A good book to read

[bukoroshe123]

I came across a book about a lady who suffered from PPP. The name is "What have I done" by Laura Dockrill. I highly recommend it. It is very motivational. The author described really well the course of the illness as well as the recovery path. When I was reading the book I simply saw myself. It helped me to realize that I am not the only one with these symptoms; it gave me strength and motivation. Thank you, Laura.

[Lilybeth Volunteer]

Hello bukoroshe123

Good to hear from you and thank you for recommending a good book to read. I had PP many years ago and read the book as I was interested that Laura was admitted to general psychiatric care as I was. Here in the UK there are now specialist mother and baby units so I was quite surprised to be able to relate to her experience.

I think it was her good friend, Adele, who recognised her symptoms of PP.

I found her recall of the names of patients amazing as during my months in various units I can’t remember who I was ‘boarding’ with. I did liken myself to a young woman she described (I was 23 when PP struck for the first time). The woman would always say she was fine and didn’t want to talk about herself but always did! This reminded me of the notes I have read about meetings with my psychiatrist and his team. It’s written that I took a long time to get to the point of what I wanted to say ! Probably I’m rambling here too

I hope you are doing ok and have support around you. Take care and thanks for posting.

[Maria_at_APP Moderator]

Hi bukoroshe123,

It is a great recommendation. I read it not long ago during lockdown and could also relate to many of the author's experiences. I too rambled incessantly during the first days, I remember being told more than once by my then GP and a doctor in A&E that consultation slots were time limited and if I could please get to the problem that got me there in the first place.

It is very difficult for professionals who encounter you on limited occasions to get an idea of what is your baseline and what is definitely unusual behaviour. Family and friends are much better judges, but when pp strikes out of the blue, more than likely you or your close ones have never heard of it before.

I wish that perinatal mental health be a topic more thoroughly covered in ante-natal classes, when I attended those it was the elephant in the room, and when postpartum depression was touched upon in my group our coordinator finished the chat with a "ah, what a downer of a subject".

[Jocelyn_at_APP Partner APP]

Such a good book!

We have also be discussing Catherine Cho's book with the APP book club. Have a look if you fancy joining!

facebook.com/groups/APPBook...

[Pikorua Volunteer]

Hi all, I believe I need to read this. I see whether I can download on my kindle. Stay safe everybody!

[Warriorofppsurvivor]

I completely agree, this book made me weep with empathy for the author and it was somehow uniting to know my experiences weren’t so ‘odd’ and weird, that other woman have had similar experiences. It was such a huge ordeal at the time, one which leaves permanent scars which you have to deal with and work through afterwards.

So many brave courageous woman out there

[Hidden]

I am listening to this on Audible - it’s brilliant! I’ve laughed and cried!