Post-Partum Depression

[DarthJedi]

I was diagnosed with chronic depression a year and a half ago. My doctor prescribed me anti depressants, however I got pregnant shortly after, and stopped taking my medication to prevent the possibility of them causing birth defects. Now, after I had my baby, my depression is worse than ever, I'm worried post- partum has made it worse. I am concerned, and I would like to seek professional help, but I'm scared of getting my son taken away. I take good care of him, but I'm worried if I tell someone how I've been feeling, I might be deemed mentally unstable to have kids. Help?

[Amaranth]

Try to speak to your doctor. Post natal depression is really common and they won't take your son away for having it, I know that's a common worry but they'll do everything they can to keep you together and support you so you can both get to know each other and grow the mother-baby bond.
They may give you anti-depressants again or organise counselling, sometimes you can do a group therapy type thing with other new mums suffering depression.
Please try to speak to someone about it though as the quicker it's diagnosed the easier it is to treat.

[tiptoes]

I'd speak to your doctor or health visitor about your mood. They will help you and by seeking help you will be showing that you are taking responsibility for your mood and that shows that you are putting your son first.

There is a baby support thread in the Veteran's corner here (http://www.recoveryourlife.com/forum/showthread.php?t=48966). I'm not sure how active it is at the moment though but it might be worth a look.

[Heidi Tiger]

It's highly unlikely that they'll just take your child away. You should talk to your GP or health visitor and you can be started on medication and given extra support. If your mental illness is deemed severe, then you may be referred to the perinatal mental health team, who are specialists. I'm currently under them whilst pregnant and they've been very helpful about prescribing medication that's safe for the baby. We've talked a lot about support once she's born and there is a mother and baby psych ward if things get really bad. At all times the focus has been on supporting me to care for my child and not about removing her, even though I spent months in hospital on a section last year. By seeking help, that's taking responsibility for your problems, which is a major positive. They're going to be more concerned if it turns out that you are concealing your depression and not seeking help.

[craigaj1986]

I have 2 little girls from a previous relationship and I had various mental health professionals working with me they provided me with extra care and time alone for an hour or so to help me chill as you will know kids can cause stress! don't worry about involving mental health professionals they are there to help the only time they would involve other agencies e.g. social services is if there is risk of harm to your children, which I very much doubt there is as you seem a caring and loving person! I hope this has helped.

Take care

Craig xx