What happens if I tell someone I can't cope

Pregnant, with a toddler. Very emotional and just sad. As Title said, what happens if I tell the midwife/GP I'm not okay? Will they have social services involved re my toddler? Will it go on some record and I cant never escape it. Because that would both upset me more. I'd never hurt myself or my children, I'm just struggling being sad and exhausted and not sleeping. Would they leave me alone and just give me antidepressants?

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It would be recorded and they would likely refer to mental health services for CBT before giving you antidepressants. What would you like them to do if you chose to ask for support?

They absolutely won’t get social services involved, be honest and tell them how you feel, they can refer you to the perinatal team if they’re available in your area and they are a huge help for resources when it comes to looking after your mental health with absolutely no judgement at all. I’m also pregnant and I have a toddler and it’s really not been enjoyable for me either. I feel for you xx

Hey mama, I'm so sorry you feel this way. But you're not alone. I felt the same 18 months ago when my son was born. I found it so difficult, lonely and the sleep deprivation was something else. I was at the point I hated being in the same room as my son. I went to my GP and sat in her office crying for over an hour about how I love my children and I hate feeling the way I do about him.

They gave me antidepressants and I was referred to a charity called Home Start (you can self refer too). I had one of their volunteers visit me weekly and provide a lot of emotional support. Social services were never involved and I can honestly say 18 month later, I have a great bond with my son. I'm no longer taking my antidepressants and I have been discharged from Home Start's care.

It is important to know that you are doing great. It's not easy having a toddler and a new born who hardly sleeps. You can't just sleep when the baby sleeps because you have another child to take care of and it is okay to not be okay! ❤️

They would only refer to social services if they identified a safeguarding issue. You feeling sad/overwhelmed is not a safeguarding issue in itself. They would most likely refer you for mental health support or advise you to self refer (dependant on your location) GP may prescribe antidepressants if you've had them before but I imagine they'd want you to try talking therapies or something similar before giving medication. Midwife could also refer you to the children's centres where they might be able to support you with your toddler (groups, activities etc)

Your local perinatal mental health team would be your best option💙💖

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