Post Natal Depression- or the lack thereof
February 5th, 2010
Because of my history with depression, I have had a lot of concern from professionals and friends in the weeks following both my daughters' births. I am at high risk of getting post natal depression, and I have appreciated the extra support, and the sense that I am being monitored. One of the scary things for me about this condition is how easy it is to slip into it without anyone (myself included) noticing, until it has become serious and horrible. I wanted to tell you all though that I am doing really well. Dare I say it, I actually feel happy. Last night Charis kept me up from 2 until 5.30 am and I still feel fine. I'm not sure why I've escaped, but here are some things that have definately helped-
1. I have had loads of help. I am a very limited person in terms of energy and domesticity and multi-tasking type things, so I may well have drowned in the early weeks of mothering two children, but for eight weeks meals arrived each evening, and even now there are offers of help with ironing, looking after Alexa and shopping.
2. I am still on my medication. Medication helps! I have said it before, and I am not ashamed to say it again.
3. I go to bed stupidly early. If you were to phone me after 8.30 pm it would be too late, and I'd wake with a start thinking "Who could be calling at this ungodly hour?"
4. I am back to running three times a week. This is good for the old endorphins, bur also gives me little slots of thinking/ praying/ alone times which are very precious right now.
5. I have a strong community around me. I don't think we should try to raise children on our own. We need people to share life with at all stages, but particularly when in charge of small people from morning to night.
1 in 10 women get post natal depression. I am so grateful- and surprised- to be one of the nine that don't. But if you are that 1, please know that you are not alone, have nothing to blame yourself for, and get some help asap.
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Paula
~ February 8th, 2010 ~ 17:02Very interesting insights. I am increasingly aware the community of women is disappearing quickly. In the past there were neighbours, peers and family to help with new babies and other life changes.Now we are insular even if we aren't out at work!Even church communities are fragmented as people commute to a favourite ministry, congregations are no longer local to help each other out.
I am surprised PND rate isn't higher. Everyone gets the baby blues, and it is so easy to plunge deeper into despair without some support to give new mums the things you have been blessed with Jo : the physical help, the babysitting in order you get quality child free time,etc.
I pray you will continue to have that support, to be enabled to enjoy your daughters, and not be overwhelmed with the job of motherhood.
Love and prayers Paula
Deborah Dodd
~ March 15th, 2010 ~ 01:03yes I remember it well , well most of it , I had pnd after my 4th daughter , although it was 15yrs ago, it crept upon me over a 2wk period and it was only making a comment to my midwife about not wanting to stop and talk to a friend at the time 'I couldnt be bothered',was all it took for her to recognise the sign,your list looks very good and I would agree with it get as much rest as you can and any offers of help never pass upon .Pnd is a dark place to be and with the help of my very good christian friends and my family I came out the other side. with christian love Deborah Dodd
