what can I expect?

I dont know what to expect - but I remember feeling heaps better when I had seen my GP, I think it was a relief to be able to talk to the GP about how I felt.

Hope you get some help and support xx

I have some great support. DH is great with helping with housework etc, often without being asked. I often ring Mum for a quick chat each day if the day looks like it is going downhill.

Unfortunately getting time to myself is not that easy. This year we have moved, had Ben and now extending our house ! DH works Mon-Fri and then works on the house on the weekend. I am stuck between wanting him to take the boys (or just Jack) for a while on the weekend and wanting him to finish the house. I think one of the triggers is that the house is small and Jack and I are going stir-crazy so I need DH to at least enclose the extension so we can start using it.
DH is taking Jack to swimming on Saturday, we have a weekend coffee group in the afternoon and a family birthday lunch on Sunday so this weekend should be good and I will hopefully get a little respite.
The other hard thing is that Jack is now suffering from separation anxiety and very clingy, I think as a result of having his leg in plaster a few months ago, so I have to be very careful leaving him with someone else. This is also what causes problems for me during the day, sometimes I can't even go to the toilet by myself!

Well if I do get a phone call tomorrow it should be interesting, Jack always wants me or to talk on the phone when someone calls

Hi There, I have suffered terrible anxiety and depression since becoming pregnant with my first son, 3 years ago. I got referred to the maternity mental health team at my local hospital and came into contact with the most amazing lady from the team who has supported me for the past 3 years with my depression. I have attended group work shops and had one on one with the maternity team to help me battle my depression and it has been a real rollercoaster but I have finally got there. I reacted badly to the medication they put me on in the first 2 years but have finally found a medication which works for me which has been a godsend. I finally feel like I am getting myself back. I also have two very young children and it is very hard being stuck at home and dealing with the tantrums and hard times as they need your constant attention but I really think it helps getting out as much as possible . Even if it mean going for walks/park. It can be very isolating just being stuck inside all day with young children. If I can answer any questions just let me know. All the best :-)

Hey Linzy just wanted to send a .

I know living in a small house and doing building work can be very stressful.  This year we've had our first baby, and built a new house (and all the construction racket was immediately behind our existing old house).   DH also took up a new job that is 6 days a week - great!  We live on a lifestyle block, so on the spare day DH is torn between baby, farming jobs, housework or just family time. 

I know how you feel about feeling so down, and then talking to a doctor or supportive person - then you feel better, then worse again a few days later.  It's a yo-yo thing I wish I knew how to control. 

Aren't clingy children just wonderful!   Before having DD I liked having my space and I go crazy too if I can't get some 'me' time.

I can't offer much advice, except to empathsise and say that all the hard work you are putting in now will be of benefit in the future. 

Hi Kel (again LMAO!)  - yes aware of a few of the feel good things.  The main thing for me is to make sure I get enough sunshine.  I noticed I always felt better after a sunbed session - found it was the Vit D producing rays.  (I don't sunbed anymore).

I've also heard potatoes are a feel good food.  Haven't tried Nutricalm but swear by Rescue Remedy which I imagine is similar. 

Thanks Emz. Jack has actually been really good lately, for a few reasons I have had to leave him with my Mum for an hour or so and he has only been upset for a few minutes and then not cared that I wasn't there!

Aliasmum, drat that my Mum is right when she tells me to go for a walk! Didn't know about bananas though, might try eating them. I always insist that chocolate helps!