Big Kaz, I cant help with your OP but I just wanted to ask if you have written down your birth story? I am not sure but it might be good therapy for you to get it all of your chest. You dont even have to post it but just to get it out might help.
I know you went through such a tough time but you did everything you could and you did birth your gorgeous little man and should be proud (easy for me to say than it is for you to believe I am sure).
Anyway lots of and to you. Hope you can get some help from the other ladies in here as well.
kaz i never did that test last time so cant answer that question but i has huge issues with my first birth and im sure that majorly contributed to my PND then. id suggest finding someone you can do a debrief with about the birth, someone in the know regarding birthing, i wish i had of last time
Kaz mine was 19 and my GP didn't suggest AD's (not that I wanted them) just that I see a psychologist. Maybe talking to a psych about your birth trauma could help if you feel that is the issue.
It's out of 24. At my worst I scored 21. Yes ADs were suggested - but I refused them. At you local community health centre they should have a counsellor that I def reccomend you get in touch with.
You may be having a bad week or it may be the start of something, but without proper talking to, it's hard to tell.
I never took meds for my first bout, but I have for my second, and honestly they were the best decision I made for myself and my family and baby.
Good luck hun. Remember that the EPNS is just one test. Really talk to someone if you are worried.
I can't remember what my score was but both times (after both kids) I scored enough to warrant a phone call to me from them.
The first time there was a question on there about has anything happened in the last year that you think about, or are upset about etc (can't remember the exact wording on the test up here) and I of course answered yes - my sister had a stillborn. Of course that was upsetting!
And then the second time, I was devastated by not getting my VBAC so scored pretty badly on the test too. Not because I was depressed, but of course I wasn't happy with my birth. So it could just be your birth trauma that is picking up the signs that may suggest you may need AD's - not that you actually have PND and need them
Ali - Thanks darl. I have typed out a rough outline of what happened. I got through doing that ok but haven't been able to read back over it.
AJP - Is there anything special about 'debriefing' over and above just telling someone the story of what happened? The CFHN said I needed to debrief and I had the impression from her that's what I was doing with her. Maybe the debrief didn't work for me?
eej - Thanks. I think I might talk to someone else with more counselling training.
Kim - That's weird that it's out of 24. I wonder if there are different versions? I'm sure the CFHN said it was out of 30. I'm not against taking meds if I need them - just not sure how I tell I need them I guess and don't want to base it solely on a short questionnaire. I'm so glad ADs have been helpful for you.
Mel - I'm so sorry about your sister. That is awful. I think my situation might be similar to yours - the feelings around the birth are being picked up, rather than general feelings.
Maybe there isn't a straight answer to the question of when feelings about a birth experience become depression? I always assumed (wrongly maybe) that if I had or get PND then it's something that I would be aware of as a significant change and something others around me would notice too? Outside of crying when I think/talk about my birth experience I don't feel that different. I actually thought I had dealt with the birth ok until a few weeks ago. But then that makes me wonder if I'm just in denial and don't know it? Its so confusing!
I scored about 10 I think, and the nurse recommended I see a counsellor. I went to my GP and he said he thought I was just a normal new mum coping with sleep deprivation and new responsibilities. I don't think you should worry too much about the score, but it might be benefitial to talk to someone who deals with birth trauma. Are you near Melbourne? we have a fabulous birth counsellor here called Rhea Dempsey.
Hey Anna, I'm not near Melbourne unfortunately. I have been referred to a counsellor. Just waiting on an appt - not sure how long the waiting list is. I've told the FCHN that I don't want ADs just yet.
Kaz, I cant help with your OP but I just wanted to ask if you have written down your birth story? I am not sure but it might be good therapy for you to get it all of your chest. You dont even have to post it but just to get it out might help.
and
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