Postpartum rage or DP? I don’t know

[Kmach]

It could be sleep deprivation that has bought these feelings on for myself. My 20 week old still only sleeps 3-4 hours at night then wakes 1-2 hour before 10:30pm and after 2:30am. Only napping 30 mins a time too so getting sleep in when she’s napping is difficult especially when feeling this way.

I have bursts of moodiness and feeling tearful when I’m very tired which is normal. However, it’s got to a point where I scare myself. I’m so angry and frustrated I could get all the glasses and smash them kind of angry. I’m quite a placid laid back person usually so this is out of character for me. I recently dig my nails into my forehead and bite my arm I was just angry and needed to take it out on something so had the urge to do it. It wasn’t hard enough to leave a mark but I’m worried it’ll just get worse and I’ll end up having a break down or hurt myself.

[monica]

Welcome to the forum Kmach

Congratulations on the birth of your baby! This time can be really tough for many women and it’s positive you have identified that you’re not feel as you’d expect to feel. This might seem a strange thing to say but many women, including me when I was unwell, are not aware of this.

Sleep deprivation is a form of torture and as you say, can bring on symptoms of low mood and anger. But I would say if this is not just a one off and or these feelings are getting more intense and are leading you to hurt yourself as a coping mechanism, then I would urge you to seek help and support from your gp and health visitor.

It’s believed that 1/5 women suffer from post natal illness following the birth of a baby so every dr will have heard these symptoms before which can be upsetting and distressing especially if this is not the norm. The good news is that there is support out there to help you. This can be in the form of talking therapy and/or medication . Also getting advice on baby’s sleep might help too.

You’re doing a marvellous job as a mum. Society expects us mums to love every second yet it can be an incredibly hard job - exhausting, boring and isolating . It’s normal to feel like this . It is truly positive you re talking about how you feel and you will feel better.

Additionally making changes to your week might help. Do you have any time for you . Having a bath with a book, going for a coffee with a friend. A bit if ‘me’ time I s an investment into your well-being.

Have you spoken to anyone about how you feel! I would really encourage you to do that as sharing your problems can help hugely.

Please feel like this your place to talk about how you are. This is a judgment free environment and we really do understand how you feel .

Monica