Topic Tuesday // Mental health challenges in parenthood // Tues. 21 June, 7pm AEST

Hello there @Dede. What a traumatic time for all of you. Even when we know the risk factors, living through the experience of postpartum psychosis is scary for all concerned. I can only imagine what it is like to watch your daugther suffer and see your beautiful grandchild without her mum.

The good news is that everything you are doing is spot on. I hope that an MBU bed comes up sooner for you. It is always good to keep in contact with the unit and try to advocate for an earlier admission.

I imagine trying to keep your daughter safe, caring for your grandchild, and managing your own feelings is overwhelming at times. Do you have friends that are supporting you?

Yep thanks! First baby. Have had an unreasonable amount of stressors for one pregnancy (family deaths and illnesses) so it's been a long 32wks, and knowing there's a little one I need to care for - while terrifying - has helped me realise I need my own help first 🙂 @mrkotter I think I can empathise with your friend, the thought of going on medication has terrifeid me for weeks, the effects it could have on the baby etc vs the effects that stress/anxiety/depression have anyway. At the end of the day, neither option is ideal, but I guess the best you can do (like your friend) is self-care and one small step at a time

Good on you @ssc. I'm wondering, for others who might be in a similar situation, was it challenging to find the support you needed or did you find it was readily available?

Sounds like you are trying to take good care of yourself so you can care for your baby. That is terrific. Have you got good supports around you @ssc?

I hear you @Dede. It is very different when it is your own family. Talking with your child about their suicide thoughts is not something you expect will be part of your parenting role.

I found my GP to be really helpful. The first step is having to tell someone. The antenatal clinic where I am does screen everyone so they were all "aware" of making sure I was ok - but at the end of the day you have to be open about it - there is help everywhere. I have phoned the PANDA hotline once to ask about a psychologist in my area which was really helpful, and I was so impressed (and relieved actually) that while I was on the phone the lady asked me if I wanted some counselling right then and there. It was so relieving to know I could call at any time 🙂