Been diagnosed with PND.......

[runnyhabbit]

Not quite sure why I'm posting, but dh is the only other person that knows about this. It feels like I'm going through the motions, and not actually enjoying anything iyswim.
DS2 is 16wks old, and my HV is 99% sure that I have PND. I've got an an appt with dr next week to rule out anything medical (anaemeia, thyroid etc) but HV said the way I'm feeling sounds like PND.
I know I've taken the biggest step by talking about it, but is there anything else I can do?
I hate feeling like this. I've got 2 wonderful boys, a dh who means the world to me, a loving family, great friends, and no real worries, so why can't I enjoy my life?

Frankie - that is exactly how I have been feeling. I've forced myself to do some things (like playdates with ds1 friends) because he really enjoys it. I'm going to get the dr to do some blood tests next week, to rule out any medical reason for my feeling like this.

Susie - That makes a lot of sense. I know that I'm very lucky in that I have a good HV. And thank you for the book recommendation.

I've started writing down how I feel each day. Not to re-read, but just getting it down in black and write feels quite cathartic(sp?)

I would also recommend you to chose your friends carefully. I had some 'friends' who I used to meet up with every week, and I always seemed to feel worse after seeing them. When I stopped seeing them I started to feel so much better - some people can almost make you feel worse just by giving the impression of being supermums with perfect lives - find some friends that you can really talk to and find something in common with.

I was feeling exactly as you describe until a couple of weeks ago when I gave in and went to my GP. I have started taking a mild AD called citalopram (20mg) and cannot believe how much my life has changed.
I love and appreciate my dh and dd again, and I really wanted to just run away before!
Life seems worthwhile again.
Please don't rule out ADs as it can take along time to recover from depression on your on and you can't get back that precious first year with your baby!

I like Hoolagirl's note about putting ADs in the water!! I think all these labels about PND, baby blues etc have been invented by men who just don't know what it is like to be pregnant and give birth to a baby, who then relies on you 100% for everything for MONTHS. (I can't even leave the baby with my husband while I pop out, or go back to sleep, because he won't think about nappy changes, and baby will have sat in poo the whole time!)
Of course mums get depressed. It goes with the territory, and lack of sleep. The trouble is, the breastfeeding, pregnancy and even worse, coping with work and insurance if you have ever been on the pills. Now, if it really were in the water, we wouldn't have to worry about that, would we??!!

Been to doctors this morning, and she was great. Tbh, I've felt a lot better the past few days, esp as I'm not bottling it all in. Dr really listened, and I'm having blood tests on Thurs for thyroid and full blood count, and will go back to dr next Tues. She did mention AD, but its something I'm reluctant to take. So, I'm going to our local leisure centre to see what classes they have available.

Dh is being brilliant. Unfortunatley he's working away a lot atm, but he's trying to work out ways of making life easier for me when he is here. And he's listening to me, even if its been to have a cry down the phone.

Runny - so glad your Doctor was great and on the ball. Pleased that your feeling a bit happier. Excellent that DH is trying to makes things easier for you. Listening is one of the best things they can do. Still thinking of you.

Good to hear you have a doctor who takes you seriously. Well done for getting help. Take care and let us know how you are doing

Hi all

Saw the dr yesterday and was told that all the blood tests have come back normal, so she has officially diagnosed PND. I've been feeling really good over the past few days, to the point that I started thinking that there was nothing really wrong with me. But everything still seems to be an effort, which is not like me, so I know that somethings still not right, iyswim.
Dr did mention ADs, but is not pushing them atm as I am bf. (Tbh, I think if she told me I have to stop bf, I would have complete meltdown) Told her I am joining the gym, and she asked if I would like to be referred to a PND support group, which I said yes.

I'm feeling much more positive, that I can get through this, that its an illness that needs to be treated. I know that I'm v lucky to have a good dr and hv.

Thank you so much for listening, and I will keep you posted.
x