depressive symptoms, struggling to cope - Action on Postpar...

Action on Postpartum Psychosis

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depressive symptoms, struggling to cope

MotherOfBears profile image
9 Replies

Thanks to everyone who has posted on my other threads.

After a good couple of weeks, I’m back down in a real low. Small things feel so hard and I can’t stop crying. I feel despairing most of the time. I had PP this summer and am now having these low periods for a week or two every month.

I’m so so scared that this is now what my life will be like from now. It feels unbearable.

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MotherOfBears profile image
MotherOfBears
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9 Replies
MotherOfBears profile image
MotherOfBears

what were others experiences of depression after PP? I was ill approximately 6months ago with PP

Ramlah_at_APP profile image
Ramlah_at_APPVolunteer

Good morning MotherOfBears,

I am so sorry to hear that you are going through a low period.

Try to remember you are still recovering ❤️‍🩹 from something which was very intense , some weeks will be good some days may feel like a little struggle. Most of all you will rise above it all . Like you said you’ve had some good couple of weeks, take strength in that ! The road to recovery is not always straight, some paths maybe smooth others will have bumps along the way but eventually you will reach to your destination; Meaning you will feel mentally stable again.

I know it feels scary now but this will not be your life forever . Take Strength from me and all the other mothers on here , you will overcome this .

In terms of my experience with depression after PP. It was on and off and lasted for a year , then again my experience may different to yours . What really helped me when the depression periods landed upon me was , getting fresh air, journaling so that I could keep records of my mood changing , going out and meeting other mums and of course this forum.

Hope brighter days are ahead of you take care xx

MotherOfBears profile image
MotherOfBears in reply to Ramlah_at_APP

thank you Ramlah

Ramlah_at_APP profile image
Ramlah_at_APPVolunteer in reply to MotherOfBears

You welcome xx

Teresa_K_S profile image
Teresa_K_SVolunteer

Hi MotherOfBears,

Well done for reaching out when you are feeling low as its quite a hard thing to do

Take heart in knowing that it is still early days in your recovery.

As the lows come and go for you, try to hold on to the fact that you know those feelings will pass.

Is there anything you can do that you know helps whilst you feel this way? Someone you can chat to? Or a walk with a friend maybe? Or pamper yourself with a lovely bath and music etc

If your low weeks have a pattern and can be predicted to a certain extent then you may find it useful to plan ahead a little. I used to make sure I didn't have commitments or social meet ups on those weeks.

I would try do some batch cooking on my good weeks so that I could just pull things out of the freezer on my difficult weeks

Mostly I would try do something I enjoyed each day. Whether that was pop to the shops or a stroll in the park with the pushcair or go to a friends for a change of scenery. As the spring weather returns I'm sure that will also help.

I used to ask my mum for help in the house when feeling low and the company and cuppa was always welcome too. So don't feel like you can't ask for practical help.

It is very hard to do the above sort of things when you are low so be kind to yourself. Take each day and moment at a time and remember you don't need to be the perfect supermum

Take Care

Teresa x

The_Wes_Anderson_Fan profile image
The_Wes_Anderson_FanVolunteer

Hello MotherOfBears, I am so sorry to hear that you are struggling. If you are crying a lot, maybe you need to go back to your prescriber and ask for your medication to be altered.

Thinking of you and hoping things improve soon.

Lots of Love xxx

Arabella- profile image
Arabella-

hi there,

My depression lasted a year after PP but since then I’ve been mostly fine. There is light at the end of the tunnel! Keep going! Also, feeling down gives you this great empathy for others. People will tell you that you are caring and a good listener so feeling low still has an upside, strange as that sounds.

When you have come out of your depression you might like to post supportive messages to others here. You can use this period of your life to inspire others.

Definitely use medication as there’s no point suffering needlessly.

When you are well again, you will have so much appreciation for good health.

It’s nice to think of the ways your situation can be used to elevate others.

Keep on posting! We are here for you x

MotherOfBears profile image
MotherOfBears

Thanks everyone. I re-read your messages and they give me comfort. I think it is even harder this week because most of the mum and baby groups are closed still, and so I don’t have many things to do out of the house.

I haven’t felt quite so low today, I’m hoping that is a good sign that maybe things can improve a bit more tomorrow as well. I go up and down a lot, but I haven’t been in the real hole of everything feeling black.

Ramlah_at_APP profile image
Ramlah_at_APPVolunteer in reply to MotherOfBears

Hello MotherOfBears,

Glad to hear our messages give you comfort. The forum is always here for you and open everyday.

Perhaps when the mum and baby group open up again , you could exchange numbers with some of the mothers ; That way if the group was to close again maybe you could meet up for a coffee or soft play baby date .

It’s definitely as good sign that you haven’t felt quite low today , take comfort in that . Not sure where you are are in the country but the weather seems to be improving , so maybe you could go for jog tomorrow even a walk alone while listening to a podcast or music . I find this really uplifts my mood getting outside the house .

Take care xx

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