PND in those with depression already

[leckershell]

Probably a stupid question, and not sure if this was the right board but hey ho.

I'm bipolar and wondering what other bipolar/depressed ladies on here have found when combined with PND. Can you tell a large difference in yourself with PND or do you just feel like you're in a low episode?

I'm wondering if, because I have low moments anyway, whether I would notice a change if I was to get PND. I want to be able to catch it before it gets bad, but can you differentiate between it and your normal depression?

Sorry, I hope that made sense. I'm basically asking how you can tell PND over your normal depression symptoms and whether you notice a dramatic change or not.

michelle x

 

[Misslarue]

opps PM instead!!

 

[trixipaws]

pnd was a massive fear of mine as i was diagnosed with depression and bipolar disorder when i was in my teens (i dont think i had either, but there u go!) iv been lucky enough to escape PND, but i think the main thing about it would be a lack of bonding with ur baby. i remember when i was depressed all the negativeness was projected onto myself- so i think if ur just feeling negative towards urself its normal depression and if theres negativeness towards ur baby its more likely PND. thats what id imagine anyway. i hope u dont get PND but if u do there seems to be lots of support here from others whove had it.

 

[leckershell]

thanks guys i hope i don't get it, just wanted to be prepared for it really! doc and counsellor both suggested that bipolar women shouldn't have children but i told them where to go!!

 

[Adele]

I've prolly already told you shell but for me it felt like normal depression, even though health visitors classed it as PND. But i guess looking back now it was abit of both.

 

[lotti77]

I've been a depressive since a young teenager. Before my son was born my lows were very distinctive (a huge difference from my usual behaviour)
My PND seems to be more constant with no let up. People said that if it wasn't directed towards my son then it was my normal depression but my therapist said different. Its very difficult to explain but I just knew there was a difference from my normal depression and I'm sure you will if your bio polar.
I'm scared I might get it again however my lows are spaced really far apart these days plus I have visits from a specialist MW for the support.
Good luck hun

 

[Sammystar]

It's different for everybody of course, but with me the PND tended to be focused on the baby (if that makes sense?)

I was terrified I was a bad mum, might (accidentally) hurt my baby etc. I had totally irrational thoughts about breaking her neck whilst breastfeeding (?????) or dropping her, or simply forgetting her somewhere public and leaving her behind. I was scared to touch her and scared to put her down.

It was all totally crazy, I knew deep down (in my ratioanl mind) those things weren't going to happen, but I spent my entire life absolutely terrified that they would.

Hope that makes sense.


I recognised the symptoms really quickly when I had subsequent babies......

 

[emma28]

Can you ask your mw for the edinburgh test? dunno if that will help you but i had to do it after jonah was born. maybe everyone does it? I didn't know anyone else pregnant then and wasn't part of a forum.

I don't know you very well Shell, except from reading your posts obviously but you seem to me to be very sorted and aware and that is the most important thing. I'm sure you're gonna be a fantastic mum

 

[trixipaws]

I was terrified I was a bad mum, might (accidentally) hurt my baby etc. I had totally irrational thoughts about breaking her neck whilst breastfeeding (?????) or dropping her, or simply forgetting her somewhere public and leaving her behind.

omg is that PND??? im a bit like that- i just thought it was normal mum anxiety
i thought PND was not bonding with baby. i'v bonded hugely but am very very anxious about too many things.

 

[trixipaws]

doc and counsellor both suggested that bipolar women shouldn't have children but i told them where to go!!

cant believe they said that they should be struck off! good on u telling them 2 f off!

 

[Rubys mummy]

I have suffered with depression in the past, stopped my anti depressants whilst PG and felt wonderful...

Once Ruby was born, I was really low..I didnt feel like she was my baby, and I had panic attacks worrying that I wouldnt be able to cope, I was getting anxious when she cried in public, I felt like everyone was looking at me I would get so anxious...I became almost a recluse. After a few weeks I spoke to my do who suggested I went back on anti depressants again to "nip in the butt" PND as he thought I ould be heading that way..I turned a corner and have felt great since. I know not everyone agrees with medication for depression but it has helped me so much, and I feel so content, whih in turn has made a content baby too!!

Big hugs sweetie

 

[mrs_tommo22]

Im not sure michelle, i found with pnd i was low all the time and couldnt interact with stephen and love him properly and crying lots and generally thinking the nworld was ending for me. Mine was really bad though.

I feel it happens becasue of the lack of bonding.

I seemed to have escaped it this time

 

[mrs_tommo22]

Im not sure michelle, i found with pnd i was low all the time and couldnt interact with stephen and love him properly and crying lots and generally thinking the nworld was ending for me. Mine was really bad though.

I feel it happens becasue of the lack of bonding.

I seemed to have escaped it this time

 

[Sherry]

Hi there,
Would just like to say that although I have not suffered PND, I know for a fact PND isnt just aimed at the baby. My SIL suffered severly with it and all her negative thoughts were about herself not the baby and she was constantly low. She really had a rough time of it and it has taken 3 yrs for her to finally feel better. I think if you realise you are headed down and feel like you cant get back up then thats the time to seek a bit of help. I know that may seem easy for me to say as I havent had it.
Hope its all is plain sailing for you