Hi.

[MelissaFirstTimeMum]

Hi. I am new here. I'm a litigation specialist and private investigator and first time mum to a 8 mo th old baby girl.

Looking back the anxiety has always been there (I didn't have the best teenage years) but it's only recently since having a child that I have failed to function as I once was.

I have post natal depression and anxiety and I constantly feel like I am missing out on enjoying this time with my daughter because I'm so frustrated and moody all the time.

Hoping that this and my psychologist visits help to make it a reality.

Thanks for reading

[BballJ]

Hi MelissaFirstTimeMum,

Firstly, welcome to the forums.

I may not be the best for advice in this particular subject of post natal depression but I have seen it first hand and know how hard it can be. I personally suffer from anxiety and have for many years so I can relate on that part.

I think the good thing is the fact you are seeking help in the way of a psychologist, I am not sure if you have seen one before but I did for my anxiety and they helped put things into perspective which I try and use when my anxiety spikes as well to calm myself down.

You have come to a very supportive forum and I am hoping some other mothers who have experienced post natal depression can offer better advice than I have, I just wanted to reach out and lend my support.

Please, keep us updated with how your psychologist appointments are going.

My best for you,

Jay

[geoff]

hello MelissaFirstTimeMum, congratulations on your first baby girl, even though it's such a difficult time for you.
My wife (ex) had PND when our second son was born, it was terrible and affected me so much that I ended up having it as well, although I pretended that I was OK, but she refused any medication and didn't want any counselling, and it didn't even occur to me that I should have seen a psychologist.
Having a child is an enormous change in your life and it takes you away from being a litigation specialist and private investigator which are great responsibilities, now you have to get up when she needs to be fed and you may lose your sleep time, so now you're life has become a different one.
You're not alone here but you need to talk with the nurse when a checkup is due or before hand, and your doctor will also be very caring, please don't keep your feelings all to yourself, because if you do this then it's only going to drag on.
Can I say that in the long run you will have more love for your daughter because that's how my wife feels about our two sons. Geoff.

[BlueGrass]

Hi Melissa 🙂

Have you joined a playgroup? You may find it helpful to be around other mums and it's amazing how much the children enjoy the time.

It gives you a chance to share "baby issues" and you never know what hints you may pick up.

All the best 🙂

[kanga_brumby]

Melissa hi there from a single dad with anxiety an depression. Which I have had since my dearly departed partner was pregnant with our second child. Then was told 3 months after the birth she had breast cancer. I was then left with two children and memories. The looking after of a young one is hard I have done it twice, house husband. You need a peer group you find it easier with the second child. If you join a play group don't be afraid to open up a little. If you are having a hard time say so. You may get more support that way.

Kanga

[Babyboomer]

Hi Melissa. Wow! A big leap from your (seemingly very interesting) career to being a first time mum. No wonder you're struggling a bit at the moment. I imagine you've received a lot of training to do your job and become a first time litigator and investigator. I guess you have now gained experience and are confident in your role. Did you get training and experience to become a first time mum? It's a completely different role in life for which we get thrown in the deep end. Be gentle on yourself and don't feel guilty for how you feel right now. With the right help, you'll soon be enjoying your new role as a mum.

Warm regards

Babyboomer