SEVERE PND

[Emily1998]

Hello, im suffering severe PND, i have 3 children 6yo (potentially adhd extremely violent to me & 2yo daily), 2yo (picking up eldests behavours so also hitting me daily), and 5mo and am not functioning, so angry all the time, screaming, no patience, becuase of severe PND which really crept up on me and was probably there during pregnancy if im honest, meds havent worked for me i react extremely to them, my husbands been off work over a month and is getting so stressed himself, i should really be on a mother & baby unit but worried my husband wont cope and end up same as me, and im due to see a perinatal phsyciatrist on 10th may and im wondering what else can be done? Ive heard of ECT

What makes you say you should be on a mother and baby unit? Have you had your PND officially (medically) diagnosed? What’s ECT?

Lots of questions, I’m just trying to understand so I can help :)

Op at the moment it sounds really full on, I wonder if there are any charities local to you that offer local experienced mums to come out and lend a hand? We have one of these and they’re a godsend for families struggling, they’re just (checked/trained) volunteers to come out, hold the baby , help with housework etc.
This won’t help with your PND obviously but perhaps you’d be more confident seeking the medical help you urgently need if you had some assurance that your partner had assistance if you’re elsewhere?

What support do you have for coping with your eldest and what treatments have you tried so far.

I spent 10 weeks in a mother and baby unit but from week 1 I had weekends at home. Weeks 8-10 I was only on the ward 1-2 days a week.

I needed high dose lithium (blood levels of 0.9) to lift me out of my treatment resistant severe depression and pyschosis. I was also on quetiapine and mirtazapine. I was also prescribed lamotrigine which didn't make much of a difference. Had the lithium not helped there was one more antidepressant they were willing to try otherwise it was a discussion about ect but they and I was very hesitant because of the impact it might have on my ability to do my job and the knock-on effect that would have my mood as being unable to work due to my depression was already making my depression worse.

I've had ECT and it done nothing for me. I'm now getting ready to start lithium.. I'm currently on fluoxetine. Please go back to your GP and get an urgent referral to the perinatal service.

I had severe PND and PNA almost 8 years ago, I had the option of a mum and baby unit but was given the choice of the home treatment team, they were great. Unfortunately I am now back under them after a breakdown. Please go seek help x