PND - ignored it for 20 months - anyone else in same boat?

[GreenFingeredMummy]

I have finally decided to get help for PND some 20 months after having my dd. I dont feel as awful as first 2 months, but I still feel low most days. Im 6mths pregnant and petrified of it getting worse. Also had PTSD after traumatic and painful birth.

Has anyone else ignored it for long? Seems I have put a brave face on I cant put into words anymore how I feel. How do you get people to accept you have PND so long after giving birth....

You just need to book an appointment to see your GP and explain your feelings. PND can last a long time and maybe because you are 6 months preg you are now more worried about how it will affect you once this one is born. This is a very natural reaction and a good GP will understand this without reserve. Tell them you feel petrified - that is a very strong word and is understandable. You may also be reliving your previous experience and are unduly anxious about the impending birth. It would do you good to speak your fears over with a professioinal councellor so you can hopefully have a more positive birth experience.

I suffered badly with PND & PTSD after the birth of ds 6 years ago. It lasted about 2.5 years and as soon as I found out I was pregnant (due May) I spoke to my GP who immediately referred me to see the psychotherapist who treated me, and recently also the community mentla health nurse. So I feel as though I am getting the support now and I hope when this one is born I'll not require their services but at least it is reassuring and comforting to know NOW that the help is there already set in place for me, should I need it.

Good luck.

This gp letter might help gp letter you can print it and tick what applies and then write in anything else you feel applies - just makes it easier for you than trying to find the words at the appointment.
I've had ptsd and PNd too and as Daisy said, see someone asap if you can - get referred to the right help

greenFIngeredMummy - how are you now?? Have you seen your GP??

Hi
I saw my MW about it and have had a chance to go through my old notes from first labour, she has also referred me to the local CPN.
I've been able to get support online through a local group and feeling a bit more in control.
Anxious about seeing the CPN but glad something is finally being done.

Well done Greenfinger...I ignored PND for a long time after dd3 was born, it was diagnosed but I refused any form of help and was sure I didn't have it! Unfortunately my marriage broke up (back together now, very understanding dh!) and other personal problems just went mad!!
Takes alot to admit especially if you are not a 'depressed' type of person, I wish you lots of good luck and hope you can get the help youneed. x

GreenFingeredMummy - Oh that is good news. I too am awaiting to see my CPN (or Community Mental Health Nurse) - I don't know how many appointments heve been arranged for me to see her and she keeps going off sick!! I don't know if that is a good sign or not! Anyway, I see her next Thursday. I feel ok about it at the moment however, I think that on the day I will get anxious too. Saying that I am pleased and feel reassured that she is there for me should I need her. I don't have depression at the moment, but because I am due a baby in under 8 weeks I am very scared at developing PND & PTSD again - so it's nice to know the 'safety net' is there for me already should I need it again!

mrsdisorganised - glad things worked out for you too. It is a hard thing to admit to, or accept, recognise, etc initially. I didn't know the words to describe at the time what I was feeling. ANd I was terrified of 'them' taking my baby away... It also took me a long time to realise the impact it had on my dh, and that was a big thing to feel guilty and angry about too!! I felt at times I was being 'punished' twice - once by the illness and secondly by dh letting me know how he was feeling! ANyway preg no 2 well under way and I'm glad that DH finally came around to trying again, and that I really do feel good!