With PND, you can experience various symptoms which include feeling low and despondent and feeling that you can't cope with your baby. You may be confused by simple tasks and feel unable to concentrate. You may experience recurring or insistent thoughts that you cannot get out of your mind. As mothers if we feel this way, we may blame ourselves and feel shame and guilt, and may find it difficult to confide in those around us, who expect us to feel happy with our new baby. You may feel very upset or anxious and worry about your health and your baby’s health, or you may feel boredom, indifference or frustration towards your baby. You may wish you had never had your baby. Panic attacks and irritability are also common features of PND. You may also have a poor appetite and problems sleeping in addition to disruption from night feeds. These symptoms can leave you feeling frightened and isolated, and afraid to access help when you really need it.
Getting Help Getting help can be difficult, if you are feeling depressed, but please know that it is ok to ask for and receive help, and what you are experiencing is something that has happened to many other mothers. It can be very common to feel self-critical, that you “should” be able to cope on your own, or to compare yourself unfavourably with other mothers who appear to you to be managing “better”. It can also seem hard and sometimes frightening when you are feeling this way to open up and let others know about it. It is very important though, if you think you are suffering from PND, to get the support you need.
At Castle Counselling our therapists can offer you that safe, confidential, supportive and non-judgemental space that you need during this difficult transition. You can be fully open about how you are feeling, and we can offer you the understanding and support that you need to move forwards. When you are in the midst of PND things feel like they will never improve, but by having a caring professional to speak to and listen to you, we are hopeful that you will be able to journey through this very difficult time with our therapists by your side.
