talking to a health visitor

[Momino]

hi, i'm new here. am extremely anxious, worried about my health/dying, not sleeping, panic attacks, unfair to the children, etc. etc. gp is treating me for pnd, wants me to go on ad's but i said could i try counselling 1st (a bit nervous about ad's for some reason). as i wait to be referred, the hv is going to visit me on monday. has anyone spoken to their hv and have they helped? i just feel like i'm wasting so many peoples' time, i don't want to add another one to the list.

[posieflump]

the best thing to do is to write down things that you want to talk to her about
If you have any worries, fears, questions about the baby make sure to ask about those
Fingers crossed she is lovely and says reassuring things to put you at your ease
Sometimes just someone to talk to that isn't a family member is very reassuring
Ours was lovely, she made a point of saying that she was into all the family's health not just the baby's

[Momino]

writing down is a good idea since when I'm on the spot i tend to forget everything I wanted to talk about. hope my hv is as lovely as yours. thanks.

[mrsvee]

I have also seen my gp recently re pnd and I too don't want to go straight onto ad's. He suggested a chat with my hv and it really helped. She's not my favourite person in the world (I find her quite judgmental) and I didn't expect much to come from the visit (thought I was going to have a "get out more" lecture) but she was way more sympathetic than I expected and just having a chat with her made me feel a lot more positive.

Now I'm going to tell you off. YOU ARE NOT WASTING ANYONE'S TIME. It's that way of thinking that prevented me from seeking help for 8 months, making mine and my husband's life very trying. It is their job to help you, you are entitled to ask for their help and you are worth the resources it takes for you get better. Best of luck with the counselling, and keep us posted re how you are getting on.

[SantaBarbara]

MrsVee speaks wisely there. You are not wasting anyone's time, at all.

Plus I'd add, don't dismiss the idea of ADs.