Postnatal Depression Awareness Week 2011 Poll

[BHCommunity]

This week is Postnatal Depression Awareness Week, and we working to raise awareness of the types of depression that can affect mums and dads. Every day this week in the General Depression and Blues forum (http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/forumdisplay.php?79-General-depression-and-blues) as well as on my blog (http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/entry.php?187-Postnatal-Depression-Awareness-Week-2011-The-Baby-Blues) we are posting information about a different type of depression as well as further resources and support information. We will be covering:

Monday - The Baby Blues (http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/showthread.php?434080-Postnatal-Depression-Awareness-Week-2011-The-Baby-Blues)
Tuesday - Postnatal Depression Part 1 (http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/showthread.php?434263-Postnatal-Depression-Awareness-Week-2011-Postnatal-Depression-Part-1) and Postnatal Depression Part 2 (http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/showthread.php?434262-Postnatal-Depression-Awareness-Week-2011-Postnatal-Depression-(PND)-Part-2)
Wednesday - Antenatal Depression (http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/showthread.php?434417-Postnatal-Depression-Awareness-Week-2011-Antenatal-Depression-(AND))
Thursday - Postpartum Psychosis
Friday - Depression in Dads

Have you, or someone you know been affected by depression during pregnancy or as a parent?

[SalsaMama]

I've had PND, and the more people I talk to about it the more I realise how common it is. Unfortunately most of us initially are quite embarrassed about it so fail to seek help or talk about it.

Please feel free to PM me if you want to chat about anything or ask any questions about PND and my journey. It was a wonderful hubber who PMed me when I was feeling really low, and helped me see that I needed help.

[MuminMind]

I bet people are really tired of me banging on about this, but I will stop at nothing! :D If talking about this confronting topic inspire more women and men to seek help; then it has all been worth it.

I can tick almost all the above options, but I am well on my road to recovery. It is possible, and it doesn't have to be a lonely experience.


I've had PND, and the more people I talk to about it the more I realise how common it is. Unfortunately most of us initially are quite embarrassed about it so fail to seek help or talk about it. :iagree:

Come join us in talking about it! :smiliedance:

[CallaLilly]

(My first ever post!) I did tick all of the above, for myself. I've battled major depression since I was 10 and thought I was prepared for the probability of PND- but what I wasn't prepared for was the onslaught of suicidal thoughts that I thought I'd conquered in my teens. This is an area that is often only alluded to as "extreme cases" but it's not- it's just not talked about for fear of rejection. Thoughts of harm or worse to self need to be exposed as a real part of some women's struggle and not treated as a (false) negative reflection of the person's attitude toward their child or children.

For me this is ongoing and it's the attitude of others like yourself that helps the most;

"I'm not alone, I'm not a freak, I'm not a bad mother, I can and will survive this."
...
Anyone got a megaphone?

[Sundae]

Thank you for posting about your depression! I have battled it most of my life and am medicated.
From what you wrote it made me feel like I wasn't alone. Thank you xx

I still have my off days but there are more good days now than bad.
It's great to have such an awesome support network on here :)

[MuminMind]

(My first ever post!) I did tick all of the above, for myself. I've battled major depression since I was 10 and thought I was prepared for the probability of PND- but what I wasn't prepared for was the onslaught of suicidal thoughts that I thought I'd conquered in my teens. This is an area that is often only alluded to as "extreme cases" but it's not- it's just not talked about for fear of rejection. Thoughts of harm or worse to self need to be exposed as a real part of some women's struggle and not treated as a (false) negative reflection of the person's attitude toward their child or children.

For me this is ongoing and it's the attitude of others like yourself that helps the most;

"I'm not alone, I'm not a freak, I'm not a bad mother, I can and will survive this."
...
Anyone got a megaphone? Welcome to the forum, CallaLilly, and thank you so much for your wise input.

There is a private discussion are on the forum for people who have suffered from or currently are suffering from PND (Including postnatal Psychosis) and AND. I encourage you to join our growing family.

Check out this thread!
http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/showthread.php?428953-PND-amp-AND-Online-Support-Group

If you are interested I'll PM you the password for access! :smiliedance:

[CallaLilly]

That would be great, thanks :)

[SalsaMama]

Hey CallaLilly :wave:

I totally agree with you that a lot of people wiht PND have suicidal thoughts but don't really talk about it for fear of judgement. It sounds like you've had a tough journey but are a fighter of a woman.

As MuminMind said, you're welcome to come into the AND/PND discussion area.

Btw... the bakery at Donnybrook does great sausage rolls :)

[CallaLilly]

LOL! How random! But yeah they do. And donuts. Too many donuts...
Both our boys had colic and it would get to the point where the only thing that would settle them would be to put them in the pram and walk and walk into the wee hours. And the bakery opens at 1am..

