Scared to get help cos of baby

[Al991]

ive had postnatal depression and having a bit of a resurgence after a good stretch. I have been having panic attacks and I have self harmed once, it’s been hard not to do it more.

I have suicidal thoughts often but I would never ever act on these because of how much I love my daughter.

My partner is no help, the more upset I get the more anger this is met with and I’m just told how hard I am to deal with.

if I ring to be referred to perinatal mental health, and if I actually tell the truth about how I am feeling, will they try to take my daughter away? She is 6 months. I can look after her, she gets everything she need and most things she wants! She is loved and well bonded with me, the smiliest happiest baby you’ve ever met. But I’m scared they will see me as a danger to her because I hurt myself.

No, they will want to keep you together. Get the help you need, as you’re obviously not getting it at home.
Do you have family/friends who can help?

If you’re able to look after your baby they will not consider taking her away. Do get in touch with perinatal mental health. It’s the best thing you can do for yourself, and for her. I’m sorry you’re struggling.

Oh my lovely they won’t take your child. You will be helped and supported to get well.

The best thing you can do is ask for help. It shows awareness of your situation. All the best OP

Hi OP. I've been in your situation and I had the same fears. I did reach out to the perinatal mental health team in the end and it was the best thing I could have done. The last thing they would ever want to do is separate a mother from her baby. They'll do a quick risk assessment, immediately determine that your baby is safe and happy, and then focus all their energy on supporting you to get better.

Not at all. I self harm on and off (which my GP and psych know about) and there's never been any suggestion that I'm not great mother too.

If they took away babies from people having these kinds of issues, most of the country's infants will be in care.

Honestly, they won't be bothered in the slightest. They've seen it a million billion times and 99.99% of the time there is no need whatsoever to consider the mother a risk to the baby.

No. Perinatal mental health team will prioritise your relationship with your baby. They keep you together but offer you the support you need to get better so you can enjoy your child.
Please just call them or your GP nobody will take your baby.

This

NHS Director here currently working in mental health with women's services.

Go and get help ASAP its there for you. I work hard to make sure we have services on standby ready fir cases just like you. Best of luck

I had exactly the same fears about reaching out for help when my DTs were babies, right down to working out how I’d remove myself from their lives whilst ensuring they were cared for.

It was a complete waste of time, nobody batted an eyelid at my mh issues, just said that I’m a great mum (this was my gp) and it’s my brain that’s a bit out of whack afterwards.

Definitely make contact with them, they’re not wanting to take your baby away 💐

I had crippling PND after all 3 of my kids. 200mg Sertraline, under the care of the perinatal mental health team, after the 2nd baby, I was nearly admitted to a mother and baby unit as apparently I was so poorly. Oh and I had CBT after each baby to get my head straight. Never once did anyone mention taking my babies away. All every professional I spoke to wanted, was for me and my baby to be happy and healthy.

Good luck x