Don’t know what to do.
Show your support
@Lily They only do short term therapy and because my trauma is so intense they say I need something long term which is not something they do. If they offered me what they do once the sessions ended I’d be in a very very vulnerable place. I also reached out to my perinatal team but they just wanted to talk about me and parenting which is nothing that will help me.
Have you talked to a psychiatrist?
Where are you based? There are some services that offer free/means tested therapy but as you can imagine the waiting lists are likely long, but there may be local support available while you are waiting. I appreciate I don’t know any details of what you experienced in your childhood but napac.org.uk is a service for survivors of childhood abuse and have a support line. They may also be able to point you in the right direction of what support might be available to you locally x
I’m so sorry that you’re having to go through this, but I’ll say it takes a lot of guts to be honest and open like you have been. It sounds like you’re having an extremely tough time at the moment and it’s hard to know which paths to navigate when no one’s giving you directions, you’re so strong I can see you’re really trying to find a way through this difficult time. I’ve found these links which may help: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/postnatal-depression-and-perinatal-mental-health/useful-contacts/ https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/postnatal-depression-and-perinatal-mental-health/self-care/ https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/parenting-and-mental-health/ https://maternalmentalhealthalliance.org/about-maternal-mental-health/support-mums-and-families/ https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/if-youre-having-difficult-time/ https://pandasfoundation.orh
Sorry I ran out of characters! Sorry for all the links and if you’ve already looked at them before. If you can, have a read at least of the first link which has a clear list of support that is available but please don’t feel pressure to do this right now or to rush, just when you feel ready. I can truly empathise with you and I know how damn hard it is to be struggling and also becoming a new mum as well, it just adds another layer to it all - but I have faith that there is support out there for you, it’s a matter of trying to open as many doors as possible to see what’s on the other side (so much effort I know)! Please know if you’d ever like to talk my messages are open x
Okay understood, I am so sorry you are in that position. I noticed someone below has provided some resources that may be helpful. I was under the perinatal team. They did discuss parenting and I had to do some parenting work but there was no pressure or concern from them, it was supportive and positive. X
@Taylor No I don’t even know where I’d find one?
@Deborah I will have a look into this, thank you x
@Jas Thank you I’ll look through those. I’ve seen how mental health affects people and I don’t want to let it get too much. I want to give myself a chance to fix it!
@Lily Yes Im going to look at those links! I may do perinatal mental health if I can find counselling as well as. I just don’t think they’re a strong enough of a therapy for all my issues. I may be wrong but thats how i see them at the moment x
You’re very welcome. I know it might feel like you need to fix things but perhaps nothing is broken, maybe things have changed and with change comes adjustment - finding a different path to take so you’re swimming with the current and not against it x
@Jas I know hopefully someone will help me and I can get back on track. Just talking about my past with a therapist will help i’m sure because i never have so it’s just stored in my head x
Sometimes it’s nice just to have someone to vent to. Someone to relate with. Seek advice from. Someone just to listen. Therapists are great, if time or money is factor, many women have already had many years of therapy and can share the same things they’ve learned. I can’t message you because you’re incognito. You should send me a text. At any hour, to have someone to vent to. I’m still working through my traumas and have come to accept it might be something I do forever a little bit at a time. I feel I can relate and hope to offer an ear to listen. We could also be pen pal buddies which is fun. Here’s my cell 253.732.3918 :)
What is the reason they can’t help? Or is it just a matter of waiting lists and they can help at a later time? If baby is under 2, search your local perinatal mental health team and self refer or ask the GP to refer.