Wondering if I have the wrong diagnosis...

[Purpleguinea]

Based on reading APPs symptoms of postpartum psychosis, I believe I have been given the wrong diagnosis of postnatal depression (I believe this can run alongside psychosis or come after the psychosis)

At my peak, I whole heartedly believed that my daughter needed to be taken away from me because I couldn't keep her safe (my actions didn't support this) I was adamant that because I loved her so much, she needed to be taken away from me and went as far as to report myself for 'safeguarding issues' - there were found to be none. I could not process the simplest of task, like how to dress myself, because I was consumed by my racing thoughts, so my partner would do that for me. I was unable to sleep at night and would lay there trembling in fear due to my thoughts and not knowing what to do. I didn't eat because I was so consumed with panic and because my daughter has allergies so if I ate something she couldn't I would feel tremendous guilt. When I had tried to eat (which I was doing outdoors) it was a battle in my head to take each bite and afterwards I would be physically sick.

Reflecting back to those few weeks after birth, I was quite erratic. I would find something that I believed my daughter would need and drive for hours until I found it (these things were such as a family sized paddling pool...she had just been born!) I also remember reaching out to people who I had lost contact with to share my happy news. I also felt quite invincible, day 2 and I was out with the buggy going on a 5 mile walk, collecting fruit and making jam.

I also remember a time that I practically raided a charity shop of household ornaments and knick knacks because I felt like they were needed.

Has anyone else had any experience similar to this?

[Jocelyn_at_APP Partner APP]

Hi Purpleguinea,Thank you for reaching out and sharing your experience, it sounded like a very upsetting time for you. I hope you and your daughter are doing well now.

I was never formally diagnosed with PP, but you can read about my experience (and others!) here:

app-network.org/news-events...

There is also the second opinion service which can be found here:

app-network.org/what-is-pp/...

I am sure some of the fabulous mums will also share some of their experiences too.

Thinking of you.

[Purpleguinea in reply to Jocelyn_at_APP]

Thanks for the response. There were other symptoms potentially too but I wanted to try and keep it 'brief'. I aim to talk to my psychiatrist at my next appointment to raise this with them