Newly diagnosed

**chantalp** · 27-06-2007 11:57

Yesterday I was diagnosed with PND

I had a feeling that I had it. I have had anxiety for years but have just put up with it. But now it is very bad and I am feeling depressed also. It's hard because I have 3 kids my youngest being 8 weeks old. I have started zoloft this morning it's the only one my dr will give me because I am breastfeeding.
Any tips on dealing with PND? I feel like I'm quietly going crazy

**Unsure** · 27-06-2007 12:14

Hi, this thread was set up to suggest ways to handle PND...hope it helps

http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/f...ad.php?t=93042

**Mum&bubs** · 27-06-2007 19:25

Hey hun,

Never actually suffered from this myself but I hope you get the help you need

I can't even imagine how hard it must be. Hope you gets lots of help & support

**ac51** · 27-06-2007 20:01

Hey.

It sucks huh. I found it both a relief and fear when the dr said i had PND.

My biggest tip, having come through the other end (been 3 years since diagnosed plus had one without), take care of yourself. It is not selfish, it doesn't make you a bad mother to do those little things to get through the day.

Med's will kick in and hope they give you some relief from the anxiety (i went through 3 different kinds). Find the one that works for you and always, even when you don't want to, ask for help. This is the one time when you must reach out...

I journalled alot, my dr recommended it. To get how i was feeling, the thoughts, everything out of my head. It worked for me.

Take care. You are not alone that is for sure

.

**greengables** · 27-06-2007 20:10

I had PND too - started when I went back to work and hit me like a sledge hammer. Every day was a struggle to live! It was like someone had taken the 'happiness mojo' out of me. I would look at a pretty flower or beautiful mountains and knew it was lovely, but couldn't feel joy!

I went on Zoloft for about 6-8mths in total, and it was fabulous. It takes about 1 month to work, and I remember that 1 month of waiting was really hard.

The thing that really helped me get back on track was seeing a homeopath-type person (who actually has a Masters Degree in Science specialising in Immunology) - long story short I had cancer 4 yrs ago and it is all linked to a weakened immune system.

So he recommended I go off grains for a 6 week trial - this boosts the immune system and also helps the biochemical functions in the brain. After 6 weeks I felt substantially better, enough to cut down the Zoloft as it felt like I was actually overmedicated. After another 2 months I was off it completely. My energy levels were amazing, my skin cleared up, and I felt normal again - no depression.

All in all I would say to you:
- don't feel guilty about this! It is physical illness and u wouldn't feel guilty about having a broken leg
- persist the Zoloft for more than 1 month to feel the results
- consider doing a grain-free trial for 6 weeks. (no wheat, rice, corn, oats or anything with their derivatives). Is tough, but SO worth it.
- tell yourself that this is just a season and won't last forever
- do things to pamper yourself. Be kind to yourself. Love yourself (www.flylady.net)

Lots of love to you! You will be ok!

xoxox

**harvey123** · 28-06-2007 20:05

congrats on making it to the dr. it took me so long to admit to myself what i knew from not long after bub was born. just look after yourself. i think as a mum it's too easy to look after eeryone except yourself. i was diag. with pnd when dd was 7mths, i stopped bf so i could take cipramil. it's really helped...i also see a pysch. who recommended finding a hobby or interest...just something i do for 5-20 mins a day just for me. i only told a few close people about my pnd but it really helps to talk to others going thru it. keep on chatting on bub hub and take care of yourself.