antenatal depression

[Veritie]

I am really struggling with antenatal depression. I have a long history of mental ill-health over the 16 years of my adult life but had 3 years of stability which was why we finally decided that we could try for a baby. I came off 3 of the 4 medications that I was regularly taking in order to conceive, so combined with the hormonal changes and the sickness I experienced in the first trimester it's not surprising that I've been poorly. I had 3 weeks off work (weeks 11-13) and then been on reduced hours ever since which frsutrates me and adds to the guilt (especially as there's noone picking up the stuff I can't manage to do) but I am not well enough to do any more and manage to look after myself.

What is so frustrating is that whenever you google any information about it, you get told to ask for help and the implication is that you will get some. I asked for help at my booking appointment (10 weeks) and I'm now 20+3 and all that I've had is 2 assessment appointments with the psychiatrist where he failed to give me the confidence that I could restart one of the meds. The Royal College of Psychiatrists' standard is assessment within 2 weeks and then be offered psychological treatment within 4 weeks for pregnant women. I've been referred to the perinatal MH team but they sent a letter saying that they were in high demand and had reduced capacity and that I was on a waiting list (the psychiatrist wasn't aware of any waiting list, he told me I'd be seen by them within 6 weeks which would have been about now). My husband has rung them every other day but can't get through to anyone to find out how long the waiting lsit is

I can't go on like this, especially knowing that antenatal depression is risk factor for postnatal depression. The worry is causing immense pressure on my husband. The midwives have been great with the anxiety, seeing me every fortnight, but they can't offer mental health care. I am also struggling with my eating (had anorexia x 2 in the past). I've written to my MP. But just feel out of options.

Any thoughts?

I may not be much use but didn't want to leave you unanswered OP. It sounds like you're having a terrible time and actually fighting and advocating for yourself and your baby with great strength.

I too have a long history of MH problems and things worsened during my pregnancy last year. I ended up seeking help from a local charity for peri-natal mental illness - they weren't psychiatrists, just counsellors so unfortunately couldn't help with meds, but it was a relief to talk to someone specifically about how my mental health was being affected by pregnancy. Long shot I know, but if you're in Scotland I can PM you details.

Other than that, you and your DH are doing the right thing by pushing, pushing and pushing. Don't give up or let them fob you off. Make formal complaints if you need to. I wish you all the best.

Thank you for replying. I wondered if maybe I should have posted in a pregnancy bit of the forum rather than here or maybe that just noone else knows what to say or do. Unfortunately we're in Oxfordshire so not Scotland; charities are great where they exist but there aren't any PANDAS groups near me (for example). On the plus side, my husband is gettng some support from the local Rethink who provide support for carers of people with mental ill health... I definitely don't want to do meds at this stage given all the various different risks etc (I know there are some meds which are considered more "safe" but they are not ones which have historically worked for me), but I feel I should be offered psychological support instead. So down about all of this. Thank you again for replying.