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Original poster

Anyone with a history of depression not gone on to have PND?

15 replies

PineconeK · 11/01/2018 08:34

We're ttc but I'm getting very anxious about PND. I've had numerous episodes of depression and have always ended up needing anti depressants to shift it.

I know the risk is increased, but I'm feeling like it's a certainty and this is prompting some conflicted thoughts on pregnancy.

So, has anyone had historic depression and NOT got PND??

OP posts:
laurzj82 · 11/01/2018 08:38

Me. But I did continue with ADs during and after my pregnancy (on advice from my consultant).

Original poster
PineconeK · 11/01/2018 13:44

That's what I'm thinking, I might ask to start them as a precaution

OP posts:
laurzj82 · 11/01/2018 17:02

See what they say. I was told the risk to baby was far less than risk to me if I came off them if that makes sense. Bear in mind though that this meant I had to be under a consultant as a result so I wouldn't have been allowed a water birth or anything like that. Good luck! X

Mattresstestermax · 11/01/2018 17:07

I had PND with my first but not my second, so I guess that’s a very similar thing.

The way I see it, is there are tonnes of factors, each of which contributes a little bit, and past history of depression is just one of them. I also thinking that the higher statistical risk is balanced by a better awareness of good self care, warning signs etc, which def helped me second time round

pasbeaucoupdegendarme · 11/01/2018 22:58

I have a history of depression but never felt better than when my dc1 was tiny 😊

Dc2 was different but he was a different and more difficult baby which probably contributed to a sleep deprived and slightly rocky patch. I didn’t go back on ADs even then though.

Equimum · 15/01/2018 16:08

I have a long history of anxiety and have had episodes of severe depression in the past (hospitalised, combined drug treatments etc.). I had DS1 five years ago, and although I didn’t exactly feel in top of the word, I didn’t become depressed to the extent where I needed treatment or anything. TBF, has I gone to a doctor at times, they may have diagnosed depression, but it was nowhere near as severe as it had been and was manageable IYSWIM.

I am not suggesting it is possible to avoid completely, but I think knowing your triggers and having strategies to manage to manage can be helpful. I always knew that becoming isolated would be a big problem, so I researched local baby groups before DS was born and forced myself to go, no matter how tired or low I felt. Similarly, I tried to organise it so that DH looked after DS one night a week and let me sleep. These sorts of things helped me to manage.

CoffeeAndCupcakes85 · 16/01/2018 20:51

Me! I thought I was guaranteed to get PND but I didn't.

If you do get pregnant, I would recommend flagging your history of depression to your midwife and (later) health visitor, so that they know to keep an eye on you and watch out for any signs things could be going wrong.

Ohyesiam · 16/01/2018 20:54

A close friend of mine had depression and was on prozac. She signs suffer PND with either of her pregnancies. There is hope op.

Ohyesiam · 16/01/2018 20:55

She DIDN'T suffer pnd Blush

Noluthando · 16/01/2018 21:00

Me! I stopped anti depressants when I found out I was pregnant. was on a low dose though but for about 7 years. got ante natal depression, at about 3 months pregnant then got counselling at 5 months, it lifted at 8 months and I've been fine since 6 years later, fingers crossed! not sure how it can be explained but maybe something to do with feeling fulfilled as I always wanted children and had started to think it would never happen.

Ffswtf · 16/01/2018 21:11

I struggled after my first DD was born but that may be connected to the traumatic birth. Absolutely no PND after DD2, but an episode after DS1. I was v concerned before we conceived our first but I felt I couldn't go through life and not experience motherhood. It's no guarantee that you will suffer PND. But if you do you know the signs, the treatments and that it is an episode.

Givemestrengthorgin · 16/01/2018 21:26

I've had really bad anxiety in the past before kids and had to take AD's to help with it. I came off them slowly before I got pregnant as I wanted to try and not have to take them if I fell pregnant. I was very worried about getting depression or anxiety after the baby arrived. I spoke to my midwife about it and she got the HV to come out and see my before the baby arrived so that I could have a chat with her about my concerns etc and make me more comfortable going to her if I felt I needed support. That helped and maybe you could do similar if you get pregnant . What I think is really helpful is to make a plan and that takes the pressure off. You know if the depression comes back there is support there and other people will know to keep an extra eye out for you. My HV told me that people who have had depression before kids are the best at seeking support and help because they recognise what's happening and that it needs dealt with. she said people who have never had depression and never felt they would suffer from it are often knocked sideways by it. I suppose by having been there before we have gone through that initial stage of realising whay it is and coming to terms with having it. Sorry this is a bit of a ramble but hope it helps.

Coyoacan · 16/01/2018 21:49

I have suffered from depression and was never happier than when my dd was little.

Original poster
PineconeK · 20/01/2018 13:26

Really overwhelmed by the responses.. thankyou! You have given me some hope and reassurance. I'd been on ADs on and off since age 16 (now 28) and I've managed to stay off them for 6 months now which is the longest I've gone in 7 years.

It's so hard in the winter to manage my mood and as much as I want children I'm afraid that my mental health will affect my parenting. This isn't to disparage mothers with MH problems, I know that women with psychosis/bipolar disorder can be wonderful mothers, I just find it hard to trust myself! DH doesn't really get this.. he just thinks I'll be a perfect mother and that's that

OP posts:
GinNeeded · 20/01/2018 13:38

I've been dealing with anxiety and depression on and off since my teens. After my first I fully expected to have PND. Like a pp I really enjoyed being a mother and never felt better! Yes I was overwhelmed, hormonal and stressed at times...but no more so than any other first time mum. As Givemstregnthorgin said I recognised the signs that I needed help when things got a bit too much and asked for support from others. Not necessarily professional help but taking time out for myself, letting DH know how I was coping etc

Whilst it's something to be aware of it's not a given.

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