Perinatal Mental Health Services

[Starlight_ftm]

Hey all - I have an assessment with a nurse on Monday. Home visit. I keep hearing horror stories about when people have been open with them. Is this your experience or have you any to share ?

[MAS_Nurse]

Hello Starlight_ftm,

Welcome to this supportive community. Congratulations on your pregnancy, that's great news. Well done for having the courage to share how you are feeling. Folks here are very supportive and will empathise with your experience. I think you have to be careful about 'horror stories' regarding perinatal mental health. Everyone's experience is unique and personal, and just because someone has a negative experience, is doesn't mean that is how it is for everyone. Remember these online forums are anonymous, and the views expressed are based on personal experience, but are no substitute for professional medical advice. Being open and honest about how you feel, your fears, your hopes, and deciding on an action plan with your psychiatrist and mental health team is really important. Maybe jot a few things down before hand so you don't forget to ask the nurse.

You may find this information helpful from MIND UK charity about maternal mental health:

mind.org.uk/information-sup...

Let us know how it goes on Monday. Keep in touch.

Take care.

[Starlight_ftm in reply to MAS_Nurse]

Thank you! I think it’s because I have self harmed in the past, ptsd with dissociation symptoms - scared they’ll think I won’t be fit to be a mum I really want to be open to the mental health nurse on Tuesday because will be positive but just scared it will go out of my control and she will bring in social services! X

[sweetiepye]

Hi Star, Be honest with the nurse and let her know your fears. She will want you to have a successful experience. If you aren't truthful you may hamper her ability to do a good job .

Courage, our word for the day. Pam

[Starlight_ftm]

Thanks again for kind comments. Nurse was ok, I was as open as possible and felt reassured it wasn’t going to go out of hand. Mainly focused on support due to ptsd. Have trauma symptom stabilisation on 14th so hopefully that goes well take care