All new to me- not sure what to do

[lor14]

Hi. I'm sorry if this isn't how you go about this- not done a forum before. My little girl is 8 months old and well and happy. I was diagnosed with pnd over the phone from a gp and given tablets. I didn't want to take them but felt I couldn't go on like that anymore. However, things seemed so much better, not sure whether it was being able to admit it or having someone listen for a while and after speaking to another gp I came off them but have another month's supply just in case. That was in Feb and I only took them for 3 weeks. Ive thought about going back on them several times but wanted to do without them. I've done a telephone cbt course about anxiety (I had some anxiety and wouls t see any close friends for a couple of months) and don't have anxiety meltdown anymore but today I can't stop crying and this is happening more and more often. I was putting it down to lack of sleep, but I feel out of control with it and am arguing so much with my husband, so can't find any peace- this isn't all the time but I feel like I'm on my own. I love my baby and there are no thoughts about harming her or leaving her, but I feel so useless and low. I don't know whether I should give the tablets another go and book an appointment to see my Gp. I was diagnosed with ante-natal depression but didn't take anything. I don't know what I should do and am trying this to see if you can help. I know it isn't a major case and I do feel sometimes that I should pull myself together but at the moment I just can't summon up the energy to do this. Sorry for whining, I don't have any close friends to hand and those who do have children are either fine or have had severe depression and I don't feel it's fair to burden them. Thank you for reading and for any advice.

[sarajay28]

Hi lor,

Firstly welcome to the forum, it's a fantastic place to just get it all out and have people know exactly how you feel. It's also great for advice too.

Well done on speaking to your gp, that's a major step in the right direction. On your antidepressants, most of them take at least 2-4 weeks to even kick in and start making a difference so it's little wonder you have kinda relapsed. Most gps recommend you stay on them for at least 6 months so I'd be going to see your gp in person to get some proper advice and guidance. A diagnosis over the phone sounds pretty dire! I'm actually quite shocked that they can do that.

It's great you've had the cbt (I've just done the same for anxiety too) as I'm sure that will help you loads.

Please do go back and see your gp and do come back if you want to talk some more, that can help loads too.

SJ xx

[frogface]

I hated taking medication. I refused for months and then fought them for more months. But they really helped me. You don't need to be suffering like this. CBT will help with the anxiety but that low mood is so hard to live with.

[lor14]

Thank you both of you. I have gone back on the tablets, have booked in with an understanding doctor- in person in 3 weeks, not on the end of the phone after seeing a nurse. It is good to hear your comments and that the medication is ok and to use the cbt to support the progression. It felt such a relief to talk about it and I also discussed it all with my husband who is trying to work out what to do- a long process but thank you for taking the time to comment and I hope you know how much I appreciate your words and advice. Thank you