Late onset PND?

[Canalside]

Not really sure why I'm posting, but I feel really rubbish.

Have had no motivation for about a month now, and the last 2 weeks have felt really anxious and low. My hands are permanently sweating and I'm getting obsessive about things that are worrying me. My daughter is 10 months old, and she's lovely and happy but it's such an effort at the moment. I feel so guilty about that.

Went to the GP last week, have started fluoxetine (had it 4 years ago, worked well then) but it seems like an interminable wait for it to kick in. I think about all the things I need to do this week, it just seems impossible. All I want to do is hide under the duvet and watch DVD's or something to try and take my mind off it. I'm in that time where I know I'm unwell but I don't know how to cope with it.

I know I've done the right thing by starting meds, I wish they'd work quickly. I want to feel normal again.

Thanks for reading.

Well done for going to the doctor, getting meds and most importantly for taking them. You will soon feel much better, make another appointment with your GP, so that if you are low you know that you have an appointment, you could then cancel it when you feel better, but it would give you a back up, also ring your health visitor and ask if she would pop in for a chat.

Sometimes life can feel far to busy and full of things to do. When I feel overwhelmed with jobs it helps me to write them down in a list and then put them into the order that they must be done by. Some days I only manage to do the essential things. I am always surprised to find that it was no problem to leave those jobs for another day, when you are feeling stronger and better.

But really the only absolutely essential things to do when you have a new baby and believe me a 10 month old is a little baby, is to feed and change her and feed and cloth yourself, honestly the rest can always wait. Looking after a baby is a full time job. Some days, If you can do the washing up, your doing really well. So congratulate yourself for what you get done, don't beat yourself up over that to do list.

Offering a hand to hold, be kind to yourself, look after your baby, the rest can wait until you feel up to it. If you had a stomach bug, for example, the jobs would have to wait, this is "same, same, different" as my kids would say.

Thank you. I really appreciate your reply.

I feel so very anxious. I woke up at 4 feeling rubbish and worrying. Took me a while to calm my breathing down. I hate feeling like this.

Can anyone help with tips to reduce anxiety before the ADs kick in? I'm sure it will settle, it did before, but I need some coping strategies in the meantime...

I have no advice but wanted to let you know you're not alone. Have you got family / friends that could come and help you or give you an hours break even?