I'm wondering how doctors etc can differentiate between after effects of pp & post natal depression?

[kellbell]

I'm currently recovering from my 2nd episode of pp & am worried I may now be experiencing pnd as struggling with low mood & anxiety. After my previous episode I had cbt over the phone for anxiety being home alone with my son but not much depression.

[Ellie_at_APP Partner]

Hi kellbell really sorry to hear that you've had pp twice, and are now struggling with low mood, and now having to look after two children must be really difficult. I have only had one child and did have depression after the pp. A lot of people seem to, though some are lucky not to. I would talk to your mental health team, talk about anti depressants? I did find cbt so helpful with the depression, I would have it as and when I needed it. There have been many threads about depression / low mood and tips on how to manage. I am on my phone so can't copy and paste any but maybe do a search? I hope you can get the support you need. it's great you're on the forum, really hope it will be a source of support and encouragement too. Ellie

[Lilybeth Volunteer]

Hello kellbell

I think if you are still recovering from your second PP you are bound to have low mood and anxiety. It's very difficult to cope with the after effects of PP, two children and the routine of life.

Try not to rush yourself to be well. As mums we are supposed to cope with all that life throws at us but sometimes, especially after such an illness has hit you twice, it's very hard. I think other mums here have also been depressed following PP so I'm sure they will be able to advise you on what worked for them.

Take good care of yourself.

[Naomi_at_app Volunteer]

Hi kellbell

I think as you're finding out, it is hard to distinguish clearly between the understandable and normal loss of confidence, low mood, anxiety etc after an episode of PP and a 'separate' episode of PND - however the most important thing I guess is getting the right treatment. Many women do find after the highs, energy and psychotic symptoms of PP that they struggle with subsequent symptoms of depression. This depression probably has a number of causes, both biological (hormonal and brain chemistry changes after pregnancy, childbirth and an episode of psychosis) and psychological (the shock of going through PP - especially for a second time as I experienced too - and readjusting to being a mum of two after a serious mental illness)

Don't feel you have to struggle on - I would definitely say talk to your mental health team as soon as you can and come up with a treatment plan. For many mums on the forum including myself, antidepressant medication was a lifeline in their recovery, and if this can be combined with some talking therapy such as CBT or counselling then even better - I know for me there was a huge amount of guilt about being so unwell again and I needed a space where I could be really open about those worries. Some children's centres offer free counselling for up to 12 sessions so it may be worth asking if this is available locally to you.

I really feel for you as depression after PP feels so horribly unfair. But there is light at the end of this journey - with the right treatment you will recover again as you did after your first episode. We are here to support you as you walk step by step through this next phase of recovery, and we will be here for as long as you need us.

Naomi x

[kellbell in reply to Naomi_at_app]

My psychiatrist is reluctant to prescribe antidepressants in case that would send me high again as during both episodes of pp I was mainly manic. Instead she's switched me from olanzapine to quetiapine; I really hope this helps as the anxiety has been awful & I've never felt so low for so long before now.

I'm still ridiculously tired, not sure if that's the meds, low mood or combination of the two.

[Naomi_at_app Volunteer in reply to kellbell]

Hi kellbell

Glad you've had chance to talk your options through with the psychiatrist. Really hope the quetiapine helps to alleviate your anxiety and low mood. Don't be afraid to go back if in 4-6 weeks time you find there is no change. It can take some time to find the right combination of meds and it's such an individual thing. Did your psychiatrist mention any talking therapies available through their team?

Here to chat any time you need.

Naomi x

[kellbell in reply to Naomi_at_app]

I've got an appointment to meet with a psychologist in a couple of weeks & due to see psychiatrist again in couple of weeks as well. She recommended yoga for the anxiety but I have no way to get to any classes

Thanks for being here Naomi, I feel so down & alone right now; I really hope the quetiapine helps.

[BronSyd in reply to kellbell]

I took quetiapine. It worked well but I found it very sedating. During my second PP episode it was much better as I had slow release tablets as opposed to normal release. I also made sure that I took it 2-3 hrs before bed. Just thought I'd share my experience with quetiapine.

[raspberries]

Hi Kellbell, I thought I was suffering depression following my episode of pp, but now I see it was low mood as it took a few weeks but it improved dramatically on its own. I have anxiety now but am using self help techniques and sertraline to control it. I found its really hard to get Drs to understand the difference between pp and anxiety, let alone depression. I think its still quite unheard of so people don't assume there is an aftermath and think its something entirely different.

My psychiatrist actually asked me what the aftermath usually was, as she's not heard of pp before.

I think give yourself some time, its early days, and seek any support you feel you need. Take care xx