Depression

[crystal23]

after giving birth to my son 4 and half years ago i came down with post natal depression as having no family and a partner that was never around i felt very alone and scared. i was 18. i later got diagnosed wtih PCOS. i now have my family by my side again and a new partner that is wonderful we are currently tryin for our first child together. i was told 12 months ago that PCOS had gone and im in fine health but i have a slight case of depression where every now and then (not very often) i cry for no reason and refuse to go outdoors. i am a little worried bout feeling the same after havin my next child as i really dont want to feel thats bubs is not mine the first time round i could not stand it i was so confused because i loved (still do) him so much but i found myself asking when his mum coming to pick him up. do you think now that i am a little older and wiser and my life is complete that i will not get PND? or is it more likely to happen again no matter what he circumstances?

[naturopathonline]

Dear Crystal,

Thanks for your email, it sounds as if you have had a difficult time after the birth of your son and I can understand that a lack of support at that time only added to your postnatal depression.

You sound like you have much better support this time, however as you are still having some teary moments I would really advise that as part of your preparation for your next pregnancy that you sit down with your doctor and partner and have an open discussion about how you are currently feeling and perhaps see if you can get a support "team" in place before you get pregnant.

One of the most difficult things about PND is that people don't talk about it openly, which leads to new mums not getting enough support. So if you include your doctor, partner, trusted family members and perhaps a counselor in your support team you'll be well placed to have support at hand if you need it:hugs:

You may want to have a preliminary appointment with a counselor now so you have already a trusting relationship with someone who knows your history.

Having had postnatal depression is like any other health condition - you need to make sure you have lots of support around you and make a few good lifestyle choices. Exercise has been shown to help with depression and a good diet is always beneificial and will help with fertility.

Good luck with your next pregnancy - I hope you get lots of support and really enjoy motherhood the second time around!

All the best,

Tania