The journey after the hospital

[Hertexan]

Hi my wife was diagnosed with ppp and treated a little over a month ago. She was released from the hospital and has been home for a month now. I am just wondering if it is has happened to others to have bad days where you are unsure what reality is, almost like slipping back into psychosis? I would love to have some advice as to what is helpful to keep her on the track of healing. I was also kinda wondering how long will it be until these bad days are behind us and we can move on together with our life?

[Lilybeth Volunteer]

Hi Hertexan

Good to hear from you again and that your wife is now home. Recovery is very up and down, with some days better than others. I found being at home was overwhelming at first as I had been without my sons during my confinements (6 years apart). So when I eventually returned there was a lot to think about, caring for my sons , whom I hadn’t seen for months, coping with the effects of medication and routine.

I’m not sure if you were given a link to the PP Insider Guide “Recovery after Postpartum Psychosis” at app-network.org/what-is-pp/... written by mums and professionals. Also for you, the “Guide for Partners” might be reassuring to read when you have time. On page 12 “Being aware of your partner’s mental health” talks about ....

“Many women who have been through PP find that there are ups and downs in their mood over the first year of recovery. It can sometimes feel like a real setback, if things have been going well ..........”. On page 13 there are suggestions on how you might support your wife, with shared experiences too.

It took me a while to find my place again and rebuild my confidence. It is a temporary illness, though very traumatic, and recovery seems an uphill struggle at times. With your good care and medical support, your wife will be well again. Please remember to take care of yourself too as it’s not an easy time at the moment.

[NanaJudith_APP_Vol Volunteer]

Hello Hertexan,I am so sorry that your wife has suffered with the traumatic illness that is Postpartum Psychosis. My daughter suffered with PP too after the birth of her first baby, she is well now but it is so difficult isn't it to see your loved one in such distress. Be encouraged by Lillybeth and the other brave mums here, she is right recovery can be up and down and each mum is different but your wife can be well again. I know that I felt that there was little I could do when my daughter was ill but you are doing a good job being there for your wife, supporting and caring, it means more than you may think. If you have post hospital, community mental health care, or a good doctor supporting, perhaps you could consult them if you are worried. Maybe you could encourage your wife back to some of her interests and hobbies, I know my daughter found fresh air, exercise and gardening helpful. My daughter was able to take twelve months maternity leave from her work. I hope that you have supportive, helpful family and friends, surround yourselves, if you can, with those who care and are understanding. Congratulations on your precious new baby. Take care of yourself too.

Best wishes

Nanajudith x

[Maria_at_APP Moderator]

Hi Hertexan,

It is good news that your wife is well enough to be back home. I personally found the return to the home environment positive and daunting at the same time. I missed the safety net that the hospital gave me and it felt overwhelming at times, more so I imagine in the case of your wife as she was separated from her twin girls while an impatient. It is early days and a lot to come to terms with.

I think one very positive thing is that your wife seems to be opening up with you and though it may be worrying you at times it is such a positive thing to have that open communication.

If something worries you both by all means do not hesitate to bring it up with the professionals that are following her at home. Here in the UK I was seen regularly by a community psychiatric nurse after my discharge and I could update her once a week on my progress. I don't know how the follow up would be for you, if she is receiving therapy or has regular contact with a psychiatrist. I feel it is better to err on the safe side and ask as many questions as you need.

After my psychosis in 2018 I experienced a deep depression, that is perhaps something to be on the lookout for as it seems to happen to quite a few mums after pp. It got better with medication and talking therapy, I also started applying myself to hobbies I used to enjoy and doing gentle physical exercise, I had very little energy at the beginning so it was quite an effort to get going, but it did make a difference to me.

All the best, do keep us posted on how things go for you both and try and carve some time to look after yourself, this illness takes a lot out of the loved ones so if it is possible take some time off to see a good friend for a chat or consider some talking therapy for you, it is really important.

[Lilybeth Volunteer]

Hi Hertexan

I hope the replies here were helpful and that your wife is a little more settled at home. I was just wondering whether you would find it helpful to connect with Postpartum Support International at postpartum.net as you are in Texas? Apologies if this is how you found the forum but they might have local support for you to lean on as your wife recovers from such a traumatic experience.

Please take care of yourself .... we are all here to ‘talk’ if it helps.

[Dewdropsinthemorning]

Hi,Sorry to hear that you are in the middle of it all at the moment, take care of yourself and your wife and reach out to friends or families and places that can support you during this. (I know, they are almost impossible to find.)

I would like you too look out for any signs of depression. - Sleeping a lot, not being her own self - be careful!

I never got warned about the fact that depression and suicidal thoughts are normal after a pp - and it got really bad.

Take care and keep us updated.

[Lilybeth Volunteer]

Hello Hertexan

Just thinking of you and your wife .....

I hope that things are a little easier for you both and you are well supported. Take care.

[Pikorua Volunteer]

Hello Hertexan,

I have been reading through your message and the wonderful responses you have received.

I do not know what your mental health care support is like in the case of mums and PPP in Texas, but hope there is a care plan and accessible MH support.

I was very unfortunate not to receive appropriate treatment and care straight away and was stuck in a psychiatric mixed gender hospital. Therefore my recovery took many years, because of PTS, but also undiagnosed Bipolar.

However, I need to emphasise, that once home the after care was much better. Once in my own sanctuary and with targeted professional support and the full time care. kindness and love of my partner at the time helped me to finally recover from the acute illness.

You will have to take care of yourself, too. This is a crisis situation and stressors for loved once can be immense when directly involved. My partner was diagnosed much later with PTS as he suppressed everything in order to be strong for our son and I.

My heart goes out to your family, health and happiness, too. We have all recovered from PPP and this is one of the reason why we can tell our story on this fab forum.