(no subject)

[percival]

Deep sigh - this is public. I've been to the GP, and diagnosed with post natal depression (PND). I saw somebody I trust and who has seen me through two pregnancies. Having prepared an extremely thorough history certainly helped get me through the appointment; I was overcome and unable to speak at first. It seems that I'm doing all the right self-help things (exercise, eating better, building a support circle of friends including DH who help, sleep, rest, self-directed cognitive therapy workbooks that come NHS recommended). The PND has been waxing and waning ever since DS was born. So far, I've had three flare-ups, each worse than the last. I am now getting additional help to break the cycle. I'm on the lowest possible entry dose of fluoxetine now, and have been referred for a psych assessment. Next review is in four weeks, again with the GP. The lovely actionreplay assures me that our local Mental Health services are excellent, but this being the NHS, there's a longish wait involved until we get to the actual treatment. I cannot express how grateful I am to her for suggesting I go see a doctor.

I am very relieved and happy. I feel a proper safety net below me. And right now at this very moment, I cannot imagine that I ever thought it was ok to leave my children motherless.

(for non-UK folks: NHS - national health service AKA socialised medicine; GP - general practitioner aka primary care physician. Somewhat of a scarce resource in the US; around here, everybody has one and they are the main gatekeepers to more specialised care. There's a very high awareness of PND here in the UK.)

Comments

[actionreplay.livejournal.com]

Iknow how hard it is to seek help. Well done. *hugs*.

[miriammoules.livejournal.com]

I agree with this!

[soupytwist.livejournal.com]

Oh, lovely! I'm sorry, and I'm really glad you've got some help; that is really tough, even when you have people around to tell you it isn't just you somehow having failed. *hug*

[brightfame.livejournal.com]

I'm glad the safety net is in place. Hang in there and continue to improve.

[in-the-blue.livejournal.com]

♥ ♥ ♥

That I am very relieved and happy? That's the first leap into feeling like that more often than not. I'm so glad for you.

[katinka31.livejournal.com]

Giant hugs to you -- I'm so glad you're looking out for yourself and finding the help you need. :)

[calanthe-b.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry about the PND, but very glad to hear that you have such a great support network and such a good medical safety net. ~hugs you~

[ljrags.livejournal.com]

I know how hard that appointment is! HUGS and it does get better with support and help!

[helenllama.livejournal.com]

shouldn't be a too long wait. my two appts came in within 8 weeks and they start some treatments straight away.

[annearchy.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry about the PND, but glad you're able to get the help you need. I wish we had socialised medicine in the United States; our health care "system" is ridiculously arcane and complicated, and at least 47 million people have fallen through the cracks. Anyway, sometimes people do need pharmacological help; I'm about to start taking paroxetene myself, also the lowest possible dose. Good luck :)

[mincot.livejournal.com]

Good for you. I'm so glad you saw someone! I fight depression generally and it can really mess up your thinking-I am SO glad you've got your safety net! ((((((((((((((You))))))))))))))))

[shellebelle93.livejournal.com]

I'm glad you're getting help for that. *hugs* Glad to hear that GP is someone you trust, as well. That's important.

[hilarityallen.livejournal.com]

Good luck, and I hope the drug is the right one for you.

[sidheag.livejournal.com]

Good!

[erised1810.livejournal.com]

wow...gulp.whatever you needto have us hhelp ride this-one out. {hugs}

[cynthia-black.livejournal.com]

*big hugs*

I'm glad you've got the wheels in motion to get help and treatment.

*hugs*

[piperx.livejournal.com]

I am very relieved and happy. I feel a proper safety net below me. And right now at this very moment, I cannot imagine that I ever thought it was ok to leave my children motherless.

Wonderful! I'm so happy to read this. *HUGS* I wish I was there to give you a hug in person. :)