Mental health anxiety whilst pregnant

[LauraPalmersBodybag]

Hi there, i’ve suffered with difficult, but manageable mental health issues on and off since childhood. I wouldn’t currently classify myself as being unwell, but 15 years I was and spent several years in therapy which greatly helped.

I had a hard pregnancy and first 6 months when my dd was born, and looking back, I think I had undiagnosed pnd. I’m pregnant again and unfortunately having a very tough time. I’d like to be upfront with my midwife and access help if I need it, but I was told by another midwife I saw a few months ago that any mental health notes on my system creates ‘red flags’ and ‘triggers an automatic SS’ referral.

We’ve moved a lot in the last 5 years and my husband had an MS diagnosis in my last pregnancy, hence life being hard. I do sometimes struggle and need support, I know I need some therapy and help but I’m a safe, caring and reliable parent. My dd is a very happy and well adjusted child.

I’m worried about pnd this time around and am struggling with some big life stuff but I’m terrified of involvement with agencies such as SS. Is there any validity in what she said? She made a few comments in the appointment that I found highly questionable, so I’m not sure if I should trust her.

Bump

Heyy! I'm not sure I can help much but can kind of relate to some of your post - I'm 27 weeks with my 2nd and have just this week opened up about my MH, told GP yesterday and midwife this morning. I have a referral to the perinatal MH team but midwife didn't say anything about SS, maybe I should have asked, eeeekk!!!
I could be completely wrong but from what I've read in my never ending quest for google answers SS aren't automatically involved :-/ X

Im feeling what your going thru. Im going true the same. Mine DD 6 asked me why Im always sad and its making her sad aswell Im affraid to tell the midwive incase of SS getting involved. Atm Im so depressed it effects mine dc. Hope you find a way you can get help OP

Also got no concrete information here, but from my limited experience, I don't think SS would be brought in for what you've described.

I have also suffered MH problems in the past and discussed this with my midwife early on (currently 40 weeks!). It definitely changed my future appointments for the better. Nothing major, just an added bit of sensitivity.
The MW also mentioned increased post natal check ins and optional referrals, if I wanted them.

I'm very glad that it's now in my notes as I've since been made to feel supported, rather than uneasy or vulnerable.

IMO, it's wrong that a healthcare professional fed your fears with such an inflammatory comment, and essentially made you fearful of reaching out.

The way I see it, the more emotional support you feel you have now, the less likely you are to actually need it, IYSWIM.

SS involvement isn't necessarily a bad thing.

Their job is to support you and help you access the support you need. Very few of them now are the interfering busybodies of their reputation that's not why people go into social work.

Most social workers want to help families and be supportive and they certainly haven't got the time or resources to interfere.

Try not to worry about it and if you do get a visit then let them be supportive

My mh in my last pregnancy was terrible I was phoning teams everyday crying pulling my hair out banging my head of the cupboards trying to get negativity out of my head I was going insane I went to my gp and midwife and they referred me to cbt in a baby unit I wasn't Sectioned and I didn't have social services on me either and I gave 2 other children they are there to help you sweetheart you need the help go for it best thing I ever did x