Health Forums

Posted: 10 February 2007 at 12:11pm | IP Logged

Hi girls, I hope nobody minds me having a bit of release on here, I know I've not been a member all that long but feel I need to speak to someone.

I've suffered post natal depression since the birth of my second son but it wasn't diagnosed till after the birth of my 3rd. They put me on anti d's and things were looking better. Then I fell pregnant with number 4 and doc told me to come off them, so I did. I struggled for most of the pregnancy and after a suicide attempt at 37 weeks, they had to induce me. Back on the pills and life was rosy again....till I fell pregnant with number 5. Again the pills stopped, had problems with my neighbours and began self harming. They induced me early again at 38 weeks, back on the pills and all was well. Now I'm expecting number 6 (23 wks) and not been on my anti d's for some time. the docs prescribed me a different sort this time and I'm determined never to be induced again. I was doing well until just this last week or two. My best friend of 20 years rang me at the weekend to tell me my god daughter who's 13 had attempted suicide and had been sectioned (the second attempt in 6 weeks). Her son who's 9 had a brain hemaorrage and was rushed into intensive care in London and I've got her 11 year old daughter while all this is going on. I feel so alone with not many close friends as I'm not a face to face person and feel like I'm losing control.

My hubby tells me to go back onto the anti d's but I'm so worried that something will go wrong. I was convinced my 5th was going to die and convinced there's something wrong with this one, doctors tell me it's part of my depression. Also, not seen a midwife in 13 weeks and I wont bother them, sure there's people far more needy than me that need to take up their time. 

I cry most days and just want to hide from the world in my bed and not face the world. Sorry to have such a long winded post, never had been able to tell a story the short way lol.

Thanks for listening

Posted: 10 February 2007 at 12:24pm | IP Logged

aww sorry to hear that you are such a rough time hun,

and no none of us mind you having a release on here, we are here to listen.

i think that you should phone your midwife and tell her how you feel and also go and see your doctor and explain to him how you feel,

you have a lot to deal with, with 5 of your own kids and your friends daughter being pregnant and all the other things, could someone help you eg family or friends by having the kids for a couple of hours so you can have a bit of a break?

hope you feel better soon hun.

luv bev

Posted: 10 February 2007 at 12:26pm | IP Logged

First off of course we dont mind you talking about it on here, thats what we are here for.

I have suffered from depression on and off since I was 18. My mum has been suffering also for even longer and she has had 2 suicide attepts plus nearly becoming an alcoholic. Its so difficult but the first thing to realise is it isnt your fault it is an illness. Now to trat an illness we use medication. There are anti depressents that are safe to take while pregnant.

I was on anti d's when I fell pg with Eds. They were not safe ones so I was taken off them but I saw the mental health team regually to check up on how I was doing and was always offered anti d's if I was feeling low.

The thing is while 'off' your medication and feeling low it is difficult to se that the anti d's will work as your brain is not rational. You are going through so much at the moment and you need some support. See your gp, hv, midwife, anyone but get some help because you need it and you deserve it!

Your doctors will monitor your baby if you are on anti d's and wont let anything go wrong. Your mind is telling you there is something wrong with your baby because you are unwell.

Please get some help honey. I think by writing this you have taken the biggest step and admitted you have a problem so well done!

Posted: 10 February 2007 at 2:32pm | IP Logged

Goodness me Sarah, I'm so sorry you're going through this.

Your midwife is there for every woman equally, please don't feel you're bothering her.  Definately get help, I don't know much about depression, so feel I can't give you any constructive advice.

I think writing this you've taken a massive step and you should keep it up for your sake and your families.  Lots of hugs, Lorna xxxxxxxxxxx

Posted: 10 February 2007 at 3:21pm | IP Logged

    Sarah, what a lot you you are having to content with. You have taken a brave step in telling us all. I really wish I could help you more. Please see your midwife or dr. They are there to help you, thats their job so please please please go and see them.

     Sending you lots of hugs    Love Nicky

Posted: 10 February 2007 at 4:38pm | IP Logged

Hi.

Like Madz has said, there are anti-d's that are safe to take in pregnancy and as you've just been prescribed some, I'd guess that those are. If you are in any doubt, ring NHS direct or pop into a pharmacy and ask. Please please please start taking your tablets.

I've been depressed on and off for the last 8 years although I think I probably was before but just didn't know what it was. You have taken the biggest and hardest step by making this post - so well done.

This isn't your fault, by any stretch of the imagination. With everything that you're trying to juggle at the moment, even the most un-depressed person in the world would struggle so don't feel that you should be able to manage.

Please talk to your MW or GP this week. They are there to help you and will be able to support you.

Take care, and please do let us know how you get on. 

Posted: 10 February 2007 at 6:46pm | IP Logged

hi..welcome to mm.

looks like you got good support and advice. i just wanted to send out a hug and lots of love to you..just know your not alone here and you'll always be supported with any answers you need.

Lina

Posted: 10 February 2007 at 7:05pm | IP Logged

Sarah, as already been said, there are anti depressants which are safe in pg, and if you have been prescribed them you should be taking them.  Of course your gp wouldn't perscribe you something that was unsafe in pregnancy.

I suffered pnd after my first ds, this went undiagnosed for 10months, I too have been depressed most of my life, its a sad fact.  I have times where i struggle to get out of bed let alone face the things your facing right now.

Make an appointment to see your mw, and take the time to tell her how your feeling, she needs to know this so she can help you and your baby.

Take care

Corrine

Posted: 10 February 2007 at 7:48pm | IP Logged

Hi hun we are always here for you. I have suffered from depression on and off since i was 14. I then got pnd after having my twin daughters. I knew i was depressed but it took me ages and split from my dp before i took actions to sort it. We got back together but even though ppl are there you always feel like you are alone. Like ppl have said go and see your midwife hun. She is there for you and if she isn't ask for a different one. I'm sending hugh hugs to you hun but please do not leave it. Try and see your midwife and do something now rather than later xxxxxxxxxx