Ok, so once we identified I had PND, there were options and PANDA were very helpful.
ASK FOR HELP. This won’t kill you. You’re not a failure or a bad mum for asking. In fact just the opposite and you’ll be amazed at what people will do for you.
Places to start are GP and Maternal and Child Health Centre. These can both provide you with referrals to specialists. In my case I was referred to the pnd counselling program with baptcare and later down the track medication.
Next, start telling your family. Seems dumb but you will need their help. If this isn’t an option, start recruiting people you do trust.
Form a network of help. Your family is a good place to start but neighbours and friends can also be a part.
Check if your local council offers programs and services. Some have pram walking groups and play groups. If this is your thing.
Eat well. Small thing, big impact. Try to eat a variety of healthy foods and regularly. At least three normal meals.
GET OUT OF THE HOUSE!!! Can’t stress this enough. Put bubs in the pram and start exploring the neighbourhood. Walk to the shops and have a cuppa. Weather bad? Head to a large shopping centre and do laps. The combination of civilisation and exercise lifts your mood.
Talk to your partner about how you feel and how they can help.
Another controversial option is using childcare. In my case using this was the reason I didn’t end up in a mental institution or jail. We initially used family day care three afternoons a week which was enough for me to have a break, lunch, a shower and maybe a snooze. After a while this was built up to all day when I returned to part time work.
Inevitably, there are people out there who will try to make you feel bad about the choices you have made. Here’s the answer. Tell them they’re not the mum here and you’ll do what suit you and your bub. If they get narky, don’t let it get to you. That’s their problem.
Lastly, find a reason to go out for dinner or lunch or whatever regularly without bubs (and possibly with out partner) so you can reconnect with your old self.
These things are what I do mostly to get through the gray times and I’m by no means an expert. I’d gladly take any suggestions too.
Good luck.
In other news, Christmas tree has been put up and decorated at last. Little Miss had a ball with the decorations.
Em.
Tags: christmas tree, crying, depression, help, little miss