Does the feeling of NOT wanting to be a mum go away?

[Exhausted_Mumma]

I'm struggling hard core with being a mum.

My life has so many shit things in it right now I just want to escape.

Has anyone here ever experienced PPD (post-partum depression) and if so how do/did you get over it?

Please help....!

[Sophie_M]

Hey Exhausted Mumma,

We’re so sorry to hear how exhausted you're feeling, how it’s affecting you and making you feel like you just want to escape. It’s so good that you had the bravery, openness and proactiveness to share this here. You’re not alone in the way you’re feeling, and this is a really safe space to talk things through.

We’d really recommend reaching out to our friends at PANDA on 1300 726 306. Their lovely counsellors can help you work through your challenges by talking openly and honestly about your thoughts, feelings and experiences, and they’ll be able to help you if post or perinatal depression might be part of what you’re feeling. You could also have a look at thier website so that you know what they're about and how they might be able to help you.  Another option is reaching out to Parentline on 13 22 89 (from 8am – midnight AEDT everyday). They offer confidential and anonymous counselling and support on parenting issues.

Of course the Beyond Blue counsellors are here for you too, on 1300 22 4636, or via webchat here. They’re really good to talk things through with, and they’ll be able to discuss getting some further support.

Thanks again for posting here. We think it’s an incredible thing to have done and could be a huge step towards feeling better. Hopefully we’ll hear from some of our lovely, understanding community members at some point today once they spot your thread. In the meantime, please feel free to share a bit more about how you’re feeling.

Kind regards,

Sophie M

[Banksy92]

Hi Exhausted Mumma,

I'm very sorry you're struggling like this, it's definitely something so many women face and is not spoken about enough in my opinion. Our hormones change through pregnancy and birth which make us a lot more susceptible to anxiety and depression. Not to mention the huge lifestyle shift and tiring nights trying to adjust to parenthood.

Do you have a partner or family in your life to help, or are you on your own?

In my experience - and with people close to me who have been through it, it definitely does end but can take a while. I would strongly suggest speaking to your GP to link up with a counsellor or specialist who can help you work through it. Building coping strategies for our mental health is paramount to long-term happiness and you deserve to feel good and enjoy motherhood as soon as possible.

[Petal22]

Hi Exhausted Mumma,

Wellcome to our forums.

Im sorry you are feeling this way I understand it’s difficult.

I had severe anxiety with both of my babies……..

I seeked professional help for what I was going through yes it took time to recover but I did recover.

I understand PND would be challenging.

Please make an appointment with your gp and discuss the way you are feeling. You could do a mental health plan together this will enable you to see a psychologist.

In some areas there are perinatal clinics available a clinical psychologist and a psychiatrist sometimes run out of the same practice they understand these conditions.

Some hospitals even take in mother and baby who have these conditions and they help you with your recovery.

Please seek the help you need because once you get the help the sooner you can recover.

Im here to chat