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Postnatal health

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Post Natal Depression?

4 replies

Bunny2712 · 03/04/2015 22:23

Not sure if I have PND or not or whether it's just due to having 2 little ones. Some days (like today) I feel so normal and wonder what I'm fussed about, others I feel terrible. I have a 6 month old and a 3yr old. I don't feel as foggy headed as I did for the first 6 months postpartum and I am getting up and out every day, my energy levels are generally good actually, but I cry nearly every day, have terrible mood swings, sometimes I suddenly feel incredibly irritated or angry and feel like screaming, sometimes can't make a decision (DH asking whether to buy fish or chicken for tea stresses me out) and I am also convinced that I am a rubbish parent to my 3yr old - he has always been quite difficult and even though DH and I have developed our own strategies to deal with his behaviour, my parents (who live far away and only see him briefly 4/5 times a year) sat me down when I was heavily pregnant with DS2 (they were staying one night, DS1 was ill and cranky) and told me his behaviour wasn't normal (he'd thrown a toy) and I should be doing this, this and this - mainly following supernanny. I had said no we don't throw toys, put the toy away and distracted him with something else. My dad has always been very critical (under the guise of helping) and I did have it out with them a few weeks later but I just can't get it out of my head - like its planted a seed. On good days I just think what a load of rubbish, on bad days i play it over and over - it's almost obsessive - and I'm now constantly doubting myself as a parent. I think it may be hormones/PND contributing. Not sure. But I just want to get back to normal now!

OP posts:
fairgame · 04/04/2015 19:40

I had PND and can relate to some of the things you are saying. I had terrible mood swings and was very irritable. Nothing DP did was ever right.
Speak to your HV or GP as they can assess you for PND. I know people slate HV on here but mine was so supportive and was a lifeline really.

MargeryDaw · 04/04/2015 19:53

I agree that you should speak to both your HV and GP. I've been through a very similar situation and my HV has been really supportive and I've had some CBT counselling after she advised a self referral from my local NHS wellbeing team, which has really helped. The thing my GP did was sort out blood tests which showed that I have a thyroid problem, triggered by pregnancy. If you look at the NHS choices page for thyroiditis there's a list of symptoms - many of which are to do with mood, anxiety and irritability.

It may not be a thyroid thing at all but worth checking out. My GP said it's not common after pregnancy but not uncommon either. I was a bit freaked out by the diagnosis at first but with the thyroid medication and counselling, almost 4 months on I almost feel 'normal' again.

If it's not thyroid related, the HV and GP can be a massive help with PND. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Good luck x

glowfrog · 13/04/2015 21:03

You may well have PND - just because it's not the "full monty" doesn't mean there isn't something going on. Are you breastfeeding? It played havoc with my hormones when I was doing it (back on it now with newborn) so maybe that's the same for you?

Roseybee10 · 19/04/2015 22:16

I feel really similar. I have a 2.5 year old and a 10 week old and generally just feel completely overwhelmed and that I can't give enough to either. I feel like a shit mum as I'm struggling with toddler's tantrums and baby's reflux and just feel like I've completely upset the delicate balance in my life by having another one. I feel like I've lost my bond with dd1 and don't have the chance to create a bond with dd2.
I don't know if it's pnd or just normal given everything that's going on.
Hope you're ok, no advice but you're not alone x

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