No antenatal counselling service??

[PaigeTurner]

I've just got back from my GP after um-ing and ah-ing about even saying anything for weeks. I wish I hadn't bothered now!

Basically, I've had two, fairly long bouts of depression in the past, treated with ADs and therapy, and also a six-month acute anxiety episode a couple of years ago.

Anyway, been feeling like the depression is coming back since being pg (with my first). It's getting worse as the weeks go by. I don't have suicidal thoughts, just feel lost, and my life is falling apart while I just watch. I'll spare you the details...

So I went to GP, as I'd been told at a midwife appointment there was a "counselling midwife" available. GP phones midwives - they say the "counselling midwife" is only for "acute mental health problems" which are being treated by a psychiatrist.

I could be referred for CBT said the GP - which I don't think would help in this case - which would take 4-6 weeks to arrange anyhow.

In the end my GP advised me to "go and spend a few days with your mum". ???!!!!

I can't believe there is no NHS help for vulnerable pregnant women?? Does anyone know of any charitable organisations who might offer antenatal counselling at reduced rates?

Sorry for mega-long post!

Paige, why don't you contact the NCT on 0300 330 0772? I don't know if they will be able to help, but it is worth a try. Also, why don't you push for the referral for CBT? I know you don't think it would help, but if the counsellor agrees that they can't help you but you are in need of help, then I am sure they will be able to advise you on an appropriate course of action and won't just leave you to it. It would be a foot in the door, as it were. I know it will take time for the referral to go through anyway, but it is so worth doing - as you wrote, you already spent weeks wondering whether you should mention the way you feel at all.

I'm sorry the GP was not able to offer more help, but please don't give up. There has to be help available for you and I really hope you will find it.

There is a mental health MW here ( probably in line for axe as loads of MW are) and she contacted me cos of my previous PND(11 yearsago).

Starlight - that's awful! My GP did ask me whether I'd considered adoption

Thanks YBF, I'll try the NCT, didn't think of that. The GP has asked me to go back and let her know how I'm getting on so will ask to be referred too.