Your experiences of PND please?

[Gloria5]

I don’t want to talk about it, I just want to hear other people’s experiences.

What helped you?
What coping mechanisms did you have?
How long did it take before you started to feel human?

Are you struggling yourself?

I had pnd with my first & it was debilitating. Talking didn’t help much, in the end I found the depression began to lift when 1)little one began sleeping better (sleep deprivation is torture & makes everything else seem 100x worse) and 2) one little one started interacting with me, talking & playing. We became friends instead of it feeling so one sided & realising how much she loved & needed me helped me push through. She’s nearly 4 now & is my strength, even though I still struggle with depression, she keeps me going!

I’m now pregnant with #2 & a bit nervous it will come back.....

Fingers crossed it doesn’t!

Thank you somewhereovertherainbow

I’m really struggling and not finding a lot that helps.

I’m feeling quite hopeless so perhaps clinging on to that idea of interaction will keep me going. He is definitely interacting with me more and more every day but it’s still very restricted to things like when I make him laugh (which I’m struggling to be inclined to do while I am feeling like I am).

Sending good wishes your way that number 2 is different congratulations on your pregnancy!

I had very bad PND , I went to an organisation specifically for PND. I was a mess, I remember sitting there crying and shaking. The manager said to me it's ok to feel as you do.
16 years later, I still remember those words, I think there possibly the most helpful words I have ever heard.
So I'm saying to you, its okay to feel as you do.xxx

I’m so sorry you’re struggling.

Have you spoken to your health visitor/doctor? Have you tried any medication?

Talking helps. Being open with your partner (if you’re together) & not feeling like it’s a big secret does help. You need support, I definitely felt much worse before I told anyone how I felt. I felt like I was constantly acting until that point.

I think considering the currently life restrictions, it’s going to be extra hard as another bit of advice would be to go for a walk every day. Routine or structure of some sort helped me a little to pass the day.

Are you finding enjoyment in anything? If you are, cling to that & do it as much as you can!

Your baby won’t remember you struggling like this, but you owe it to them & yourself to get through it. It DOES get better.

Sending strength your way x