Postnatal. Issues?? Any help advice

[me=>]

Em.. Hi I haven't been on here for a while (couple of years) in that time I was doing well, discharged from services and med free. But things have been different since the birth of my son 4 months ago.

I feel like I am about to snap. My sleeping is terrible, even though my son has been sleeping through for the last two months. I am comfort eating. I feel tired all the time and lack motivation. I ensure I meet all my sons needs but struggle to meet my own.

Someone might say I am depressed but I don't feel sad!! Emotionally I feel the most content I have ever felt in my life bit I can't shake this other issues!!*

I am looking for understanding and advice? I came here because I didn't know where else to turn?*

Thanks to anyone who read

Cath xx

[Mandimoo]

My postnatal depression felt entirely different to my 'normal' depression, it might be worth seeing your gp to see what support there is out there and maybe some meds will give you a lift. Having a child brings so much joy into your life it can sometimes mask the feelings of depression, but it can hit all of a sudden.

Have you had your iron/ferritin levels checked post-natally? You could be anemic which could be causing the tiredness and then making you irritable.

[me=>]

Thank you so so much for replying!! I don't know if I am depressed? And if I am I am scared that they will think I am an unfit parent :(. I haven't had good experiences when being treated for mental health things. I was on iron for the first two months after my pregnancy and had my blood checked 3 weeks ago and it was fine.

I feel guilty for how I am at the moment. I don't even know what would help.

What we're your experience of asking for help? ( If that's ok to ask?)

Thanks for replying x

[Mandimoo]

I'd get iron and ferretin check again to be sure it hasn't dipped again after being off the iron. I ended up going to gp as an emergency appointment and told her with nothing left out exactly what i wanted to do to myself and that I just wanted to sleep all the time. No motivation and she gave me some pills that didn't work, i'm still in a rut tbh but I find it doesn't get better until I make it better myself. Get out there, mix with people. There are services available, health visitor hooked us up, but we moved out of area to somewhere there's no support, no toddler groups, rubbish really. And matt left me at this point too. I just have to cope now, i'm all they've got.

[me=>]

Awh I am so sorry your struggling!! And thank you so much for sharing!! If u ever want to vent or anything I am here. I suppose I just need to bit the bullet and ask for help. Just terrified!! My gp isn't the most sympathetic of people and makes me feel a bit useless when I talk about mental health stuff.

Xx

[Mandimoo]

Get a different one, if you're not sure'it is depression ask for a repeat blood test first, once you're off the supplements levels can drop again. Ou could ask the health visitor if she can refer you to any groups/support agencies, as the gp primarily will be medication/counselling referral, you could try the groups first.