Post natal depression

[anna_r]

A very close friend gave birth 6 weeks ago and has just been diagnosed with post natal depression. Does anyone have any recommendations for books/support groups that I can pass on? She is avoiding doing Internet research etc herself at the moment as she is scared it will put more negative thoughts into her head. She has started taking antidepressants and is being seen by the Lambeth community mental health team as apparently there is a long waiting list for the perinatal pysch unit at kings. Feel free to pm if you'd prefer.

Thankyou so much

[Belle]

I think she's right to avoid the internet - there are some scary stories out there and it's not what she needs at the moment. I did read quite a useful book my cousin lent me but can't remember what it was called unhelpfully - will find out - it was designed for medical practitioners but I found it accessible. The main thing is the medication should help quite soon, but also not sure which doctor she is with but at the DMC there is a counsellor they can refer you to, who is very good. I haven't said on here before but not embarassed to say I had it too and was diagnosed at around the same time, I think it's very positive to have had a relatively early diagnosis - in my case it certainly meant that things got back on track relatively quickly. I found it useful to exchange emails with a friend of a friend who'd been through it too, and come out the other side. So on the back of that, if your friend would like to PM me or email I'd be happy to speak to her. PM if you'd like my email address to pass on. Posting this publicly because think it's a good thing to be open about as it's v v common.

[womanofdulwich]

i went to Australia as i had baby in our winter and the british winter is always a downer. ( expensive remedy)PND is a very lonely place to be. second baby I was already had baby at home and bought in lots of help and did make more time for myself.

[Ko]

i've heard that doctors surgeries should have funding to provide a counsellor, so its worth looking into that.

also southwark have a 'books on prescription scheme' for people with depression. the doctor gives the person a form which they take to the library and there is a recommended list of books. if the book the person wants is not in stock, the library will order it in or order it from another branch. i think that basically there is a core list of books which they are trying to make more accessible for people who need them.

hope your friend gets on the mend soon xxx

[anna_r]

Thank you for your kind advice and words. Belle - I will speak you my friend and PM you. Thank you for your offer of contact. Glad to hear things worked out well for you.

x