Feeling down..baby 8 month old..Is this normal?

[ballymoy]

Last couple of months things have been getting on top of me.Back to work after 8 months off is strange and my confidence is rock bottom.My moods are all over the place.. feel like a colied spring or bsolutely exhausted.Am I normal?:(

You really shouldn't worry too much about feeling like this - although it's not fun, it's quite normal - as you say, you just feel strange and that's just because your entire world has taken a large step to the left and shifted completely and that takes a while to settle and to get used to. Try to remember that all your skills etc haven't disappeared or been lost, they are still there - it just needs a bit of time - getting impatient with yourself is not going to help, rather it jsut places more pressure on you - there is no guide or time limit to feeling like your old self - took me nearly a year after by lo was born to feel like I was truly back again. It may be hard but try to take care of yourself, sleep and eat well, although easier said than done, but it is important. And go easy on yourself, take each day as it comes and you will find as your confidence comes back, so will all your coping mechanisms.

When I went back to work after having both of my DDs I felt very down and lacked confidence. Sounds like you are feeling exactly how I did. It will get better, honestly it will.

You sound normal to me . Think I was around the 10 month mark when PND snuck up on me. Do you think you could have PND?

I had PND at around 8 months.

I read up about PND and have myself convinced that i have it. Maybe as the rest of you say, I just need to relax, stop putting pressure on myself an let things take their ciourse. I'm going to my GP on tuesday and mention it to her and see what she thinks. I am having a better day today but when i get into a group of people i just want to curl up and hide.Thats not me! Hopefully I'll feel somewhat normal soon

Really pleased you are going to your GP and don't forget to talk to her about it (I only say that as it sounds like it is not the primary thing you are going for). It is a recognised illness and sometimes needs medical treatment... and that treatment has helped a lot of people who post on these boards. You will get a lot of support here from the hoards that have suffered PND.
Will you let us know how you get on on Tuesday?

Went to my GP on tues and he was really good. Does think i have PND but rulling out other causes at the moment such as anaemia and thyroid function tests. Gave me a self help book to try as I didn't want to try anti-depressants straight away. I've also booked myself a counselling session through my nursing union and that starts on friday. So hopefully things will get better. Still very weepy at the drop of a hat.. and on night duty tonight which won't help.Thanks for all your support, my hubby can't really figure me out and it is great to vent off here. Cheers

That sounds very positive and your GP is being very thorough by the sounds of it Ballymoy. There is a Mumsnetter who has a website dealing with many issues surrounding pregnancy and depression \link{http://www.unplannedpregnancies.co.uk\here}. Well worth a read.

What was the self help book called?

book is called"Overcoming epression" by Paul Gilbert. A self help guide using cognitive behavioral techniques. Feel better now that I am telling friends and family. Thanks for hearing me out.