Please give me hope

[GLA456]

Please send me your success stories PND/PNA. I’m in a bad place

Please reach out if you have recovered from either post partum depression or anxiety. I feel so hopeless. My days are ruined by anxiety. I can’t eat or sleep. My daughter is only 4 weeks but I know this isn’t normal. I love her but I’m also scared to have her, scared this is my new normal.

I’m speaking to the doctor later. I want to try sertraline but so scared of the side effects.

I can’t feel much worse. I’m being robbed of this joyous time.

I’ve never experienced mental health this bad before just the odd bit of anxiety now and then

Well done for speaking to the doctor that is an amazing first step. At 4 weeks post birth just think about how many hormones you have racing around your body and remember that its those that are making you feel different.

I didn't have PND but I know I felt really odd particularly after having my first son and didn't really realise until I had stopped breast feeding and my hormones levelled out.

Speak to the professionals and be sure you are doing the best thing seeking help - good luck

I had severe pnd with psychosis. At 10 months I was classed as treatment resistant and admitted into a mother and baby unit. I was discharged just after my daughter turned 1 after 10 weeks. I was still depressed but no longer psychotic and my mood was moving in the right direction. It was a slow journey but by 2 I was back to normal.
I had baby massage, CFT therapy and vig through the parenting service to help with my mental health. I had fortnight visits from my HV and was under the perinatal team too.

I had PND after the birth of my DS (second child) and it was truly awful. I put off taking medication for quite a while as I was worried about the side effects for me and my baby (I was exclusively BF). However, it eventually reached a point where I couldn't go on anymore and finally started taking 50mg Sertraline. It was really tough for the first 2-3 weeks as my PND did intensify. However, it then started to get so so much better and I began to feel like me again. I honestly think Sertraline saved my life. Aside from increased anxiety initially, I didn't have any side effects. My son has just turned two and I'm now taking half a tablet (50mg) every 3 days to try to slowly wean myself off it. You have my sympathies - PND is horrendous but it can and does get better.

Hi OP. Well done on recognising how you're feeling and seeking help. I suffered from PNA but kept it to myself. I'd have panic attacks in the street or sit in my car and cry when I nipped out for milk. I went back to work in June but crashed three weeks ago, anxiety took over and I couldn't function. My husband had no idea. I've been signed off and prescribed sertraline. I'm almost three weeks on it and my mood is better, more balanced. My son is currently 16 months old. I wish I'd sought help sooner but I honestly don't think I recognised how I was feeling, I was just on autopilot every day and never gave it a thought.

Also don't put too much pressure on yourself to have a wonderful joyous time on maternity. It is a lovely special time that passes so quickly but it's a massive shock to the system, hormones are all over the place and it's hard tiring work. It can also be lonely and I don't think anyone really talks about that. Just take each day as it comes and you'll soon get into a rhythm.