Hmm for some reason I can't seem to log into the site- I have the password and my husband deactivated the cookies, so I don't know what's happening. I've said it before and I'll say it again; technology hates me. :computerprobs:

[MuminMind]

Hmm for some reason I can't seem to log into the site- I have the password and my husband deactivated the cookies, so I don't know what's happening. I've said it before and I'll say it again; technology hates me. :computerprobs: I contacted a mod last night, but have not heard anything.So you received the password in a pm from a moderator? You are sure that you are in the right area, and that your CAPS LOCK is not on?

[SalsaMama]

LOL! How random! But yeah they do. And donuts. Too many donuts...
Both our boys had colic and it would get to the point where the only thing that would settle them would be to put them in the pram and walk and walk into the wee hours. And the bakery opens at 1am..


Omg you sound like you've done some hard yards.

I'll have to try their donuts next time haha.

[CallaLilly]

No I don't know- I got frustrated and handed the comp over to my hubby to "fix" and that's what he said; he's not here at the moment so I'll have to wait until he gets back. Probably I've quoted him wrong. I'll get there eventually.

[Gothel]

Wow 80% ticked yes to PND :eek: I am sorry that it is so common and I am amazed it is so common.

Callalilly thank you for posting your story, I hope to see you around the forum and private area. The other lovely ladies who posted here are all part of my support network, amazing ladies who have been such a help to me since that area opened.

I have suffered from depression all my life, it has been very significant in determining the course of my life. I self medicated with alcohol and drugs all through my 20's and beyond. Life with my DH is the first time I have experienced stability and peace. Then the kids came along and PND hit. It was never dramatic for me, it was insidious, it snuck up on me until I was in a constant state of misery, anger, frustration, anxiety, emotional eating, self-hatred and though I was never actually suicidal, I often daydreamed what-if scenarios. I wasn't diagnosed until my youngest was 18mo. I have been having treatment for a year now and feel much better tho i still have bad periods.

i think a lot of women must suffer along with all these negative emotions because they feel that their symptoms are not bad enough to warrant help. I say if its bad enough to be having a significant on your home life and happiness, its bad enough to seek help.

[MuminMind]

i think a lot of women must suffer along with all these negative emotions because they feel that their symptoms are not bad enough to warrant help. I say if its bad enough to be having a significant on your home life and happiness, its bad enough to seek help. Hear, hear!

[Gothel]

it just occurred to me why the %s are so high on the poll. there is no option for 'none of the above'. Would it make sense to add that option?

[CallaLilly]

Thanks for sharing- I don't find it hard to talk about this stuff because I'm so used to being poked and prodded about it, but I know how hard it is for most, so kudos to you :) I've finally got to join the private discussion area, so I'll see you in there :wave:

[caitlyn09]

l have never felt so alone as l did when l was suffering from pnd, but now l realise l was never alone and always had people there to listen l just needed the confidence to talk! There is nothing worse then crying non-stop for no reason and not being able to explain it!

[MuminMind]

l have never felt so alone as l did when l was suffering from pnd, but now l realise l was never alone and always had people there to listen l just needed the confidence to talk! There is nothing worse then crying non-stop for no reason and not being able to explain it! Hi caitlyn. It is great to hear that you have realised that you had supportive people around you. How are you going these days; do you consider yourself recovered?

[boomits4]

I had PND after the birth of #1. I talked to a phycologist when he was 6 weeks old and suspected it... she told me I wasnt depressed - i was just over tired. It took me 18 months and holding him over a balcony to go to another doctor - thank goodness something 'clicked' in my when i was holding him over the balcony and I went to the doctor and got put on medication. Hes now 6 and the most amazing child <3 I have had 2 children since him, and no PND - pregnant with #4 now, and hoping to not get it again!

[Pinkzy]

Antenatal Depression and Severe PND in 2002 when I had my daughter. Was hospitalised for months and died twice in the ICU as a result of my suicide attempt. Everyone was surprised I survived. My ex took my then 5 month old baby and DOCS agreed this was for the best. It was Hell on earth.

No Depression whatsoever before or after the birth of my son last year - obviously, the circumstances are very different.

This is a subject I feel very strongly about. If you feel you're suffering Antenatal Depression or PND, please talk to someone you trust and see your doctor without delay.

[inkognito]

I suffered both AND and PND with both of my pregnancies, and I have also suffered with depression and anxiety my entire adult life and more recently been diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder.

It saddens me how many people I talk to say they "thought" they might have had AND/PND but never spoke up because of the stigma attached to mental illness.

