Progress?

[jododo]

I was discharged by the perinatal mental health team on Friday. Baby is 4.5 months and I’m doing pretty well. I’m still under the community recovery team, but basically I’m back to my normal level of mental health needs, not anything to do with having had a baby. I feel good about it all and agree it’s a positive step. However, I’m anxious tonight and can’t sleep. I know it will pass. I think. But it’s still worrying.

[Lilybeth Volunteer]

Hello jododo

I hope you were eventually able to sleep last night, although it must have been difficult if you were anxious. I think 4.5 months into recovery is still early days. It can be hard some days to cope with the routine of family life and the effects of medication. I'm glad you still have the support of your community team and perhaps you could talk to them about your worries?

Take care and please keep in touch if it helps to write about how you are feeling. x

[Jenny_at_APP Partner]

Hi jododo

I too hope you managed to sleep last night. It does sound positive that you’ve been discharged, I think it’s natural to feel anxious when there’s a change and it’ll pass as you say. Hope you’re feeling ok today.

Best wishes,

Jenny x

[Hazello Volunteer]

Hi Jododo,

I don't know about you but I certainly feel like my brain sometimes tries to sabotage my successes! I think Jenny is right though change brings anxiety, especially when it feels like you'll not have the same level of support.

Do you have much of a routine? I have found that having classes to go to or friends where there's a standing arrangement to meet weekly helps me feel better supported than if I have a day with no structure at all and nobody to talk to.

You're doing so well and remember how far you've come.

Best wishes

Hazello

[jododo]

Thanks everyone. I did get to sleep eventually that night. And things have been pretty good since. It’s tough being out of routine on school hols but I’m managing. I had a visit from my parents which I was hoping would help and give me a rest, but actually ended up being more stressful. The way my parents respond to my 7yo’s problem behaviour just makes everything so much worse. We had a better day today though

[Lilybeth Volunteer]

Hello jododo

Thanks for taking the time to update. It's so good when you can eventually sleep isn't it?

I'm glad you're managing out of routine and hope you can also find space in the day to rest. It's a shame your parents' visit didn't go as well as you had hoped. Being a parent isn't easy especially if you are only a few months into recovering from such a traumatic illness.

It's so good that you know how to comfort your son when he's having a difficult time, building a lovely bond and giving him room to express himself.

Take good care .... you are doing really well so soon. I hope the community team are giving you all the support you need. Sending you a hug x

[Lilybeth Volunteer]

Hello jododo

The school routine is on the horizon so hopefully you will find managing things a little easier. I hope you are ok and find the community team helpful. Take care. x

[jododo]

Things are going ok. It’s tough but I’m coping. Unfortunately baby and I have had a sickness bug which we’re still recovering from. As a result we’ve not been able to see friends for nearly 2 weeks and I’m finding the isolation especially tough.

I’ve started planning for the term time, what my routine will be and such. I find it very helpful to have things worked out in advance. That’s one of the hard things about the holidays for me - lack of structure.

[Ellie_at_APP Partner]

Hi Jododo

Urgh sick bug, they're the worst, it's not surprising things have felt tough. I imagine disturbed sleep, feeling awful, and as you say social isolation. I hope you'll be fully recovered soon...

Yes lack of structure can be a struggle can't it? That was something I really struggled with on maternity leave and recovering, long days without anything clear to do, and obviously struggling generally... As Lilybeth says I hope the routine of school etc helps, and its great you've started planning what your routine will be already.

take care, Ellie X

[Lilybeth Volunteer]

Hello jododo

Thanks for taking the time to update. I'm sorry you are still recovering from a sickness bug, that must have been a challenge with baby being ill too. As you say it's tough to be isolated from friends but hopefully it won't be for much longer. Are you able to talk on the phone to them, although I know it's not the same as a visit?

I think it's a good idea planning for term time in advance, especially if your baby will also be travelling with you. I'm glad things are going ok for you only 4.5 months into recovery. You're doing really well as I was still in the depths of depression at this point in my recovery. Try to build your strength up for the school runs which don't always go to plan. I hope you feel much better soon. Take care. x

[jododo]

My wonderful friend came over and we’ve taken the kids to the park. Oh so grateful for company! As is my son, he’s been bouncing off the walls!

[Lilybeth Volunteer]

So glad you had a break today jododo .... it does make all the difference to have good company and be with your kids in the fresh air! Take care. x

[Hidden]

Hello jododo,

just to let you know that I am thinking of you, too.

You have been doing exceptionally well, as it is still quite early in your recovery.

Even though I am a rebellious one when it comes to lists and structure; this is the only way forward to keep on top of things when focusing on my child's upbringing, managing household, keeping a happy relationship with partner/husband & having now several projects on the go (volunteering and art work)

Routine and structure is not only good for children, but in my view point essential for women who have struggled with mental health issues after PPP; thus I am always trying to keep a focused mind and check and balance my emotional lid

Look after yourself,

x

[jododo]

I had a bad day Thursday and had to call my husband home from work. While he was travelling (works an hour away) my friends stepped in. I’m so grateful for friends. I put out a prayer request to a group of mums from church and got lots of encouraging messages plus one turned up at the door to give me a hug! Yesterday was better. And today better still as we’re off for a long weekend at a youth hostel. School starts Thursday but we’re away until Tuesday so only Wednesday to get through without my husband around

[Lilybeth Volunteer]

Hi jododo

There are so many ups and downs to recovery aren't there? I'm sorry to hear Thursday was a bad day for you. I agree that friends and faith are a great comfort and I'm so pleased you had such a great response to your prayer request. Have a lovely family break and take care. We are all virtual friends here for you. xx

[Hidden]

Hello Jododo,

even though I manage, I still find it difficult when my partner is away on business...

It is great that you have friends also within your support network.

Have a lovely break!

[Lilybeth Volunteer]

Hello jododo

I hope you had a good break and today hasn't been too stressful for you. Hopefully when school starts for your son tomorrow you will find your routine again. Thinking of you.

Take care.

[Lilybeth Volunteer]

Hello jododo

I hope your son had a good first week at school and you are feeling better having a routine in the company of friends. As you are not too far into your recovery, try to find space to have a rest too. Take care.

[jododo]

Just wanted to drop a note to say things are going well. I’m busy but in a helpful way.

[Lilybeth Volunteer]

Hello jododo

Lovely note ... so glad things are going well. Keeping busy in a routine is helpful and I hope you find time to rest when you can. Take care.

[Hidden]

Hello Jododo,

pleased to hear from you again. It is good to be occupied, focused and sort out some sort of routine, which is suitable for you and your family.

Look after yourself.

x

[Lilybeth Volunteer]

Hello jododo

I hope things are continuing to go well for you. Take care. x