Hi. Im just looking for some advice really. I had postpartum psychosis in 2013 following the birth of my only daughter. I am now 42 and really worried it's going to come back when i go through the menapouse. Is this common and has anyone else had it return? Both my Mother and Grandmother went through the menopause at 40. But neither suffered with p.p at any point in their lives. My periods are irregular and I do get severe mood swings. Am going to make an appointment with my g.p, but am looking for any advice from people who have been through it. Thank you for listening.
Kind Regards
Anna10 xx
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Good to meet you here. I had an early menopause, many years ago, after having a hysterectomy in my late 30's due to fibroids. I think it's a good idea to see your GP for advice. In the meantime there was a discussion on Radio 4's Woman's Hour last year "Postpartum Psychosis and the Menopause" with Prof Jones and a member of APP which you can find on iplayer at app-network.org/news/bbc-ra.... I hope this is helpful. Take care.
Welcome to the forum ! I hope you’ll find this a useful space to share your worries, experiences, thoughts.....we have all been affected by PP in some way or another and the support received from APP has personally been a life saver..... I’ve had PP twice and unfortunately did have a relapse when I hit the menopause, however, there were many contributing factors and on reflection I can now see how things were going very wrong in my life and could have been avoided..... obviously hindsight is a wonderful thing as it can help us move on and make changes that we need to.
I would say that your overall well-being, physical, mental and spiritual health is so important, taking good care of yourself, recognising potential triggers and trying to work around them, support from friends and family, reaching out for help when you need to.
It would also be a good idea to discuss your concerns with your GP, perhaps look into HRT ? Or alternative hormonal replacements?
It is totally understandable that you are fearful of a relapse, but it’s so good that you are taking practical steps to deal with the anxiety rather than hoping the issue will ‘go away’ and trying to forget it.
You’ve done a great job by getting through PP and recovering from such a terrible illness, so well done!
Please do have a look at other posts, which you will hopefully find reassuring and supportive.... we are always here to listen, ‘talk’, guide and support.
Hi Anna_10, you've had some great shared experiences here which I hope have been helpful for you. I don't have experience with menopause as yet - I had an episode of pp after my first child was born in 2009 but happily remained well after my youngest arrived, 4 years later. However I appreciate that future episodes can be a concern. There's some info on the bottom part of the FAQs from the APP website here which might be useful: app-network.org/what-is-pp/... "Am I likely to have an episode of psychiatric illness at other times?" As with a lot of things around pp, this does need more research but what is known is written up there.
Also if you're in the UK and concerned about getting specialist support, there is a second opinion psychiatry service which might be useful - it is free of charge but requires GP or mental health team referral: app-network.org/what-is-pp/... I used it in my second pregnancy but Prof Jones is a world-leading expert on pp and mood disorders and may be able to offer further info around the mood swings you mention and any menopausal risk. It's positive that you have made a GP appointment and I hope it is helpful and reassuring to talk to them about it too.
Thank you. I am so lucky to have this forum to share concerns and try to help others. Best wishes. Xx
Dearest Anna,
it is good to meet you on this forum and I am pleased you have found it.
I have had PPP in 2010 and have had a bit of a roller coaster ride since then.
I am a mature mum, and have been peri menopausal since the birth of my son...the moon works for me as my mood pendular is going up and down.
I am in tune with all the ladies who have commented to your post, but particular Jas15...
My experience like so many mums on this forum here has been extremely traumatising and unfortunately I was sectioned, but had not had the opportunity to be cared for in a MBU.
Of course I recovered from PPP, but it is of utter most importance to look after yourself afterwards...coping mechanisms when stress arises, have to be implemented. We make choices and sometimes we are trapped in a life style we do not want to be in...often influenced by others...support groups, GP, care coordinator, my partner were very helpful at the time...and of course my art work.
Luckily I was always surrounded by the love and kindness of my partner and still nowadays he is trying to keep my life as stress-free as possible.
Some of us continue to struggle with mental health issues. Since PPP I was misdiagnosed with agora and social phobia. Nevertheless having learnt so much over the years via this forum and APP advise, I finally managed to find the truth to my struggles via Professor Ian Jones. I never swept my mental health issues under the carpet, but tried to pursue therapeutic support within my area. I always have chosen the once, who always listen and reconsidered my needs and wishes. You have a voice, it is your life. I have become sterile to societal and individual's expectations, when it affects my well-being (such as moderation of social media)
You know I live with the momentum, ride the waves and enjoy my life and my uniqueness. I now live with my Bi-polar label...happiness comes from within and that involves the ups and downs...we can not change the past nor can we predict the future! It is always your choice...
I just discovered Kundalini Yoga, it is pretty amazing
Thank you so much for your support. I too was sectioned over my babies 1st xmas. I was in a psychiatric ward on my own for 1 month. Although it obversily helped me. I NEVER want to go back there again! Thank you for your knid words. Love and wishes xx
May be it is co incidental you are having gynaecological problems as well as mental health problems? As endocrine problems are common round the menopause, sometimes drugs are prescribed. I started a hormone prescription - but had bad migraines, and finally had a hysterectomy. It can take two years to get over this op physically but much longer psychologically. if BP is raised may be a sign of menopause, or stress levels - or even a kidney or urinary problem . As both mental and physical health can go down hill during the menopause it is just as well to be checked for associated problems with fibroids,
and depression. Hormone tests for oestrogen and progesterone, may reassure you.
Iron deficiency might be checked too. Hope you feel yourself soon. Good wishes.
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