I'll try and be brief....

Just been diagnosed with 'mild' PND (by a HV). I feel I've had it for about 3 months. I'd like to think I'm pretty on the ball and I kind of knew I had it for a while, did a bit of googling and MNing about it, and I feel I've done a lot to try and help myself, i.e. talking openly to DH, family and friends, admitting it to myself, having time away from the kids (I'm very lucky in that this is quite easy in my situation), exercising etc etc.

The HV thinks I don't need ADs, but (and I don't want to sound defeatist) I just can't see a way out of this. I'm doing all the things the leaflets tell you to do.....but I still feel so sad and miserable most of the time. I have a really short temper, not sleeping that well, feeling that I can't cope with day to day stuff.....(DD1 2.5 yrs and DD2 6 months old).

I work in the medical profession and I understand that PND (or any depression) is an imbalance of chemicals in the brain, hence the need for ADs. I just can't see how I'm ever gonna feel better without them.

I'd rather not be on ADs, but if it makes me feel normal again, I would like that very much (wouldn't we all!!).

So, I was just wondering, if you have been on ADs for PND, how long did you have to take them for?

Thanks

I have to go now but will check for messages tomorrow.

Thanks.

have you seen a gp and/or psych?have med/treatment options been discussed with you.PND is very treatable as you say.also AD's course may oly need 6-9 months before you see satisfactory resolution

No I have only seen the HV once. I have a GP appt Monday, about something else, but was gonna mention it.

a doctor can give you a (potential)diagnosis,take history etc.from there discuss options.

HV don't work in a diagnostic capacity.obviously they do make clinical observations,discuss concerns etcbut not diagnosis

AD not the end of the world,and if it helps so be it

hell if you had cardiac condition you would take beta blockers for physical symptoms.so why deny yourself prescribed treatment for potential depression

Think you should pay a visit to your GP and talk through how you feel. Like you i also went down the route of trying everything to help myself first but realised that i needed additional help! It's not a failure to recognise that you may need extra support for the time being. Good luck

I was on Citalopram (sp?) for 6 months - a low dose of 10mg. I fully agree with your assertion that it is a chemical imbalance, earlier this year I felt some of my feelings return and my GP explained that some people might need a 'booster' every few years.

My short time on AD's really did transform how I was feeling. I'm sure that I could have got by without them but who knows how long it would have taken to feel normal again? I didn't actually even properly complete my course - when I was first prescribed them I never forgot to take them as I was so desperate to feel happier, after a few months I would forget as I felt so well.

I am now pregnant again and will not hesitate to go back to the GP if I feel I need to.

Well done for admitting that you may need a little help - good luck!!

I was on prozac for about 6 months, and have been a year off them now. I think I realised I didn't need them when I forgot to take them as well. They helped me!!

I was diagnosed with PND after my first was born in 2006 and when he was 6 months was admitted to a M&B unit with Puerpral Psychosis. Was in for 5 months and it really helped me. Was intending to come off AD's last xmas but found out I was pregnant again and was (finally) diagnosed with Bipolar, so will be on meds permanantly. That said, my second is 13 wks old and I am well. I met loads of people with PND who took meds for a short time and are now well. Don't stress, theres no rush to come off them if they keep you well, and no one has to know if you don't tell them!
Hope this helps