Were any of u saddened byPPP risk b4 u were ever trying for baby or in a position to start a family? Wonder if my sorrow is self-indulgent.

[KEB002]

I recently found out that even though I have Type 2 Bi-Polar ( the milder version) PPP could happen to me. This was a real shock and seems to have compounded the sorrow I already feel at being 35 years old and still childless. I am not in a relationship and would only ever consider trying for a baby if I found someone to marry. Therefore the issues around me having a baby are all hypothetical and yet I feel a kind of sorrow now I know the risk of PPP could mean having a baby would not be a wise choice for me. Did any of you feel that or am I being self-indulgent/making mountains out of hypothetical mole hills?

[bpdmum]

PPP is a condition that all ladies should be aware of before having a baby so they are able to gain support before, during and after the birth IF it becomes necessary. I guess I would suggest you don't worry about it too much just yet.

[Naomi_at_app Volunteer]

Hi Keb002

I can imagine it's all a big shock for you as you have only recently received your diagnosis of BipolarII - are you getting good support with managing your symptoms now? I hope you have a good health support team around you xxx

Personally I don't feel you are being self-indulgent at all. I had experienced recurrent depression through my 20's so was definitely worrying that I might get postnatal depression before I even started thinking about trying for a baby. In that way, I guess PPP wasn't even on my radar - so the one positive for you is that you are now pre-informed.

I know it feels kind of 'irrelevant' right now but actually having your diagnosis will hopefully mean that support and advice you get during future pregnancy will be so much better.

We have an excellent guide on the website for women with bipolar to help them think before the event about all the issues around pregnancy - so thinking 'before the event' is actually encouraged!

app-network.org/wp-content/...

Do feel free to come & chat to us any time

N

[KEB002 in reply to Naomi_at_app]

Hi

Thank you and to everyone else for your kind and helpful answers. I think I should clarify that I got my diagnosis of Type 2 Bipolar in 2005.

The shock came from the news that that PP could happen to me since most of the particularly difficult aspects of BIpolar that I have read about tend to apply more or perhaps only to Bipolar Type 1. I was therefore hoping that my psychiatrist would say that PP was v unlikely in my case, but it seems to be just as likely for me as any other woman with Bipolar.

My question is then more:

'Given that I have know I have BP for a long time, is feeling some sorrow about the possibility of PP self-indulgent?'

It is possible that the sorrow was a mostly or wholly a BP depressive phase as I have been feeling better since Monday when my adjusted meds kicked in.

I hope that by asking this question you don't think that I am making light of what all of you have been through.

Thanks again for all your help and for sharing your stories in such a supportive way.

Katy

[sarah_at_app Volunteer]

Hi Keb002,

Although it`s a shock, it`s good you have a diagnosis. I was diagnosed with Biplor after my experience of PP and I found it very difficult to accept my diagnosis.

Hope you are getting good help and support. Luckily I`ve remained well on medication for many years without any further episodes of illness and I don`t see myself as having an illness. There are lots of help and support available and it`s good that you are thinking about the future.

You may be a high risk of future problems but I wouldn`t rule anything out. Maybe it would be good to talk to an expert who can talk you through your options.

Good luck and feel free to talk on here anytime.

Sarah

[Lilybeth Volunteer]

Hi Keb002,

I'm sorry you have received such a diagnosis and this has compounded your sorrow.

In the 70's I was so looking forward to the birth of my first child - back then PP was never discussed. So after having my baby by emergency c-section, PP hit me and I was 'out of it' for months. Prior to this, I was lucky not to have experienced depression. Five years later I experienced my second episode of PP following the birth of my second child. This was in the 80's but still with a similar outcome in that I was poorly for quite some time.

I think it is a good idea to know what may be on the cards following a pregnancy, so that you can prepare yourself and those around you.

Best wishes.

[Naomi_at_app Volunteer]

Hi Keb

Thanks so much for clarifying - I actually realised after I'd posted that you weren't recently diagnosed (but recently found out about PP) but didn't have time to edit!

However, I definitely still stand by saying that you're not being self-indulgent at all. To find out that your risks of PP are higher than you thought must be a big shock. I think risk stats are quite tricky, as we do still understand only some of the relationship between bipolar and perinatal mental health problems. I guess now you know your risks are higher it's just not letting that be a reason to decide you won't ever try for a pregnancy. Many women with bipolar are I guess forced to think quite deeply about these issues pre-conception & I hope you find the guide on the website helpful.

V best wishes

Naomi

[KEB002 in reply to Naomi_at_app]

Hi

Thank you for your kind reply. You have been a real encouragement to me.

Are you the person who is involved with the Christians and mental health site? It was great to find that there is such a thing. I look forward to exploring it more.

You probably won't hear much from me for a week or so now as we have an inspection/audit thing at work next week. I hope to be back here after that with another question if that's OK.

Take care

Katy

[Naomi_at_app Volunteer]

Hi Katy

Yes I am - thanks for asking

I was asked by Will Vanderhart who set up the site to write a piece on church & recovery from postnatal illness. I'm really glad you have found the site useful - I wish I'd known about it sooner!

N