Post partum depression

Hello everyone, I am suffering from post partum depression. I was put on antidepressants that take a while to start working. Meanwhile, I have crushing anxiety that doesn’t let me sleep. I am fearful all the time and feeling helpless. They gave me an anti anxiety medication, which helped, but told me they would never prescribe it for more than 14 days due to risk of dependency. I took these in the past and never even had a hint of dependency or addiction. Same thing with some people in my family. My 14 days are almost over, the antidepressants still haven’t kicked in and I am having further crushing anxiety and insomnia just thinking how I am going to cope without the anti anxiety meds (which is a benzodiazepine) until the other meds are properly working. Anyone had this experience in the UK? Back home this is not the protocol, as I was just on the phone with a couple of psychiatrists I know and look after women with post partum depression. I feel helpless and like no one understands how you are supposed to take care of a newborn with all your love and care when you are feeling this way. I just want to be the best mom! Thank you.

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I had two weeks of horrendous baby blues. It was suffocating and crushing. I couldn’t breath sometimes out of anxiety, I would cry all the time and dread the mornings. I couldn’t sleep either as I would just be waiting on him to wake up the minute I try to nod off. For me I considered anti depressants that were prescribed however I chose not to take them in the case of dependency so I battled through. Those few weeks were the worst of my life. What helped me through was keeping busy and surrounded by people. I realised when I was speaking on the phone or around friends dn family i would be distracted. This helped so much, I kept speaking my feelings out as opposed to hiding them, getting someone to keep my child for a few hours wasn’t something that helped me because I could relax anyway or sleep in the day, but having people round just for a chat was better while I continued my mummy duties. Please continue to speak to your therapist I think that’s a great idea…

I wish I did something like this. Also be patient, everyone told me it would pass but while I was in it I never thought it would but one day it did just like people said. I woke up and just accepted this is my life. I love my LO more than ever now but those few weeks I coulfnt help but seen him as just a responsibility. Even today I am feeling a little down and lonely so these feelings will come and go you will just learn to accept that it will not last and is not permanent. That is the biggest message

Go back to your dr and explain it may just be that you need to give it longer to work or switch up medication. Self refer to perinatal mental health team they're amazing. Meditation and yoga also helped me with postpartum anxiety. Take care and my dms are open if you have any questions or just want a chat hun x

Speak to your Dr about promethazine as an option instead of the benzos. It’s an antihistamine that has anti anxiety side effects and can be purchased over the counter. It is totally non addictive. It can make you drowsy which is good to help you sleep but could cause risk if you are caring for your LO. A low dose may be more appropriate so you don’t get the drowsiness but you gain the anti anxiety benefits. Anxiety is absolutely awful but you’re doing the right thing speaking out and asking for help. I would highly recommend trying to get some talking therapy organised as it will be beneficial while the medication kicks in.

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