Post Natal Depression (PND)

[belmarks]

Hi does anyone know anything about PND? There are times when I think I might have it, but its only a fleeting thought, and just wondered if anyone in here has experienced anything like PND and what are the symptoms??

[Melbo]

Bel,

There is a really good article on the main website (it's under Post Natal Issues). It lists the symptoms of PND so you can have a quick look and see if any of this fits. There is also plenty of help and support in the depression forum on here.

It is always worth having a chat to your GP about how you are feeling. The resources are out there for you to get all the help you need to tackle PND if that is what you have.

I hope this helps a little bit.

Mel

[nellbe]

Also check out the Depression and Anxiety forum and there are plenty of topics in there.

[Stormi]

Hi Bel,

I had PND quite severely with both my boys. It's hard when you have your first baby to be able to distinguish if your feelings are "normal" or PND. Sleep deprivation can cause quite similar symptoms, so it's really hard to tell. With my first, the first time I went to the doctor and told them I was tired and crying a lot etc, they said it was probably just due to being a "new mum" and lack of sleep etc (my symptoms weren't too bad at the time). So I tried to deal with it and kept just thinking it would blow over and I was over-reacting etc. I ignored it for several months thinking it would get better but instead it gradually got worse and worse until DH had to literally pick me up off the floor as I was curled in a ball crying and could not stop (was crying so much I was hyperventilating). So when I had my second son, as soon as I noticed symptoms I went straight back onto medication.

So if you are not sure, I'd speak to a doctor (preferably a female GP who has had kids) about it. They actually have a checklist thing that you fill out to check for PND - like a survey sort of thing where you answer questions about how you are feeling, how long you've felt like that etc.

The main thing to remember is - don't feel ashamed or a failure. PND affects all sorts of women, it doesn't choose the "bad" mums, or the "failures". It's not "all in your head" and you can't just "snap out of it". It is a real condition and nobody should feel embarassed or ashamed to seek help for it. I felt like this after my first child, that people would think I was a failure because I couldn't cope with my baby like everyone else, or that I was a freak because I was on antidepressants etc. Once I finally was diagnosed with PND (by a GP who had had it herself), it was like a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders.

So Bel, have a chat to a GP if you are unsure, if you do have PND there are plenty of support groups around as well.