I saw my GP yesterday as I'm struggling with postnatal depression after having my baby girl 5 months ago. I've been free from antidepressants for the past 5 years but have been on several different one in the past and seen a psychiatrist twice before about 8 years ago. My GP is new as I live in a different area now. She is aware of some of my past. I have been really low and struggling with distressing self harm thoughts since baby's birth. I haven't self harmed (properly) because it hurts my husband so much when I do but instead have found myself having an eating disorder relapse and constantly desperate to self harm over the last month. When I saw her yesterday, she said she wanted to do an urgent referral to a psychiatrist and she wants to put me on venlafaxine which I've not been on in the past. Does anyone have any experience with his med? I've never found antidepressants to help but am willing to try anything at the moment. She also said she wanted me to have an ecg before I start the venlafaxine. Is that normal practice? I'm worried about seeing a psychiatrist having an impact on me returning to work after maternity leave. I'm a primary school teacher. Could it affect my job? Thank you so much in advance for any advice xxx
Last edited by Han7777777 : 11-04-2017 at 09:23 AM.
'I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, in whom I take refuge, my sheild and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.'
Psalm 18:1-2
Hi- I had bad depression postnatal with both my children.
Re:work, as trite as it seems, I would say that a lot of teachers will have been on anti depressants and seen a psychiatrist! PND is very common and I'm sure your work would be understanding. Your main focus is on getting well so you are mentally well enough to return to work when you feel ready.
Hi,
Firstly, I am sorry that you are struggling at the moment.
I just wanted to say there are a few of us who are teachers on here and you really don't need to worry about it affecting your job when you return, you may get asked to see occupational health to see if there are any adjustments that could be made to make your job easier for you but it is quite common for teachers to have mental health problems/take antidepressants so you probably won't be the only one at your school.
I am fairly sure that it is common for a GP to ask for an ECG before prescribing venlafaxine too so nothing to worry about there.
"this is the room where you don't have to be brave"
Thank you for the replies and encouragement. I really appreciate the support. I hadn't really considered that other teachers at my school could be on medication as everyone seems so 'together' but I guess that's what I'd seem like too!!
'I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, in whom I take refuge, my sheild and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.'
Psalm 18:1-2
Just writing in to say I hope that you are hanging in there. I think it is best for the GP to refer you to a psychiatrist who would be the specialist in this case.
Venlafaxine has been a game changer/ life saver for me- so I hope that you will give it a chance. Even if you have been on anti-depressants in the past, please don't see this as a set back. I am glad that you are honest with both your GP and partner about your issues.
Please let your GP know about the eating disorder/ self- harm challenges.
You are important. Take care of you first so that you can be the best you for your baby and then work.
~Happy tomatoes together we will be~
You say toe- may- toe, I say toe- mah- toe:
Let's call the whole thing- red
“It’s time to lead the third revolution, which is not to say we want to be at the top of the world, but to say we want to change the world. Because the way the world has been designed by men is not working. It’s not working for women, it’s not working for men,
it’s not working for polar bears.” Arianna Huffington 2014
Thank you for replying and your kind words. It's great to hear venlafaxine worked for you. Did you suffer many side effects. I'm worried about weight gain as I read quite a few people say that they struggled with that. I don't think I could cope with that right now. I'm not doing too well at the moment but I am determined to get out of this hole. Thanks again for your support xxx
'I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, in whom I take refuge, my sheild and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.'
Psalm 18:1-2
I don't remember the side effects being as notable as the positive differences.
Maybe clarify with your doctor how long you will be on it- if you are not compliant the withdrawal is not cool after taking it for a period of time, so you will want your doctor's support.
If you think lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise would help- employ those- once you get the medication sorted. However, I find that in the throes of depression I am not motivated to exercise or eat well anyway. Weight gain becomes secondary to not being able to function in general.
Hugs
~Happy tomatoes together we will be~
You say toe- may- toe, I say toe- mah- toe:
Let's call the whole thing- red
“It’s time to lead the third revolution, which is not to say we want to be at the top of the world, but to say we want to change the world. Because the way the world has been designed by men is not working. It’s not working for women, it’s not working for men,
it’s not working for polar bears.” Arianna Huffington 2014
I didn't really get any side effects with venlafaxine, but everyone is different. I did gain weight but because I felt happier it was easier to deal with and it seemed like an okay trade-off.
The only thing to be careful with is that if you miss a dose you will experience withdrawal effects like dizziness and headaches, so it's important to take it as prescribed.
