. Lotsa love keep in touch xxx

Thanks for the advice. feeling a bit better today although I lay awake most of the night. I think I need to stay busy and will be seeing my doc and hv next week. I am so up and down but I think it will get better over time. I hope anyway.

Ill be staying positive and my partner has said he is taking me and ds swimming this week end which should be fun as ds has never been before.

Ill stay in touch and let you know how things go. Its good to know I am not the only one out there that is going through this. Thanks

I have had PND twice. The first time was really, really bad. Suicidal bad.

Trust me, you are NOT alone.

My illness mostly manifests itself as anxiety - I get panic attacks and stress a lot. Also severe insomnia.

I don't think you'll get addicted off 6 tablets. They only gave you those few b/c you're probably so exhausted you're making yourself ill. I did! The pills put me back on track and then I was able to go to sleep a bit better.

I'm on anti-depressants. I couldn't force msyelf to go out or 'keep busy'. I couldn't even get out of bed.

Right now, I@m still in my pj's. I have to force myself to even shower or comb my hair.

You WILL get better! This much I know from last time. It will pass!

Hang in there and try to get in to see a therapist.

I have a lot of problems w/paranoia and therapy helps a lot.

Sounds good lynsey im glad you are taking control its the best way to beat it. I think of it as a sort of little gremlin that i combat by doing the opposite of what it wants sometimes i actually shout at it which people find quite weird if they r near you haha! The more you nurture it-isolating yourself, sitting around bored etc the bigger it grows and the harder it is to beat. Im 24 as well. Dunno why i thought that was relevant!! Ive been fine this time ds6mths but only cos i knew what to do first time was a huge shock hes 5yr old now. Good luck xxxxxx