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GP told me to "be positive"

13 replies

babym23 · 17/01/2024 13:31

If it were that simple I would have done it already?

Where do I go from here? I'm so low.

I have a 9 month old baby. Lone parent. No family or support. History of MH issues and have been on antidepressants for years.

I'm a shit mum. I feel low and I'm not coping. I don't leave the house unless I have to. I can't remember the last time I cooked a proper meal. I barely eat and have lots loads of weight. I'm not neglecting my child but I'm a failure as a mum because of my MH. I haven't slept in months.

Took all my strength to go to GP. I broke down. He told me to just "be positive" and that I will be okay when I return to work.

Did a referral to perinatal but who knows how long it will take.

I feel worse now for going and opening up.

OP posts:
DemelzaandRoss · 17/01/2024 13:36

Either see another GP, or if you can possibly afford, refer yourself to a private hospital Psychiatrist.
Such ignorance. I do hope you can get effective help soon & a handhold here. You are doing your best.

babym23 · 17/01/2024 14:58

I can't afford private sadly, I don't think that would give me the immediate help I need either.

OP posts:
Eyesopenwideawake · 17/01/2024 15:43

Being a lone parent does not make you a shit mum.
Having no family or support does not make a shit mum.
Not leaving your house unless you have to does not make you a shit mum.
Not cooking a proper meal for yourself does not make you a shit mum.

Recognising that you're not coping, not sleeping well, losing weight and going to the doctor for help makes you a responsible and self aware mum - NOT a failure.

Can you think about reframing your thoughts to give yourself credit for everything you are doing?

What's you MH history? (If you don't mind me asking).

AceofPentacles · 17/01/2024 15:45

Omg that is shocking.
Do you have a children's centre locally? You could call them if you can't face going in and say you're struggling, they should have family workers who can support you .

babym23 · 17/01/2024 17:55

It sounds silly but I struggle to even make phone calls. It was such a big thing to go to the gp.

I was under perinatal before but I started forgetting/missing appts due to poor mental health and they discharged me as it's got worse from there.

I've had several crisises in the past.

OP posts:
longpathtohappiness · 18/01/2024 10:53

babym23 i feel your pain, I cant cope either, feeling like a shit mum too. Spoke to a friend who is a mental health nurse, she was about as useful as your Dr!

AceofPentacles · 18/01/2024 19:45

I would get an email address for your GP surgery and basically send them your first post. It's just not good enough when you need help now. I am fuming on your behalf. I was a lone parent from birth and it's really hard. Flowers

Pixie2015 · 18/01/2024 19:50

Sorry to hear about your negative experience shows you gp doesn’t understand postnatal depression. See another if you can. The health visitors are trained in listening visits for depression and can be ver useful call them in the morning if you can - hope you get some support soon x

Helplessandheartbroke · 18/01/2024 19:52

Op speak to your health visitor they can help! Also what @Eyesopenwideawake said!

Wolfiefan · 18/01/2024 19:55

It doesn’t sound in the slightest silly that you struggle to make phone calls. I was the same. That doctor is an utter twat.
Can you see someone else in the surgery?
You are NOT a shit mum. You’re a mum who’s having a shit time. You need help and support to get well OP.
I take anti depressants. I’ve done CBT and mindfulness. I still struggle sometimes but I’ve found a way through. I so hope you can too.

Desperate2023 · 18/01/2024 19:56

AceofPentacles · 17/01/2024 15:45

Omg that is shocking.
Do you have a children's centre locally? You could call them if you can't face going in and say you're struggling, they should have family workers who can support you .

It is not "shocking" - I bet you the gP said other stuff as well o doubt.

I'm no medical professional but I've been told by GP's, family to be more "positive"
as have I to others

Nothing wrong with saying that as long as the GP gave other options ie see how it goes and come back if no difference, do this and that and if you don't get better and come back

TBH, I've been down many times and was surprised how easily the gp just suggest take this prescription

I found being active helps ie light exercise but we are all different

I hope its soon sorted OP and the above was not aimed at you (see him again or another GP if you are not happy)

Howmanysleepsnow · 18/01/2024 20:26

Sorry you’re feeling like this.
I hope this doesn’t come across as patronising, but it seems you know what you need. That’s the bonus of having been through this before….

To leave the house daily.
To cook and eat at least one meal a day that’s quick and healthy.
Sleep.
To feel like you’re good enough.
To address stuff that needs doing (putting off phone calls lets “little” things- that don’t feel little at all- build into massive things and adds to the stress and feeling of worthlessness)

The next step is finding “easy” ways to do those things, and the step after is pushing yourself to do them when you don’t feel strong enough.

My suggestions-
Meals: pick things that you can prep at nap time, or leave to cook. Filled pasta/ sauce/ salad. Sausage, pre-made mash, veg. Bag of casserole mix veg and chicken. Slow cooker chilli (with micro rice one day, nachos or jacket potato the next) Do a week plan and make shopping lists so you only have to think about it once.

Go out: walk to buy nappies/ milk - start small. Walk to the library to pick a book. Playgroup when you feel braver only. Go out for dinner ingredients. Feed ducks.

Feel like you’re good enough: read the comments here. Notice how well your dc is doing- that’s all you! Treat yourself daily- bubble bath, bed with a book, a little chocolate, paint your nails, light a candle, put clean bedding on, whatever - this is very important and should be prioritised over hoovering/ cleaning again/ mumsnet at nap time or after dc is in bed. Smile at people in the street/ in shops or call a friend- connection helps

Make a to do list (this is scary) and do one task each day, then reward yourself. On bad days, pick easy ones!

Do a tick list on your phone each day: leave house, decide dinner, make dinner, treat self, tick off a task. Feel proud of yourself with each daily achievement.

Sleep. This comes when the rest falls into place, but meanwhile somethings help…. Fresh air daily (see above. Or coffee in the garden under blanket!). Exercise- walking is enough, even just 5 minutes for now. This works sleep spray- I swear by it. Put the bedroom window on vent. Get a weighted blanket (not if you bedshare). Keep a pad of paper by the bed if you find your mind going into overdrive and put your thoughts on paper to save for later. Accept that sleep is still sleep, even if broken by your baby waking, and that this won’t last.

You can do this.

rio2 · 18/01/2024 20:29

Self refer to living well consortium
Healthy minds
Reach out for women only organisations
Book another gp app ask for more support
Your not alone
Asking for help may take 100 times dont give up

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