[Han7777777]

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