Poor mental health 36 weeks.

I had this before my first and then when baby came it didn’t shift and it got to a stage where I didn’t think I could help myself and didn’t know how to ask for it. When I eventually did, the help was unbelievable/non judgemental and supportive and I always wish in hindsight I’d said something sooner. I had CBT through IAPT and it was very helpful. I’ve done ok in this pregnancy so far but am personally also prepared to take medication if needed once baby arrives rather than trying to push through x

I’ve had this my first pregnancy and I started talking and being honest and they referred me for therapy, I had CBT. At the end midwife told me you are talking too much and I am giving you an advice as a friend keep things inside because if you continue being honest with them they might intervene when baby comes and you don’t want that. At the end of therapy the therapist prepared a report and gave it to the gp so they could read it. I thought everything was confidential but I was wrong. I was diagnosed with PTSD and anxiety. This second pregnancy I would say has been more difficult for me and my mental health. Not a single moment I have spoken to them but I kept things inside blaming the hormones. Better like this for me than opening myself with them and then regretting it. First pregnancy after birth every sign of anxiety depression went away. When I saw my daughter was like rebirth to me and I started everything fresh with energy and optimism.

I hope when I give give birth this second time to my baby will be the same 🙏. So I completely understand when you say you don’t fully trust them, you do as you feel.

Please please make sure you are honest with somebody, whoever you trust. Sometimes we all need a little help and that's ok. I taught siblings from a family that lost their mum to post natal depression and seeing them navigate the pain of losing her and then watching them having to grow up without her will stay with me forever, absolutely heartbreaking 💔 their dad always said I didn't know how bad it was! The help is out there but I understand how difficult it is to reach out to get it. I hope you get the help you need and start to feel better x

I genuinely think it will go away once baby is here too. It’s linked directly to the pregnancy and how medical and shit it is. I have started to stop pretending and drop the mask with my husband and siblings etc so it’s helping a little that people know I’m not okay just not the extent

I’m already under the mental health midwives and have someone “assigned” to me and have notes in my file so they’re aware I’m stuggling. I suffer with PTSD from my last birthing experience but I just feel I can’t be completely honest with her with how I feel at this point in time. I only have 3 weeks left so I’m just going to try stick it out

That’s fair enough whatever works for you! Also had ptsd and health anxiety following my first delivery. I guess I’ve felt I can be forthcoming with medical people since then as I don’t feel the struggle is my fault (not that it’s anyone’s but the ptsd etc was down to complications that could have been avoided). I guess if you link it to your last birthing experience when discussing with them rather than general maybe you’d feel more comfortable. I feel I lost a bit of time to not addressing my struggles so have sort of lost any shame in speaking out - I just want the help so I can feel myself again. But to each their own and it’s whatever makes you comfortable, all very relative. Hope you feel better soon x