Lonliness

Hi @Beatrix73

I don't believe we have 'met' before :). I'm Nik, and I'm really glad you've come to the forums.

Just a moment ago, I read through this discussion about 9 things NOT to say to someone with a mental illness - Teaching others what to say

One of the common phrases people shared as the worst they have heard from others is 'just get over it'. What your post reminded me is that it's not just others who say terrible things to us about mental illness, it's the things we tell ourselves too.

For what it's worth, I don't think you're a negative whinger, nor do I think you should just get over it.

@PANDA is one of the Forums fabulous partners who may also be able to offer some guidence and advice.

We're here to listen and continue to support you, in whichever way you find helpful.

Take care.

Great post @NikNik.

@Beatrix73, all of us here have issues we're working through. No-one considers you a whinger and you really already know that you can't just 'get over it'. We listen, we understand & will do whatever we can to support you.

Take care, stay safe.

Please don't consider yourself a drama queen @Beatrix73. You have a real issue that is complicated by your current situation. Taking it a day at a time is all any of us can do. It's figuring out the best thing for each of those days that's the hard part.

Maybe someone here has suggestions for alternatives for medication that you can use. I don't know what's out there because it's something I never had to deal with. Have you thought of calling the PANDA helpline to see if they have any advice?

You seem to think that people not asking about the doctors went shows a lack of interest or care. But there is also the prospect that they don't want to feel like they are prying, or are waiting for you to be ready to tell them what's going on. I don't know, only you can judge that.

I do hope you stay here with us for now, even if to perhaps let off a little of the pressure you feel. And who knows, maybe we can still help in some small way.

Take care, stay safe.

Hi @Beatrix73

Congratulations on the birth of your 10 week old. I am really sorry to hear how lonely you feel and how difficult it is to make sense of what is happening and where to find the support you need. The forums are a great start in hearing how others have managed with similar issues.

I don't know if you have been diagnosed with postnatal depression or whether you think this is what is happening for you. What I do know is that feeling alone and unable to speak openly about your real thoughts and feelings is a very painful place to be. On the PANDA Helpline we have conversations with new mums and dads each day about their emotional and mental wellbeing in the context of having a new baby. We get it.

I am not sure if the medication decision was made by your doctor, you or in collaboration. It is important you know that many women who breastfeed take medication for anxiety or depression, having considered the benefits against any potential risk. It is important that you are supported in making such a decision based on current research and an understanding of how debilitating your symptoms are. It is not OK for you to have to struggle through each day while trying to meet the needs of a baby 24/7.

One of the hardest things for a new mum experiencing mental health symptoms is to tell those close to them in a way that is helpful and elicits the support and understanding that is needed. These are hard conversations to have at anytime, let alone when you are feeling so vulnerable. We would really like the opportunity to help you make sense of what is happening, feel less alone and support you in speaking with the important people in your life. Is it possible for you to phone the PANDA Helpline on 1300 726 306 @Beatrix73?

Take care of yourself and please know that there is help available and it is only a phone call away xx