Mental health.

[ShanAmanda]

WARNING; downer post :(

anyone offer any advice please? I struggled with my mental health before I fell pregnant, depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. I've been doing so well and my midwife&partner aren't aware of these issues. Now I struggling again and really finding it hard to find a little light in the dark tunnel 😢 if I tell my midwife will this be reflected badly on me? Eg; me being kept and extra eye on with baby or SS being involved? I'm petrified of asking for help and having my unborn child taken away 😢

Admitting you’re struggling is s really positive thing-that won’t mean your child is taken away.
Please see your GP, you don’t have to feel like this.

It definitely won't reflect badly on you.
In fact, quite the opposite.
Unfortunately a lot of people struggle at this point, but there is help out there for you.
Speak to your partner and midwife

Hi OP
I have Bipolar 2 disorder and have had fantastic support from the midwife and perinatal team throughout my pregnancy.
I would urge you to be honest.
They will not take your baby away from you for admitting that you have anxiety or depression. They will offer you the support you need to keep you and baby healthy and happy.
I had an attempted suicide when I was 18 and have been on medication for many years. I chose to come off my medication to try for a baby (for birth defect reasons) so could have been seen as a huge risk but they have been wonderful and understanding and I’ve done really well.
Don’t try and hold it all in because we are unfortunately more at risk or postnatal depression and the more you try to hide it the worse it gets. X

Please tell your midwife! It will depend on where you are as to exact provision, but generally maternal health is taken a lot more seriously now. My trust had a specific midwife team who specialised in mental health for both pre and post birth. Try seeing if their is a PANDAS group local to you as well. And please don’t be scared of SS! They would only get involved if get had serious concerns and even then they would be looking to help and support you, not take your baby away. Good luck!

I have severe anxiety and have had fantastic care and support throughout my pregnancy. There's a lot of funding for mental health support right now, I've been really surprised how well looked after I've been. Do tell your midwife, there's no judgement.