What to call feelings

[Pob13]

I have suffered from depression for 10+ years managed by medication. I now have a 4week old baby and am really struggling. My gp has upped my medication to try and help me cope. I dont know whether to call it postnatal depression or just severe depression. I feel like putting a label on it helps people to understand better.

You have depression in the postnatal period, so yes, that can be called postnatal depression. The hormone changes, life change and lack of sleep will all be big factors. I hope you feel better soon. 🌹

@Jamhandprints thankyou.

Firstly I’m so sorry that you’re going through severe depression with a baby. That sounds extremely distressing and difficult.

I would really recommend asking your GP for a referral to IAPT for counselling or going yourself. Medication may be helpful but it can’t offer you a nonjudgmental space to work through your emotions with support and patience. And this will be crucial to your recovery. I don’t know whether you’ve had positive experiences with therapy in the past - if not I can imagine this would put you off, but please try again. You deserve it.

You really deserve not to feel like this. Please seek support and reach out. Life may not ever be perfect but it can get better than this. I also recommend this book, which I found excellent www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00X7UHTJK/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1&tag=mumsnetforum-21.

And well done for managing so far, I mean it. The postnatal phase is no walk in the park and neither is depression, to put it lightly. You must be a very strong lady to be managing all that. Be kind to yourself and give yourself the credit you deserve.

I really wish you well and hope that you get the support and nurturing you need to feel better in yourself. Take care xxx