Any other relatively 'high functioning' working mothers with depression/ sucidal thoughts out there?

[Sheissmallandveryspidery]

I wondered if could find some support with others feeling like me. Rather than a thread thats all MeMeMe, it would be great to hear from and support others and get support myself.

I've got 2 DCs, work in a full on job though 4d a wk, it might as well be full time. I've had PND since DC2 (now 16mths) and it got worse after returning to work. Its lead to sucidal ideation, despite meds this has continued. Right now things are bad and Im constantly thinking of ways out though I know I cant /wont act on it.

Anyone else?

I think you need a break. It sounds like stress is piling up on top of you. Don't forget a driving test is incredibly stressful- so well done for passing! Sometimes I think life just gets too much and you need some time out. Is this possible for you? X

Thank you both for replying, you are very kind.

Tbh no chance of a break.

It's just never ending, isn't it. I've read all this thread now and feel the same as many others. I am 'high achieving' - I have a phd, a good job, nice clothes, always well presented, two dc in clean clothes, a tidy house, 7 portion of fruit and veg a day. Just keeping it all going is an exhausting hamster wheel.

For me the constant guilt is the worst. I have to check work Saturday and Sunday mornings. Just half an hour, but I have to. When I've skipped it my boss has not been happy. But the guilt of not spending that hour with my dc and leaving DH AGAIN.

I'm not going o the doctor. Honestly I think I need to woman up a bit. I don't have it any worse than most working mothers and considerably easier than most. I just need to somehow learn to cope with the guilt and anxiety about it all :(

I understand, sometimes it's just not that fun being a mum and working. I couldn't not work, I'm ambitious and it's such a part of who I am, but it also means that I put pressure on myself as a parent, and feel that every moment has to be perfect and if it's not I get down on myself. That's what triggered my current period of anxiety, my dd was seriously difficult for a while after Xmas and it brought my straight back to pnd. Now, if just feel permanently guilty about being a bad mum because I don't feel constant affection for her. Xxx

Very interesting article On this subject in this weekends Saturday Times magazine.

Back to school and back to work. We're a happy house this morning .

Dd still at home today, back to school tomorrow, but I'm working this afternoon Miserable day weatherwise too

I've just read the article in the Times, it's so sad, but just shows how many different people can be affected by depression - especially those who juggle so many things. X

Hi me too, just want to drive away.

I have been lurking a little - too busy for MN these days, but I just wanted to say it is good to know I'm not alone in this!

I have a senior role in a demanding industry, I joined the company when my youngest was just over 4 months old. He's now 9 months, and I also have a DD (8) and a DS (10). On top of that I am a single parent, and basically just find everything too much. My job is killing me, I am quite a perfectionist and am being forced to settle for far less than perfect due to internal politics, and on top there is just so so so much that needs fixing. Basic set hours are 40 a week, but I now work through all my lunches, come in early and leave late where childcare permits, and usually have to work at least a day each weekend just to keep my head above water.

I spent most of the bank holiday cleaning my house because I don't have time for it usually (not an excuse for general laziness, I really don't, because I collect the children, then it's bath time, bedtime, a little play time if I'm early enough, then typically I catch up on the lap top with work then crash out)

I think I have had enough. I cut my arm pretty badly a week ago because I just needed a release. I steri stripped it up myself but it was v deep. I also overdosed a few months ago. It makes me so cross with myself that I am totally failing my kids by being so damn selfish as to do that and potentially damage them. And I see so much of me in the older two as well. But then I get feeling so bad I reckon they would be better off without my influence in their lives

I saw my GP a few months ago who diagnosed PND and who won't prescribe meds because I am still breastfeeding, and wanted to sign me off, but I cannot afford to be off work. And I won't stop breastfeeding - it is the one thing that makes me feel like a "proper mum" to my baby.

Sorry to just appear and rattle on. I can't tell anyone what things really feel like.

wavesandsmiles, sorry you ere struggling, that sounds unbearable. I thought there were ADs you can take whilst breastfeeding. Maybe call your surgery and ask to see another gp.

Sorry I'm at work and don't have much time, but just wanted to say I think you need to see your gp again. Keep us posted and feel free to pm me if you want to talk.

Hi, I agree on the ADs and breastfeeding - I'm sure there is something you can take. I understand what you mean about being a 'proper mum' to your baby by BFing - but you've already done a fab job by doing it for 9 months, and you being happy will be much more helpful to your LO. You are a proper mum and an amazing one, because you are still caring for your child while being ill, which is terribly hard. This is an illness, and nothing to be ashamed of. Go back to your GP and tell him/her exactly how you are feeling, because it doesn't have to be like this xxxx

Waves, I know nothing about bf, but it's definitely not the only way you are being 'a proper mum'. If you weren't in the het up state you are you would see that your self.

Please go back to the Dr - you are trying to do way too much by the sounds of your post and something has to give - you're not failing anyone, but you are being unnecessarily harsh on yourself.

Hi beeny, it's the wanting to drive/run away feeling that I get when it gets too overwhelming, like you. How are you today?

Hi waves, there is good information on the breastfeeding network about ad safety during bf. Many many bf ing mums take them. Maybe worth asking different GP too? Sorry, it's crap having to struggle for help

Oh Waves, you poor thing that all sounds overwhelming. I don't have any advice - if I did I would take it myself. But I know what it all feels like :(

If you slacked off a bit at work and went at a slower pace - just worked your 40 hours, for example - would it show? Are you putting these demands on yourself IYSWIM or is it expected of you by others?