Saying hi

[Tacey]

Hello all

I'm very new to all this.  I've never been diagnosed with depression, as I've never been to the doctor, but I've had a few periods where it's been pretty evident.  I now have two children, and I don't have the option of sticking my head in the sand and hiding away, which used to be my coping mechanism.

My littlest is nearly 6 months old now, so there may be an element of PND in how I'm feeling.  I've self referred to the mental health organisation near us today, which feels like a big step.  Oddly though, I've had a really awful day.  I thought admitting it and seeking help would improve things, but it seems to have made it worse.

Anyway, sorry, that was a bit of a garbled introduction!  Off to read around and looking forward to getting to know you on here.   +-_

[Michael Frankum]

Hello and welcome to the site.  +-_ Since I was lucky enough to find this site, I have found that the people are nice, supportive and not at all judgemental. It's a safe place to let things out. I'm sure that you will find that the people here understand. Best wishes.

[bookletters]

Hi Tacey, yes Michael is right. I was worried this forum was going to "depress me even more" but actually, I have found the people hugely supportive and helpful. It really helps to know you are not the only one and that it is possible to get better and enjoy life despite having depression. xx

[Catbrian]

Hi Tracey... you've made two very positive steps towards a recovery; approaching the MH organisation and admitting your depression on here.  When we open up about such personal issues, sometimes it does feel momentarily worse.  I was listening to a programme on Radio 2 only a few days ago, about PND and how debilitating that can be.  It really can't be easy dealing with a baby and toddler when you're feeling so overwhelmed by depression.  A good Health Visitor should know about all PND facilities that you could perhaps tap into and sometimes using antidepressants for a period of time can also help.

I hope you find the Forum helpful

[Pip]

Hi and welcome

[bookletters]

Yes Tacey, medication may be something worth looking at. I know it personally helps me massively and I am a wreck if I am having an episode without them :s

[ohajiki]

Hi :)

Glad you referred yourself, congratulate yourself for this.

x

[Tacey]

Hello everyone, thanks for the lovely welcome!

I guess being hard on myself is probably a symptom of the depression isn't it?  I've always been a perfectionist.  It's even harder when the stakes are so high.  We always want the best for our children, and it's awful to feel I am the one spoiling things.  I see my life on paper and I'm so fortunate, I feel so ridiculous and ungrateful for feeling like this.

Oops, I did it again.  It seems once I start opening up, I can't shut up!

Does anyone know of any research on ADs and breastfeeding?  I expect it will be a long time before I stop nursing, so if I did need pills, they'd need to be compatible with breastfeeding.  My doctor is lovely, but has so far been lacking in up to date information on breastfeeding, so I'd like to know my options before I go (if I need to.)

[Catbrian]

Being hard on ourselves during depression is a classic symptom.  You shouldn't feel ridiculous or ungrateful, you are experiencing illness.  I also have pangs of guilt if I've been a little short tempered, but, in your case, through your awareness, you ARE being a good Mum.  The prog I listened to on radio 2 the other day re PND, did mention breastfeeding and I don't think there is anything you can take that wouldn't affect feeding baby.  I think talking to a Health Visitor or GP would answer any questions you may have.  You should take this illness seriously and you do deserve as much help as you can get

Below is the link to the Jeremy Vine radio show on 31st October on Post Natal Depression. Anyone with an interest in depression will find this programme close to home.  Just click on the link below.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01ng6wn

[bookletters]

Some women do breastfeed while taking ADs I am sure....

[Tacey]

Catb, thanks for the link. Certainly rang true, although thankfully my experience has been much less severe than the poor ladies featured.

Bookletters - Yes, I think I've heard of a few.  It's a tricky one as I know that anything I take would go through to my milk.  It may be 'safe' but I guess it's a grey area.  I'm going to do a bit of digging around on the Internet.

I'm a bit fed up with the mental health service I contacted.  It took a lot of willpower to call initially, and I had a panic attack after I hung up.  It then turned out the guy had given me incorrect information, so I had more phone calls and emails to find out what was actually available.  I finally got a phone consultation booked for this Tuesday, and I've now been told he made another mistake, and it's Thursday.  My rational mind can see this isn't that big a deal, but it's really thrown me, and I'm disappointed to have to wait another 2 days.  I've been pinning a lot of hope on the appointment and feel quite crushed by it all.

[Zaf]

Hi and welcome *()

Z xxx

[bookletters]

Well done for doing so well Tacey, admirable attitude!
At the end of the day I (personally) think it is best to have a baby breastfeeding on mum taking a low dose of AD (or baby having bottles) rather than have mum in tears / panicking / not bonding as well with the baby.... xx

[mat]

Welcome  to the forum , you are very welcome here.

[Sweetpea]

Hello and welcome :). S x x x x

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