Post by hanzak on Dec 5, 2005 16:44:48 GMT
Hi everyone,
I just wanted to say that as a former sufferer of PP I do understand the additional isolation and guilt associated with the most severe and rare form of postnatal illness. This was demonstrated this weekend by a lady I met at a church fair who had heard of my book. She told me that she had PP 40 years ago and has carried the awful 'guilt/memory loss/freak' feelings since. She told me I was the first person she had ever heard of who had suffered this and told me many of her thoughts she has bottled up since. I felt extremely humble and also pleased that just knowing that I had been there that she felt able to confide in me. 'No-one else understands,' she said.
Therefore I an understand why some forum members do feel the need to be part of an additional support group here. PP should not be worn as a huge label to set us apart but if it helps in some ways then it can be useful.
However, from the stories of PP that I have heard the illness and its symptoms are very, very different for each sufferer, e.g. time of on-set, behaviours. One common thread is the long recovery time. My Dominic was 4 before I could really talk about it. It took me a long time to feel I was a 'normal' member of society again and even now he is nearly 10 my family still are on 'alert' if I appear to be overdoing things even though I am completely well. It is an experience which has a devastating effect at the time and for years to come.
Some ladies who suffer PNI may develop some symptoms associated with PP and arguably have it but may not get a full diagnosis. In such cases we still should offer support and encouragement to one another, particularly in this forum. That is why it exists - to help each other through a very, very cruel illness at whatever level it is.
Recently I attended a Royal College of Psychiatrists perinatal section conference. I was delighted to hear some of them comment on the value of this forum and I applauded it too (of course!!). We fill a huge gap for so many people who are suffering and long may it continue.
My only regret at the moment is that I cannot spend much time on here as I am trying to find extra ways to financially feed us as I've resigned my teaching post to be able to follow up any avenues with the book! Hopefully as more opportunities to talk to students, conferences etc. come about I won't be having to spend hours doing Virgin Vie cosmetics and jewellery parties! I always mention the book though and often sell one at them. It is another female gathering to talk PNI and we often do. Forgive the plug but you can see what I offer on www.myvirgincosmetics.co.uk/elainehanzak
My other thought from the weekend is that perhaps we could reach out to those ladies like I met at the weekend who have suffered in silence all these years?
I was asked to give an interview for The Sun last week - my Mum was concerned when I said the photographer was here!! However, hopefully the coverage will help some others.
Meanwhile I would like to thank all the forum members who have personally contacted me - I try to answer everyone eventually. Your comments mean a great deal to me. I do care passionately about making things better for all women and families affected by PNI and this is why I am determined to keep shouting about it.
Also the moderators and Veritee do a superb job for us all here and we are privileged to have you.
best wishes
Elaine
XX
I just wanted to say that as a former sufferer of PP I do understand the additional isolation and guilt associated with the most severe and rare form of postnatal illness. This was demonstrated this weekend by a lady I met at a church fair who had heard of my book. She told me that she had PP 40 years ago and has carried the awful 'guilt/memory loss/freak' feelings since. She told me I was the first person she had ever heard of who had suffered this and told me many of her thoughts she has bottled up since. I felt extremely humble and also pleased that just knowing that I had been there that she felt able to confide in me. 'No-one else understands,' she said.
Therefore I an understand why some forum members do feel the need to be part of an additional support group here. PP should not be worn as a huge label to set us apart but if it helps in some ways then it can be useful.
However, from the stories of PP that I have heard the illness and its symptoms are very, very different for each sufferer, e.g. time of on-set, behaviours. One common thread is the long recovery time. My Dominic was 4 before I could really talk about it. It took me a long time to feel I was a 'normal' member of society again and even now he is nearly 10 my family still are on 'alert' if I appear to be overdoing things even though I am completely well. It is an experience which has a devastating effect at the time and for years to come.
Some ladies who suffer PNI may develop some symptoms associated with PP and arguably have it but may not get a full diagnosis. In such cases we still should offer support and encouragement to one another, particularly in this forum. That is why it exists - to help each other through a very, very cruel illness at whatever level it is.
Recently I attended a Royal College of Psychiatrists perinatal section conference. I was delighted to hear some of them comment on the value of this forum and I applauded it too (of course!!). We fill a huge gap for so many people who are suffering and long may it continue.
My only regret at the moment is that I cannot spend much time on here as I am trying to find extra ways to financially feed us as I've resigned my teaching post to be able to follow up any avenues with the book! Hopefully as more opportunities to talk to students, conferences etc. come about I won't be having to spend hours doing Virgin Vie cosmetics and jewellery parties! I always mention the book though and often sell one at them. It is another female gathering to talk PNI and we often do. Forgive the plug but you can see what I offer on www.myvirgincosmetics.co.uk/elainehanzak
My other thought from the weekend is that perhaps we could reach out to those ladies like I met at the weekend who have suffered in silence all these years?
I was asked to give an interview for The Sun last week - my Mum was concerned when I said the photographer was here!! However, hopefully the coverage will help some others.
Meanwhile I would like to thank all the forum members who have personally contacted me - I try to answer everyone eventually. Your comments mean a great deal to me. I do care passionately about making things better for all women and families affected by PNI and this is why I am determined to keep shouting about it.
Also the moderators and Veritee do a superb job for us all here and we are privileged to have you.
best wishes
Elaine
XX