postpartum psychosis

[Casey-Lee]

when will I know if I’m coming out the other end of this, like when did you know it was getting better?

[Jenny_at_APP Partner]

Hello Casey-Lee,

Welcome to the forum 😊 I’m sorry to read in your profile that you had PP 12 months ago and were also unwell during your pregnancy. It’s such a frightening experience but you’ll find lots of support and shared experiences here. I had PP in 2012 after the birth of my first son – it was such a shock and it took time to build back my confidence but I did make a full recovery. I went on to have another son in 2016 and fortunately stayed well second time.

It’s difficult to remember when I felt like I was getting better, I think it was a gradual thing as time went by. I also think connecting with others here really helped as I could see they were further along that journey or well out the other side.

It’s difficult to put a timeline on things as everyone is different. For me, I spent a month in a mother and baby unit so was well enough to be discharged home after that time. I was on anti-psychotic medication for 12 months before weaning off them over 3 months, and felt much more like myself at that point. But there was still a lot of processing to do, so I think there is a lot to ‘recovery’ and everyone’s journey is different. Unfortunately many women go on to experience symptoms of depression after the psychosis, and I think there are a lot of common feelings and ups and downs to work through whatever our experience. I know it can feel so frustrating if it’s feeling like you’re not getting any better, I think reaching out here is a really positive step.

As you are in Australia, I wanted to let you know there is a private Facebook group ‘Beyond PP in Aus/NZ’ that you might be interested in - facebook.com/groups/4732499...

Postpartum Support International (PSI) also signposts to some resources that might be helpful to you, if you go to ‘International support’ and select Australia: postpartum.net/get-help/int...

Hopefully you’ve found the information and resources available on APP’s website – there is information about PP including some FAQs (app-network.org/what-is-pp/), and also an insider guide ‘recovery after postpartum psychosis’ (app-network.org/what-is-pp/... that might be helpful.

I hope this helps a bit. Sending you very best wishes,

Jenny

[Dolly292]

Hi Casey-lee, I know exactly how you feel and I'm in a similar boat.

I'm 18 months postpartum. I've just been taken off the antipsychotic medication which is a big milestone, but I still feel like I don't see an end in sight & I just want to get back to the old me.

I'd like to know the answer to your question too. Do any recovered mums out there remember roughly how long it took to fully recover?

I'm also struggling with the amount of weight I've gained over the last 18 months. I'm 2 stone heavier than I was before having my son and it makes me so miserable. I just feel so disconnected from the person staring back at me in the mirror in the morning.

Any recovery stories or support would be much appreciated xxx

[Arabella- in reply to Dolly292]

Hello ladies,I had PP five years ago and have made a full recovery. I have bipolar and was on anti psychotics and anti depressants before I got well again. I still take them now.

I went on to have two more children with no PP.

I would say I had full on PP for about four months. I’d say it took a year to fully recover and that I had a deep depression in that year. I’d get counselling if you are in a dark place as that always helps lift me.

You will get back to normal, really you will. You just need to be kind to yourself and keep doing things that you used to enjoy. One day you will realise that you’re not unwell any more. Just keep on going about your lives without avoiding things or situations. Keep on venting- keep on reaching out. This forum is great. Keep on posting. Sending love xx

[Laneybug1710]

Hello Casey-Lee welcome to this amazing forum. My experience of PP was in 2019 and my recovery definitely took quite a while. I think I began to feel more like myself when I went back to work almost a year after my son had been born. But I also recently had therapy which has helped me to process what I went through while I was unwell.I want to encourage you that it does get better with time, try to stay positive. We are always here for you.

Ailania aka Irishgirl1710

[Glamaw]

Hi! I’m sorry you are still unwell. It’s an awful feeling but try and trust the process that your going through and know that this is a curable illness and very manageable once you establish a good routine , medication balance, and support network! I had PPP in 2016 with my first son, took about a year to feel myself again, I then had a severe mixed manic/depressive episode which led to a bipolar diagnosis is 2020 after my second son when trying to wean off medications. Took about another year to feel myself again! It will get better. Keep coming here for support , seek a good counselor , and never give up on yourself! You and your baby deserve a healthy momma and it’ll come in time! Be gracious and patient with yourself and do something that makes you feel good every single day! Gratitude journaling, soak in the tub, enjoy coffee alone in a favorite chair or with a beloved friend, read a good book, anything that makes YOU feel good and happy do it.

[Jennythewren]

Hello Casey Lee, I found my healing journey to be full of ups and downs and it took time. But I did come out the other side, and that's the important thing to remember. Things that helped me were therapy with a therapist who understood PP (I had to go private), journaling - it helped me make sense of my thoughts, I've been swimming in cold water for a little while, and I started taking time just for me, just to read a book or have a bath. it sometimes feels like you're not getting better, I know. But take a day at a time, try to stay in the present and remember healing is a journey. You can do this lovely xx