Depression kicking in at 5 months on

[Em32]

Not posting on depression thread as even looking at that section made me feel worse!. Just wondered if anyone else had experienced this. I've haven't had a full nights sleep since dd was born and I'm starting to wonder about going back to work. This is my second and I'm pretty sure I had undiagnosed depression with my first, although that started pretty much straight away. dd is lovely and very easy in the day but a nightmare at night and I think it is the lack of sleep I'm really struggling with. I'm beginning to feel a bit trapped with the two of them.

I know nothing really about depression, but for me lack of sleep can make a tiny issue a major problem. I am nearly always exhausted and my solution is to have afternoon naps at the weekends. My dd is aged 3 and she still has a long nap. So I also have one at the same time and it keeps me sane.

Em, PND can start anytime in the first year - the most common time is apparently around 8 months. If you really think it's depression then have a chat with the HV or the GP - there is no need for medication if you don't want it, sometimes just a sympathetic ear can help.

It does sound, though, as if the sleep problems are, if not the cause of this, then compounding the problem. Can you nap during the day if and when your children do? Otherwise can your dh take them for a while when he's there so that you can catch up on some rest?

Hi there,
My DS is 7 mnths old and i've just been diagnosed with PND.
I spoke to my Health visitor last week as I was quite tearful and a bit down all the time - thought I was just knackered but turns out its pnd.
I felt so much better just having talked to someone about it (DH not v good with emotions) and am scheduled to speak to a counsellor next week.
Have a chat with your HV, what harm can it do?

Hope it all goes well for you
K

Thanks all, feeling a bit better. Periods started today after 5 months so perhaps not PND this time although had a similar wobble when I gave up breastfeeding at 6 months with ds so maybe linked to hormonal changes. So not looking forward to menopause! Still, wouldn't mind speaking to a counsellor as I think I do have 'issues'.

Hi I battle with PND and have done since my ds was 3 months. Sleeping was and still is a big issue (ds now 22mths) and does compound the problem majorly. Do talk to someone (Dr. HV. Counsellor. other mums) and get the help you need. I wish I had sooner as I feel it affected my relationship with my ds. Counselling helped but had a relapse so now on ads, which have helped enormously. I agree looking at the depression board can make you feel worse, but please get help, you will never regret it, I know I wish I had it sorted earlier!