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Mental health

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Original poster

How late can PND start?

10 replies

GarfieldsGirl · 25/03/2006 19:37

My 2nd ds is 4 1/2 months old, and the last few days I've been feeling really down, I'm fed up, feel useless, have absolutely no libido. I feel like I need to get away from the boys. Writing it down it doesn't sound like much, but it feels it.

A lot has happened recently. My boyfriend had an accident when I was 20 wks pregnant, and I've been looking after him since, and we still don't know if he's going to lose his leg, so if I am depressed is it necessarily post-natal, or is it because of everything else that has happened?

He's on anti-depressants at hte monment, and I don't want to end up on them too but theres days when i really struggle to cope and i feel that i have to be strong for him.

OP posts:

beansprout · 25/03/2006 19:40

You poor thing, what a lot to be dealing with. You can be diagnosed with PND for up to 2+ years after your baby is born. It may be that but it would be entirely understandable if you were just reacting to your current circumstances (plus you are probably utterly exhausted which makes everything harder to deal with).

Have you spoken to your hv or gp?

donnie · 25/03/2006 19:42

things sound very hard for you right now. PND can start any time but I think it is usually within 6 months of birth - in other words you may well be suffering from PND. A friend of mine had it with both her ds's, but it only kicked in both times once she had stopped breast feeding - it is different for everyone.
Have you got family and friends who can help you ? also, what support is your partner getting as it sounds like he is in a very bad way?
sounds like you are handling all of this really well.Good luck.

sareg26tymaddie · 25/03/2006 20:03

Well done girl. Keep on smiling ! It sounds as though you are doing a fantastic job with everything that is going on. I have had some rough times too and you need to find some you time.When the kids are in bed,just lie in the bath, get candles,a glass of wine maybe and try and relax. Tomorrow is another day.I agree with leaning on family. That is what they are there for and go and see your hv or gp. It could just be that you are exhusted or if not eating prop anemic. Just because you are down doesnt mean you are depressed Remember we all do the hardest job in the world being a mother and running around after eveyone else aswell. Be proud.

Original poster

GarfieldsGirl · 26/03/2006 15:33

Thank you so much for your messages of support, it makes me feel a lot better.

My HV is doing home visits regularly to see how i'm doing, but find it hard to talk to her in front of my boyfriend, because i don't want him to feel guilty because none of this is his fault but he has days where he feels useless because he can't help. She has referred me to homestart but its a very long list. Maybe once I have a homestart worker coming to see me things will seem less stressful.

Its nice knowing too that I can just use MN as a sounding board and that there are people like you out there who will listen and offer support. Again Thank You all so much x x

OP posts:

TearsBeforeBedtime · 26/03/2006 15:57

Could you phone the HV up, or go in to the regular baby clinic at the surgery, and explain that you can't really talk freely in front of your partner, as you don't want to hurt his feelings? you do need some space to rant/rave and whinge for yourself. if your GP is approachable, they might be helpful to for you to talk to.

abacus · 26/03/2006 16:44

Hi there, my pnd started when my dd was 4months old - and the hardest thing I did was going to my GP, I didn't really know what to say or how to explain it, and I sat in the waiting room desperate to get up and leave, but I didn't, and she was extremely understanding and helpful. Good luck - I'll be thinking of you over this next week

Marne · 26/03/2006 17:10

I realy feel for you, i had my dd2 a week and a half ago and im feeling realy low and tearful, my dh is also on anti-depressants and has been off work for 2 years, finding it hard to be strong for him when i'm feeling so down. If you need anyone to talk to...

Original poster

GarfieldsGirl · 27/03/2006 13:39

Thanks again to everyone who's offered suppoort and advice. I've made an appointment to see my gp, even if its just to have a chat with her and get things off my chest, it should be good for me.

Marne - It sounds like you're in a similar boat to me. If you want to CAT me go for it and we can have a chat and rant at each other via e-mail x

OP posts:

donnie · 27/03/2006 14:51

marne, poor you , you are still exhausted from the birth and the first few weeks are just a blur as I recall. Hope you manage to ge a bit of sleep and some help too.

lucy5 · 27/03/2006 14:58

My pnd started when dd was about 15 months. The doctor prescribed magnesium and vitamin b6. It was miraculous.

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