Worried about further mental health complications

[Lenni8910]

Hello everyone. I had my first daughter in 2016 and had accute PP following her birth. I was hypomanic for 4 weeks and then went into what I can only describe as a hallucinogenic comatose state from 4 weeks. Luckily it was caught and I recovered fast. I have just had my second daughter 4 months ago and have been monitored throughout by the amazing staff at Lincoln Paranatal.

Recently there have been major arguments and stress within my in-law side of the family which has meant that I have been getting severe headaches, feel like crying a lot, angry and also can’t sleep. I am worried that as I have has PP I will fall into another period of mental illness.

Is it common for women who have suffered PP to also suffer other forms of mental episodes?

I hope this makes sense as it is currently 2:50am!! Thank you in advance

[Ellie_at_APP Partner]

Hi Lenni

I’m really sorry to hear you’re going through a stressful time at the moment with family issues. And sorry to hear it’s affecting your sleep which I know from personal experience has such an impact on mood and well being.

If you have had pp you are more at risk of becoming unwell again so I always find it’s so important to prioritise self care, including trying to get enough sleep (hard if you’re suffering from insomnia). The most accurate answer to risk of relapse etc is on our faq page on our website which has a question about whether you can be ill at other times app-network.org/what-is-pp/...

Perhaps you could go to the doctor and see if you can get some support? Therapy but also maybe something to help you sleep, and discuss generally how you are?

I do hope you can manage to find ways to switch off and relax and do things you enjoy and give you life. I know this is different for each person.

Take care

Ellie

[Jas15 Volunteer]

Hi Lenni

Hello and welcome to forum, I hope you find it useful to share your story and see that so many of us have suffered with the same illness.

It sounds like you have been through a really tough time and its totally understandable that you will be worried about developing further problems but as Ellie said there are many things we can do to prioritise our mental wellbeing, sleep is so important and limiting the amount of stress we have in our day to day lives ( not easy with young children around !).

I had PP after my second child was born and again after my third - but thank fully not quite so severe, thanks to progesterone injections and Lithium taken as soon as my baby was born . I also had a relapse a few years ago after the sudden death of my brother , it takes a while to get back to normal but I've found the right help and support - and medication have all helped me gather my strength to recovery.

It's so important to reach out to those around you and to take the advice of the health professionals .

Take care, thinking of you.

Jas xx

[boat1]

I would say most likely you out of the danger period for PPP. Arguments will happen and the symptoms you describe are normal for that situation. Try to remove urself from the stress if possible.

[Teresa_K_S Volunteer]

Hi Lenni

Is it common for past PP sufferers to have other mental health problems?

Some people go on to have Bi Polar (as I have) even if they had no previous history before PP. If you are worried maybe ask your doctor to help devise a mood chart for you to record daily and then follow up with appointments every few weeks. Its a hard one to get diagnosed but that would give a good starting point

Your youngest is only 4 months old so that is hard work and stressful in itself at times and then the added pressure of family fallouts. It could be how you are feeling is perfectly normal given the stressors. I do know however that after suffering PP the fear of being that ill again never entirely left me and as such I think its normal to worry about it.

My own case of PP was unusual in that it happened 9 months after the birth of my son. Although unusual it is possible to suffer PP upto a year after birth. If you can, make sure you are well supported with doctors, health visitor, family and friends at this time with your young family. Also not forgetting to find a little time for youself and as a couple. Hope you feel better soon

T x