Heinzsight's PND support/help thread. Been there three times before, baby due in a couple of weeks, BRICKING IT

[HeinzSight]

Fear of PND has been mentioned by a few others on an antenatal thread. I'm starting this thread, not just for me, but for others who need help/support whilst going through the hell that is PND.

I am currently 37+4 with my fourth baby. PND was the worst last time, really REALLY awful.

I'm being a proactive this time and have sought help in advance. I have seen a psychiatrist and am top of the waiting list for CBT. I have just started taking Sertriline and this seems to be the safest antidepressant to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

I would like to come up with a list of mantras/positive sayings to help me/others.

One of my biggest symptoms of PND has always been guilt. I would just feel SO guilty for disrupting family life by bringing a baby into the equation. No matter how much I tried to rationalise it in my head, I'd still feel terribly guilty. If DH yawned, it was my fault because I'd had this baby. If the kids said they were bored or hungry, it was my fault, because I'd had this baby.

The other symptom is complete and utter emptiness/numbness. Losing the ability to look forward to anything, or enjoy anything.

Regret

Fear

Anxiousness

I'm sure there's a lot more....

The first thing I am going to say to myself and others is :

ASK FOR HELP People ACTUALLY want to help but are often worried they might be interfering or disturbing you.

DON'T FEEL GUILTY Having a baby is NOT a bad thing to do. Think of all the extra love and laughter it brings to the house.

Please feel free to add to this list, copy and paste.

Write your own experiences and what has helped you get through it.

Let's stick together ladies and keep in touch xxxxxxxx

Heinz - hello

I had mild pnd with my first son. Second son, i was very poorly indeed. For 18 months. I used to want to die, picture my blood dribbling down the bath plughole, anything. I asked my health support worker to take my babies, as i wasnt good enough. Everything was immaculately clean.

The things that got me through:

ASKING FOR HELP

Doing things for ME: college. Getting some clothes that fitted me.

Doing something positive EVERY DAY. this could be meeting a friend, making a phone call.

DAILY SOCIAL CONTACT. Even just a walk to town and a chat with regular till lady in Boots or some such.

I attended a course for people with PND. Immensley important in my recovry.

Do not fulfill your own prophecy of getting this again - you WILL NOT ALLOW IT

Thanks Heinz, and to everyone who has posted advice and support. It's reassuring to know that there are others there too.

Good luck Sheena, read on Aug thread your waters have gone. Come back to chat whenever you feel like it

Can I join? I have only read the first post and your words OP really struck a cord with me.

I have had PND twice, DD2 - no treatment as I did not realise until later that I had had it. DD3 is nearly 5 months and I have sought help (yipee). I have taken my first AD today and am very spaced out - will this get better or do I need a lower dose?

Of course you can join smallblessings

I am SO glad you've sought help. Don't worry too much about feeling spaced out, I've heard that can happen for the first week or so, I'm sure it'll get better for you.

Keep in touch x

Thanks Heinz, feeling less spaced ou this evening! At least I've been a happy space cadet.

I thought I was going to have to be induced today and the thing that frightened me the most was PND. It's getting v real now and v scary

HELP!!

I'm going back to the hospital on Thursday

Hi Heniz,

Sorry i did'nt see your message last night. I am hear for virtual hand holding. ((((Hugs))) You know what to look out for and will be more able to ask for help if you get PND.

Soon you will have your beautiful baby.

Keep talking on here andin RL (if you can)

heinz has had her baby
a girl
imogen 9pounds and 6 ounces

congratulations

Congratulations Heinz! Lovely name...

Was wondering! Congratulations Heinz! xx