Hi can you post anonymously:
We are going to start trying for number 2 next month. I had really bad anxiety with my first pregnancy which got worse post birth (kept thinking that something bad will happen to my child ect). I was diagnosed with PND when my son was 9mnths old. I didn't enjoy motherhood and felt like I had no connection with my son. I was prescribed antidepressants and sought counselling. I have been reducing my medication the last 4 months and now not taking anything. I feel amazing and anxiety free. I'm really scared that I will be back to anxiety while pregnant and post. How did others go with baby number 2 when they had anxiety/PND with the first. Any strategies that worked for you aside from medication
Thank you
Had PND with first now planning second...scared
Had PND with first now planning second...scared
Posted in:
Mental Health, Post Natal Depression, Anxiety & Depression
3 Replies
Hey just want to say good luck. If you haven't spoken to your GP about trying do so as its probably a good idea to be monitored and discuss the risks etc of medication if you do need to go back on them. I would continue with counselling and possibly look into cognitive behaviour therapy. Cognitive behaviour therapy teaches you to challenge any negative thoughts and anxieties. I have found it invaluable. Also I find keeping relatively fit, eating well and getting enough sleep all contribute to me not spiraling.
Sorry to tell you but I had pnd with the first child and it came back with the second only much worse. I was so determined not to get it the second time that I ignored the signs for a few months. I felt so disappointed I thought I could really do it the second time. I had an awful experience both times with pnd but love my kids to bits so totally worth it. So I have no happy news. Nothing really worked well for me either time. But I believe not everyone gets pnd with every child. So I have my fingers crossed for you. You never know. One good thing I found the second time around is cos I had pnd before it was easier to organise to see a psychiatrist. I saw one during pregnancy so when I finally realised I needed help I was able to get it much faster. I also found my family and friends were much more helpful the first time around and not so much the second time. I guess they thought I would be ok. Also as you have a child already you do have to pretend your ok a lot more around this child so they don't get upset which makes everyone think your ok. So maybe warn them now. There is also some good online courses you can do. Goodluck pnd is horrible
I had PND with my second and was terrified of having a third, hence a six yr gap. When I did finally have my third I didn't get PND. I felt it was because I sought counseling and learned to deal with my anxiety etc.
Just keep applying the strategies you have learned if they work for you and don't assume it will happen again. It may not. Best of luck to you.