I believe the best thing that someone who thinks they might be struggling is to speak up, because you are not alone and there is nothing wrong with admitting you need help

Thankyou BubHub for recognising Postnatal depression awareness week, I hope that one day the stigma can be removed forever and all suffers feel they can ask for help

[MuminMind]

I had PND after the birth of #1. I talked to a phycologist when he was 6 weeks old and suspected it... she told me I wasnt depressed - i was just over tired. It took me 18 months and holding him over a balcony to go to another doctor - thank goodness something 'clicked' in my when i was holding him over the balcony and I went to the doctor and got put on medication. Hes now 6 and the most amazing child <3 I have had 2 children since him, and no PND - pregnant with #4 now, and hoping to not get it again! I am so sorry to hear that your psychologist did not recognise your depression and despair, and that it took something so drastic as the balcony incident for you to really be taken seriously! It must have been a terrifying and lonely place. Wonderful to hear that you have since have had two more children without suffering from pnd. All the best with your fourth child!


Antenatal Depression and Severe PND in 2002 when I had my daughter. Was hospitalised for months and died twice in the ICU as a result of my suicide attempt. Everyone was surprised I survived. My ex took my then 5 month old baby and DOCS agreed this was for the best. It was Hell on earth.

No Depression whatsoever before or after the birth of my son last year - obviously, the circumstances are very different.

This is a subject I feel very strongly about. If you feel you're suffering Antenatal Depression or PND, please talk to someone you trust and see your doctor without delay.Wow. Wow. Thank you so, so much for sharing. It takes someone amazing to put forward such a sensitive story for everyone else to see! I really hope that your story brings hope to women out there who are on the verge of self harm, It is possible to overcome this condition. I have followed your posts since becoming a member, and you are such a sensitive, compassionate, strong and independent person. What an inspiration.you are. Again, thanks for sharing.

[Pinkzy]

Thank you :):hugs:

[Danic88]

Reading these posts make me feel so much better about my illness. At the age of 11 years my mum committed suicide after a long and horrendous road of depression and alcoholism. As a child I experienced a lot of things a child should never have to experience but now I look back and think how it has made me the strong and sensitive person I am- and I am thankful.
After being brought to Australia by my dad (with my siblings) to start a new life, I will never forget one day crying for no reason and asking my dad to help me find some professional help. His reply was that I didn't need help and I was being stupid. From this day on, I truely believed this. So I never sought help and everytime I cried, I thought to myself "I am being stupid".
It wasn't until 7 years on when I had my son, I experienced severe baby blues and PND that I realised I had been depressed all along. After self medicating with alcohol (much like my mum did), getting plastered every night, crying myself to sleep, locking myself the the toilet and trying to figure out how I could kill myself without the guilt of leaving my child behind and putting my partner through psychological hell- that I realised I needed help and quick.
I saw a doctor, was medicated and attended a 6 week PND counselling group and then was left on my own to sort it out. I remember after finishing this PND group feeling so lonely and lost again. 6 weeks just didn't cut it but I felt stupid asking for help again.
A further 2/3 years of struggle and confusion, drinking, sleeping around (seeking love and acceptance) and suicidal thoughts made me realise enough is enough and medication alone is not going to cure this illness. So I finally met a great psychologist and had felt better than I ever felt before. My partner and I got back together, are doing better than ever and we are now expecting our second child.
I like to have reasonable expectations and therefore, do not believe I will ever be fully cured of this illness. I still have tough times and suicidal thought to which I know I could never follow through with because of my child. However, I do believe it is managable and I am stronger now than I have ever been in kicking its butt!
It is so good to know I am far from the only one and that there is other types of help out there. Thankyou for much for this forum!

P.s. Sorry for my novel!:wave:

[BHCommunity]

Thankyou to everyone who shared their stories here. If you haven't already done so, we have a private password-protected discussion area on the forum for people who have had/currently have PND and AND. If you message our wonderful Ambassador MuminMind she will let you know the password. There is a great deal of love and support waiting there for you :hugs:

[Teresa Rutherford]

Thank you for posting about your depression! I have battled it most of my life and am medicated.
From what you wrote it made me feel like I wasn't alone. Thank you xx

I still have my off days but there are more good days now than bad.
It's great to have such an awesome support network on here :)


I am genuinely happy for you; with you appreciating the good than the bad and appreciating your every progress. I was depressed myself, but now finally living a happy life. Good luck! ;)

[seprus505]

There is a private discussion are on the forum for people who have suffered from or currently are sufferi (http://www.ilikemall.com/how-to/convert-wmv-to-mov-mac.html)ng from PND (Including postnatal Psychosis) and AND. I encourage you to join our growing family.