This is me...

[puntastic]

Hello reader, I experienced postpartum psychosis after the birth of my daughter twenty nine years ago in 1990.I went on to have a son and there was a delayed onset of PP because of early intervention and monitoring I was able to enjoy the first four months at home.With both children I was admitted to a mother and baby Unit.When my son was just over a year old I was admitted to the MBU and given a diagnosis of Manic Depression now known as Bipolar.

All of the above I have recovered from and manage my ongoing health with sleep, diet and boundaries.I am passionate about raising awareness and reducing stigma.

[Hazello Volunteer]

Hello Puntastic,

It's great to see you on here and to hear about your passion for raising awareness of this illness. I'm pregnant for a second time and glad to hear that you were able to go to an MBU with both babies and that you felt PP was delayed by the intervention offered. I hope that the same will be true for me!

I'm based in Scotland and I'm a stay at home Mum who had PP in 2016 after my son was born. I seemed to recover quickly but going back to work caused me to struggle with anxiety and depression so reluctantly decided not to work. I too feel passionate about raising awareness of PP and also of supporting all new mothers as even those who are not diagnosably unwell are going through a massive life change and I think that it can knock confidence and self-esteem.

Best wishes,

Hazello

[puntastic in reply to Hazello]

Hello Hazello,

Firstly congratulations on your pregnancy,I hope you are feeling well.I feel it did make a difference second time around having awareness and insight.

I went back to work when my daughter was ten months old to three days a week,I agree I had lost alot of confidence and struggled for longer than I should have.With hindsight I am sure I would given my time again opt to stay at home sooner rather than later to enjoy both children's early years more.This may help give you extra peace of mind and add into all the other measures you have taken to keep well.

All the very best to you all,I expect your son like my daughter will be delighted to have a brother or maybe a sister in your case.

All good wishes back to you,

Puntastic

[Hazello Volunteer in reply to puntastic]

Thank you puntastic, I'm hopeful about my experience this time. I think as scary as it would be to get unwell again at least i would understand what's happening (or others do if i lose insight). And i got over it once before. My wee boy is so far excited... long may it continue!

[Vee82]

Hi puntastic

Lovely to hear from another old timer and that you are passionate about raising awareness & reducing stigma. I was sectioned after the birth of my daughter 37 years ago in 1982 and admitted to a general psychiatric ward. Fortunately I had my daughter with me and remained an in-patient for 8 weeks. It was a horrendous experience which left me deeply ashamed, embarrassed. I had lost so much confidence in myself, I really felt a shell of my former self. There was no follow up or counselling, just 1 outpatient appointment with the psychiatrist who prescribed antidepressants for the crippling depression that followed.

I just buried my feelings and tried to focus on the fact I had a beautiful healthy daughter and just tried to put it behind me. I was lucky not to have experienced any problems following the birth of my son a couple of years later or none since. My son, however, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2016 which certainly awakened those memories.

I found this forum by chance a few years ago and was blown away by lovely, caring responses I received, it gave me the opportunity to finally come to terms with my experience. I wish you all the very best. Love Vee x

[puntastic in reply to Vee82]

Hi Vee82,

How lovely to see your reply, thank you.

I am so glad to have found the forum and APP too ,as you say there are some very kind and caring people here.

I can't imagine how it must have felt being on a general Psychiatric ward with your new born daughter.I admire the courage and optimism you must have to have come out the other side.It is so important to be able to tell our stories and definitely is so healing.

So sorry to read your son's diagnosis further evidence to support the genetic factor at play.It must help him to know you truly understand what he experiences ,hopefully not too often and can be controlled well enough not to impact his life too much.

All the very best back to you,see you here from time to time,

Puntastic x