Postpardum anxiety or depression?

[Suelynn]

Hi, I'm a new mum. First week actually. All my life I wanted a baby. But when I gave birth to my daughter I never felt so detached and estranged. I have no idea what I'm doing. I've got support around me saying I'm doing great, or I've got a cute baby. But I just don't see it. I find myself crying randomly and being anxious when I'm with her and not with her. It's been such a big shift having a baby, and almost selfish to say that I miss having my freedom. 

[quirkywords]

Welcome to motherhood. Suelynn the first few  weeks and months of being a mum can be overwhelming. Thanks for expressing yourself honestly. Yiu would need to talk to your doctor . You could cut and paste what you wrote here. 
it is you have support.

maybe you could write down how you feel  each day and see f t changes. 
If you could speak to a doctor soon. I think that will help.

[Mark Z.]

Hi Suelynn,

Thank you for sharing your story. I can tell it must be very frustrating.

I'm not a professional but to my knowledge (as a father of 2 kids) postpartum depression is very common, not to mention you're having a baby for the first time. Don't feel guilty or selfish, it's not your fault at all. You couldn't predict your feeling, and when it comes, you can't hide it, you need to face it and accept it. Don't put everything on your shoulder, share it with your husband and family, share it here if you want, talk to your doctor. Read relative books if you have some time, to get yourself more equipped with relative knowledge, or ask your husband to do so. More awareness, less stress. Do not hesitate to seek professional help if it's beyond your capacity. Your mental health is really important during this special period, for yourself and for the baby. 

Hope everything will be better gradually.

Mark

[geoff]

Hello Suelynn, sometimes it would be nice for people to say to you 'is there anything I can help you with', rather than saying 'you are doing great', because looks don't tell them the full story.

I have experienced PND myself as my wife had it and then I developed it and know how awful this feeling is as soon as the baby arrives, you know you shouldn't feel this way with a new baby but you just can't help it, although I was still able to help with the baby.

PANDA 1300 726 306 can help you if you type it in your search bar, and when people want to have a baby they don't realise that their freedom will disappear, as much as they want to have one, because it changes your whole life.

Geoff.

Life Member.