I'm I post natal?

[Liveinthemoment]

Hi everyone,

I'm Candi, 30 and a first time mum of 1.

My son is due to be 1 in 2 weeks time, I can't believe how quick the time has gone.

The last few weeks I've been struggling with anxiety and chest pains, not feeling myself overly stressed and emotional. At the moment I'm trying to do so much at once with little help and I've forgotten about taken care of myself. My son is still not sleeping through the night and sometimes I wake up crying because I'm tired I hardly sleep myself when I can and this continues day in day out and I find it hard to leave the house I don't know why... I've suffered anxiety before I was pregnant and throughout my pregnancy but keep it to myself and tried to deal with it. I love my son to bits and I would never change him but sometimes it just gets on top of me and I'm wondering if these are signs of post natal depression. I feel like I'm alone most days I really should try joining some mother and baby groups but I'm in fear for some reason I don't know why. .

[rocky77]

Welcome ! I'm so sorry you've been struggling for so long. Your symptoms certainly can be attributable to PNI - this can start ante natally and you are higher risk of pni if you've had anxiety or depression previously.

It really is positive you've identified and admitted all is not well. Life does not have to be this way. It's a horrible and cruel illness but you will recover.

I would really urge you to visit your dr. Anxiety, physical symptoms associated with that , agrophobia (difficulty leaving house ), sleep issues can all be tackled and your GP and health visitor are well placed to help you. This support can be through various talking therapy techniques and if you wish anti depressant medication . My health visitor used to give me home listening visits where I used to offload my problems to her and she used to give me sympathy and advice .

You can do little things to help yourself too - if you can exercise a bit even fast work can get endorphins flowing. Try to get out a bit - it might feel stressful at first . Do you have any help at home - can you get any time to yourself ? Having an interest hobby can go a long way. Perhaps start running - the NHS couch to 5k is brilliant for the novice runner.

Please keep talking you're not alone! Up to 20% of new mums feel similarily to you. I was one of them and recovered - you will too x

[jjroads]

Hi Candi

You sound so much like me.

My daughter is 13months and doesn't sleep through the night either.

I also have an 11 year old.

During my pregnancy I suffered really badly with anxiety (which I had before) also depression.

I didn't want to take medication because of the pregnancy.

I hoped that after I had the baby my symptoms would disappear, but it only got worse.

A week after she was born, I got anxious and couldn't sleep at all my mind was constantly thinking of random stuff, I'd close my eyes and they would keep moving rapidly.

I'd cry for no reason, I was having panic attacks, I didn't want to go out it was awful.

I had to go back on meds which took me out off the dark place.

I've recently come off the meds again hoping for some normality.

But yet again I've got that feeling in my stomach, that feeling of panic but not knowing why, not wanting to go out Because of the anxiety.

Today I'm feeling so bad, I've hardly slept again and have been up since 5 my daughter has been asleep for an hour and is up again, I'm so on edge that when she does go down I can't switch off because I know she'll be up again soon.

Please message back let me know how your doing today

Best wishes

Jay.

[rocky77 in reply to jjroads]

Hi Jay

I'm so sorry you're struggling since coming off meds (I'm assuming that's the reason why - is it in your opinion?) how long were you on meds for? I'm asking as sometimes if you come off them too quickly or too early you can feel worse. I took citalopram and when I came off them (it took me about two months) I had an almighty blip then was ok.

It might be worth speaking to your dr for advice. A cpn recommended vitB and evening primrose oil when coming off meds to counteract this.

You sound exhausted! I have no doubt that does t help how you feel. Do you ha e any help ? X

[jjroads in reply to rocky77]

Hi, thanks so much for your reply, it helps to know what others are going through or have been through.

I've been off citalopram for about 3mths now. I was having a few side affects, I would wake up and my eyes or lips would be swollen.

I weaned myself off them slowly.

I'm thinking I may need To go back on them, but really would like to stay off medication.

I've been on and off anti-depressants for nearly 20 years now.

My daughters who's one is a handful and I don't get much help with her.

I'm not sure what I'm going to do 😔

[rocky77 in reply to jjroads]

Perhaps talk to your dr for advice. If you can manage without meds try an exercise regime - it doesn't have to be strenuous but something regular with a plan. Try to eat healthily, maybe take vitamins.

How is your daughter a handful? Could you get advice about her behaviour and sleep? Do you have a partner or family member you could ask for help?

I know when you're in that dark place everything can feel so bleak but usually there are options and with a bit of support you can make changes x

[rocky77 in reply to jjroads]

Hi

How are you doing ? It's been a few minths since you came off meds - how are things? X