Scared ill never feel normal

[cookiemonster]

I had my third baby 6 months ago, and out of the blue I started feeling light headed and dizzy.
After going for lots of tests and scans everything turned out negative which was a shock because I want an explanation.
I've started getting feelings of doom and gloom in surges. So my only explanation is post natal illness.
I have never suffered any mental health problems in the past so is it possible?
And if it is pnd, will I recover or be like this forever. My life is on hold at the moment and I feel for my kids.
I am seeing health visitor tmrw.

Any reassurance would be appreciated. Thanks

[frogface]

Hi just wanted to say I never experienced mental health problems until my second baby was born. Yes you will recover, it gets easier though it can feel like you'll be like this forever. Talking and writing can really help.

[monica]

Welcome

Pni started off with physical symptoms for me too. Like you is never had any mental health issues and everything started 4 mths postpartum after having my second child. I suffered from probs with my eyes, feeling foggy headed, tingling/numb patches and s whole host of other strange issues. My mental health deteriorated rapidly . As for causes I put it down to exhaustion (adrenal fatigue?) primarily but there were a few other things going on in my life which created a perfect storm.

It must be a very stressful time for you but as FF said you will recover - I did! It's positive all tests ha e come back negative so there's no underlying physical cause.

Looking after 3 kids must be tough. Do you have help? Make resting a priority or as much as you can. Do you ha E sources of stress in your life? The feelings of doom can be a symptom so perhaps some type of talking therapy to offload and learn coping strategies might help too.

Exercise helped hugely in my recovery - would you be able to fit something in?

I too k antidepressants - perhaps these would be an option? There are pros and cons bit I was in such a terrible place that they were right for me.

Do keep talking x

[leanneh]

Hey!

I also had no previous mental health issues. I probably actually was quite naive to them in general and certainly never thought it would be something which would affect me! Then I had my son and it just hit me from nowhere. Have you been referred into a perinatal service? Talking therapies can be hugely helpful, particularly from a specialist perinatal team although I know not every area has them. I received support from a perinatal psychologist and then additionally took antidepressants which helped lift my mood. The talking therapies are particularly helpful because they will help you address your thought processes and help you train yourself to deal with thoughts in a better way!

You will get through it though. Talk to us as we have all been through it and know how it feels. I found peer support a great help when I was unwell. X