I posted this in the mental health section but I only got one reply so wondering if it's better off in the general pregnancy section?
I am really struggling with antenatal depression. I have a long history of mental ill-health over the 16 years of my adult life but had 3 years of stability which was why we finally decided that we could try for a baby. I came off 3 of the 4 medications that I was regularly taking in order to conceive, so combined with the hormonal changes and the sickness I experienced in the first trimester it's not surprising that I've been poorly. I had 3 weeks off work (weeks 11-13) and then been on reduced hours ever since which frsutrates me and adds to the guilt (especially as there's noone picking up the stuff I can't manage to do) but I am not well enough to do any more and manage to look after myself.
What is so frustrating is that whenever you google any information about it, you get told to ask for help and the implication is that you will get some. I asked for help at my booking appointment (10 weeks) and I'm now 20+3 and all that I've had is 2 assessment appointments with the psychiatrist where he failed to give me the confidence that I could restart one of the meds. The Royal College of Psychiatrists' standard is assessment within 2 weeks and then be offered psychological treatment within 4 weeks for pregnant women. I've been referred to the perinatal MH team but they sent a letter saying that they were in high demand and had reduced capacity and that I was on a waiting list (the psychiatrist wasn't aware of any waiting list, he told me I'd be seen by them within 6 weeks which would have been about now). My husband has rung them every other day but can't get through to anyone to find out how long the waiting lsit is
I can't go on like this, especially knowing that antenatal depression is risk factor for postnatal depression. The worry is causing immense pressure on my husband. The midwives have been great with the anxiety, seeing me every fortnight, but they can't offer mental health care. I am also struggling with my eating (had anorexia x 2 in the past). I've written to my MP. But just feel out of options.
Any thoughts?