Mental health

First time mom is always the worst time … I remember feeling so crappy and hopeless every day until my son turned 2.. take lots of breaks .. if you’re partner is supportive ask him to watch the baby while you literally take a walk … once everyday .. it clears your head.. find time everyday to sleep/eat… you need your partners support … it’s easier said then done… you got this 🙌🏼

I'm not there yet, as only 15 weeks along with my first so not due till August, but I wanted to say sending virtual hugs, and care. I'm sure you are doing your best and that it is enough, so just keep reaching out here or other forums to find mums in a similar position or just who are able to offer friendship and support.

Thank you so much @Shawna definitely need to get out and just take a walk get some fresh air when I can, I appreciate the support!

@Kat thank you! I hope you have an easy and enjoyable pregnancy!

I feel this. I was already under mental health services and have been trying to get into perinatal since I was 6 months pregnant. I last saw my consultant at local mental health when my baby was 7 weeks old and was supposed to see them again in 4 months but heard nothing. Perinatal finally accepted the referral’s that were going in from multiple places (local mental health, health visitor etc) in January and offered me an appointment end of March. By this point I was honest about being suicidal so my hv called them and kicked off so I had an assessment last week. Immediately off the back of it they started pushing medications which I knew they would and I am now having the crisis team come and see me twice a week and perinatal are looking at other therapies for me. My baby is 7 months old 😞 Have you spoken to your health visitor? You can be referred to MASH who can give you options for support and there other services too, in my area we have 1 called Healthy Little Minds,

We have had them involved for months and we now do an art class every week with a couple of other mums and I also get a call of a visit every week from my dedicated worker. Please feel free to message me any time and we can look and discuss what other help is in your area. You aren’t alone ❤️

Check out PANDAS Foundation — they really helped me and with my second who is 4 weeks; I have really struggled with the transition from one baby to two and have been going to local groups in the area with other mums who feel exactly the same way as you are now. It hasn’t been about sitting in a room and sharing feelings; it’s the comfort that you and your baby aren’t the only one feeling like crap and I have been going every week since little one was born because it was a way of getting me out and motivating me that the phase will pass. You are doing amazing, keep going! Xx

My little one is 17 months and I’m only just getting help with PND, but to be fair it’s taken me this long and a lot of other things contributing for me to finally seek help. I went to my GP mid January and I’ve got my first talking therapy session next week. I’m skeptical but willing to give it a go, I think I’ve been lucky with how quickly it seems to have been made available but it’s surprising that you’ve not been able to get help quickly as my GP said that usually if it’s perinatal etc they act to get you in a lot quicker than if it were for other mental health which usually see a lot higher waiting lists. Sending hugs hope you can get some help soon x

You aren’t alone, mama. Help is out there. Are you familiar with the Postpartum Society International? They also have a directory of their own for seeking doctors and providers like social workers and therapists etc who specialize particularly in postpartum mental health. https://www.postpartum.net/. ♥️

Im the same as @Charlotte. Took me an absolute age to finally speak to my GP, I just kept thinking it will pass but has gradually got worse. LO will be 1 next week. Spoke to my GP on Wednesday, signed me off from going back to work, started medication and referred me to perinatal. I have my first video appointment on Monday but I am absolutely terrified. I keep thinking 'what if they don't think I have anything wrong' the guilt is overwhelming. Sending lots of virtual hugs and support to you 😘

You are not alone. I am the same way. I am going to counseling, and I don't feel like it's helping. I have noticed that listening to music, journaling, or even just going for a walk on a nice day helps. I have been trying to keep it together, especially since I'm away from my family and have no help. It's nice if you find someone to talk to.

They made a shrink come and talk to me in the hospital after I have my first. Didn’t realize it wasn’t normal until I mentioned it to friends and they were like yeah no. I had postpartum preeclampsia and was put under for my emergency c and then kept in the hospital of magnesium for several days. Add that to already having an anxiety disorder and obviously I wasn’t doing well. Anyways, it was so unhelpful and kind of insulting. She came in and woke me up super early and then literally sat there. She asked a few stupid questions and then would sit for minutes after I answered. And then just left?? Like no resources or anything. I already have a therapist and we laughed about it when I told her.

I’m so sorry ur going thru this mama! Bt just focus on u & the life u brought into this world. Please stop thinking that the world cares abt ur mental health cuz they don’t. Please stop expecting so much from this world. If ppl support u then that’s a blessing bt please try not to dwell too much on why the world doesn’t support u cuz it’s wasn’t supposed to. Ppl who have support or find support are privileged! It’s literally hard pill I had to swallow while I was trying to figure shit out all alone in my teens & 20s. I know that feeling of “abandonment” all too well & the only thing that helped me thru is just learning that Im the only person who can truly help myself & it started with changing my mindset. I have this “I can do all by myself” attitude abt life cuz I’ve had to go thru so much by myself without any help. X Once u overcome whatever ur going thru ur definitely going to learn & grow & hopefully help others! just know that ur not alone mama. We are all fighting battles