Can i overcome PND without meds..?

[oneveryhappymama]

Does anyone have any experiences, tips, thoughts on how to tackle PND without taking ADs...?

I have a 4month old DS2, PND has been far worse this time around than when i had DS1, but i really, really want to deal with PND without taking ADs. I am finding life very difficult since having DS2. Motherhood the second time around has ben overwhelming, lonely and a big struggle every single day.

I really want to get through this but am adamant i don't want to take any pills.
I have been to my GP and he was very quick to prescribe ADs without exploring anything else.

Has anyone else tried to overcome PND without meds..?

[Maraki]

May I ask why you don't want to take medication? I didn't because my mum has a long history of mental illness and I 'didn't want to end up like my mum'. I tried to stay positive, look after myself and baby as best I could but I just got worse and worse, DH resented the fact that I couldnt cope, and the result was me breaking down from exhaustion and anger in the middle of a street, had an argument with the traffic warden while DD was screaming her head off and I ended up getting arrested. All turned out ok, it was a wake up call for me, within 2 weeks of starting the antidepressants I felt a little bit better, enough to cope and not be too scared that I would harm myself or DD. I was on them for 6 months and they were a lifesaver. Looking back, I was stupid to try and avoid the meds, I suffered needlessly. I hope you don't go through the same, just make things easier for yourself love and take the meds.

[deleting]

It may be possible to do it, maybe through CBT or something like that. I had PND with dd and basically did nothing (except cry and have panic attacks) and hoped it would go away. It did for a while, but it's back now in a different form and it's not going away this time, so am starting ADs after a long struggle with myself. Will do CBT as well though. Perhaps if you nip it in the bud it's possible to do without meds.

[deleting]

I agree with Maraki, that you can waste an awful lot of time fighting it. Wish I'd started ADs sooner. From what I've heard CBT is effective, but is a long process, so why not do both and then wean yourself of the meds when you're ready. I feel like I missed out on a lot of dds babyhood in a haze of panic and depression which is a real shame.

[StillSquiffy]

Everything loopy says, but you need to take the industrial strength St John's worts. You'll know when you've found them because they're 5 times the price of all the other ones. But them's the ones you want - you can get them in Boots. I found that my mood started lifting after around 10 days, and there's none of the side effects that prescrip stuff seem to have by all accounts. It simply calms things down without fundamentally changing who you are.

Only thing to be aware of is that I don't think you can BF at same time.

Also, lots and lots and lots of fresh air. Yoga too if you can manage it. Cut out crap crabs if you can. They all made a difference to me.

[Jnice]

I am currently trying (suffering for around 2 months now). It's moderate for me - I scored 20 on the Edinburgh test. My psych is happy for me to give it a go and I'm waiting for referral for CBT.

But I am doing these self care things religiously. You have to look after yourself:

Exercise every day rain or shine. Run if I can or walk with stroller.

PND support group every week and hotline support by phone as needed.

Early bedtimes (lack of sleep a big issue).

Without these things I would be a mess. I am also using 'moody me' app to closely monitor my mood. If it gets worse I will hit the drugs.

I took AD in my early 20s for depression and I have nothing against them. I just know that this is more situational. When I get sleep I feel better, it's that simple. I don't want to medicate myself unless it really is a chemical imbalance, not just exhaustion.

Hth. Look after yourself x

[Tizzylizzy]

I've almost conquered it without ADs. It's taken a year. I have now started seeing a counsellor but only two sessions in so don't think I can put feeling more like me again down to that. I think it's been a case of finally beginning to accept my 'new normal'. Hormones settling down. It has been horrendous though and effectively ruined my first year as a mum - GAD, panic attacks, repetitive thoughts - do I love DC, does DC love me? Existential crisis. The list could go on.

I have nothing against people who take ADs but for me I want to feel 'okay' without thinking that 'well actually I'm not okay - it's the ADs making me feel okay'. But that's a very personal thing - I just wanted you to know I understand if you wish to avoid them.

I've done a lot of research amongst the many people I know who've been on ADs and the consensus seems to be that they can help you over the worst, which can then act as a kick start. But they can mix you up too. And that wasn't something I wanted to add to my already very confusing mix. Please PM me if you think it might help to chat :) it helped me.

[Jnice]

Hi, just wondering how it's going OP. I caved and got meds today after trying since January to go without hope you're doing better!