Psychosis after PP

[Helen_84]

Hello all,

One of my biggest fears since experiencing PP in 2015 was having another psychosis. The trauma that my episode of PP caused meant the idea of this happening again was something I was sure I could cope with, and although my life had pretty much returned to normal and I was recovered, I knew that this was always a real fear for me. In 2017 I lost some sleep due to stress at work and the anxiety that this caused really highlighted this, as loss of sleep was such a big factor in PP for me.

Unfortunately for me about a month ago this fear became a reality and again the tipping point was work stress which made me lose sleep. This time the stress caused a psychosis that lasted ~ 2days. I imagine I am not the only one with this fear so I wanted to share the experience and let you know that it felt completely different to the first time, and although it wasn’t pleasant, it didn’t feel traumatic in the way PP did. I’m back on olanzapine, but weaning off in a month and have been taking things slowly as my body recovers. Recovery feels much quicker and easier, and I can process what has happened. I am incredibly lucky in that I have a really strong family and friend support network which has really added to this, plus I think my own awareness of mental health, which is much greater now, really helped too.

So if there is anything I have learnt from this is that the fear of something really is worse than the reality. It was in no way as bad as I had imagined, and by biggest worry of how my daughter would cope, and how it would impact our relationship, wasn’t even an issue.

I imagine I am not the only one with this fear, so let this give you hope - It’s ok. In the long run I think this is just another step in the journey of learning to understand PP, and being at peace with it.

[Pikorua Volunteer]

Good evening Helen,

Thank you for being so open and sharing your experience.

I have had psychotic experiences two years after weaning off medicine, because of grief. Unfortunately this lasted for a while.

It is important to seek help and support. Luckily at the time I have had group therapy for one year and was cushioned by some wonderful people with different mental health challenges. In addition I have had a strong backbone of support networking by my family, GP and Care Coordinator.

Look after yourself and take it steady. Thank you once again, it means a lot to me as it shows PPP followed by recovery (unique) can have a tail, if life quality and/or living environment is stress induced. Beside that I obviously did not know that my additional symptoms were part of my undiagnosed BP1.

Good night x

[Ellie_at_APP Partner]

Hi Helen

This is such a lovely hopeful post.

Yes, a lot of us have such a fear of having a relapse, but like you've pointed out, maybe the fear of it is much worse than the reality. The great thing is you are very self aware, and so can pick up on symptoms much quicker, and get help and the right medication much quicker.

Thanks so much for sharing

Ellie XX