Getting through pps

[Vbajic]

Hi,

found this website interesting as having suffered from pps and reading the stories help to realise you are not alone.

I don't think enough people talk about depression or postpartum Psychosis, I was lucky I had family and friends to help me get better, sometimes it feels like a long process but have come such a long way from thinking all sorts of strange things about my baby and thinking there was no way out ending up in hospital for 10 weeks going through awful paranoia but getting there slowly. I also read eyes without sparkle by Elaine Hansak which was very informative and made you realise there is light at the end of the tunnel

Vicky

[Lilybeth Volunteer]

Hi Vicky,

Very good to know you are getting there slowly, it is a different journey for all of us along the PP road and this is a good place to talk and realise that you are not alone. I haven't read the book 'Eyes without Sparkle' but searched Google books and found it there. The beginning of her story did resonate with me as I was in an asylum on two occasions following the births of my children. I'm sure you too could relate to the roller coaster of emotions the author described. Thankfully, there is light at the end of the tunnel and we are all here help if we can.

I hope you continue to feel better each day.

[Vbajic]

Thanks that is kind of you. It is nice to know you are not alone and it helps to hear people's stories and see if you can help in anyway with kind messages like yours. I hope you are getting there and got over pps its so awful isnt it

thanks for your comments

[Catharine in reply to Vbajic]

Yes, Vabajic, it is an awful time in your life. I have found that " those " memories that come and go from time to time, do fade with time, and are only memories. I accept them now as being a part of who I am and I think in many ways they have helped me to face other difficult times in my life too.

I was treated for PP a long time ago, and wholeheartedly support the research that is being done by Dr Ian Jones and his team at Cardiff. I often ask myself whether PP Is a preventable illness and what if anything could be done to stop it from developing. I guess that is what we all wish for all mothers - new mothers, and old one's too! - I was 30 when I my first baby was born, and I was diagnosed with PP and spent a month in hospital having ECT etc. With support and understanding when I was even older - 34, and my second daughter was born, I did not experience the same symptoms or need to be hospitalised. I realise it doesnt always happen like that for everyone, and I was very blessed not to have to live through that experience a second time.

I have found books written by Dr Clare Weekes helpful - for myself, and also to give to others - family and friends, to read too.

Thanks for mentioning Eyes without Sparkle -

[Nic_at_APP]

Hi Vicky,

Thanks for your post and glad you have found us. We are here to help you as much as we can through your recovery. You are right by saying not enough people talk about depression and PP, only by talking about our experiences can we help to reduce the stigma and make more people aware of the illness. I know that's hard to do though sometimes! I am glad you found comfort in reading some of the other stories on the website, it does help to know that you are not alone and that you share common symptoms! If you look at the app-network.org website you will find a reading list of other recommended books and other resources which may be of help/interest to you.

If you need further support/info, please let us know

Nic