Confused? do I have pnd?? :(

[bean85]

Please help & don't be judgemental please I'm confused & upset enough..
Is it possible to get pnd with a toddler? I assumed it was after giving birth? But for a few month now I have been feeling so down & low in energy to the point I'm not enjoying spending time with my LO anymore I love him soo much but when ever OH is not home I just can't be bothered to do anything with him I'm just constantly waiting till its his nap time. I'm telling him off for the littlest things & I feel so guilty I darent tell my partner as I'm worried he doesn't understand & just thinks I'm being silly??

 

[m4nc3r]

I think feelings of depression in general are possible at any time, and having such a young toddler can be very frustrating when your partner is out at work all day.

Infact I remember feeling exactly like this when Zane was that age. I was working 4-5 days a week, and you would think that I would look forward to seeing him on my days off... I really DID look forward to it, but then when the days came, I always just wanted him to go back to sleep or I felt like asking his SIL to come and get him for a couple days etc.

It is a difficult age, because you can't leave them be to play on their own and unwind yourself, but you can't really take them out all day either.

I know some people don't like LO's watching much TV, but I got through it by starting my day with a half hour of cuddles and cartoons on the sofa. Followed by breakfast (which would take him the better part of an hour if feeding himself lol) and then maybe some jigsaw puzzles, reading or scribbling or if he wasn't in the mood for activities we would just watch a little more mickey mouse and I would point out all the colours and shapes. Then he would have an hours nap (he always had an early nap, just maybe 2-3 hours after he woke up to begin with) then by that time I'd had some time to myself and was ready to get him ready and go out just for a nice walk into town - maybe down to the park, but normally just the walk in general was really good bonding time as we didn't use reins so I would constantly talk to him to keep his attention and teach him to stay by my side.

Anyway I digress... my point is, you don't always have to do major activities. Just spend a little time unwinding and have some calm time with your toddler, do things on a slower pace just go for a wander around the block and let him look at flowers etc. If mummy is feeling tired and down, bubbah will feel down and probably wind himself up more.

If you feel like none of this will help, you really should tell your partner how you're feeling... letting go of the secret will probably help more than you realize, and I'm sure he will support you - after all he has chosen to have a family and spend his life with you, he must be willing to take the good and bad x

 

[chubbin]

I felt this way when jj was 18 months. Additionally i felt paranoid, anxious, judged and had low self worth. I went to the gp and was prescribed citalopram (anti depressant) and things have improved massively. I think this is down to a combo of things getting easier as jj has got older, plus the tablets helping me with an underlying depressive/ post traumatic issue. Have a chat with your gp and see what he/she advises. I felt unsure like you, then when i spke to the gp i broke down in tears, and at that point it became clear to me (and him) that i was struggling mentally. Its amazing how well and how long one can 'cope' for when actually there is a treatable illness present xx

 

[Kmx]

You could be depressed. I struggle to with these feeling and our Los are similar in age. I'm often confused... Is it depression or is it just normal with a toddler? I've been to doctors and was told just to excercise and try to get out and about and go for walks ect. I know it sounds silly but when I force mysel I actually do have a good time and enjoy myself. My oh is going to be working away soon for 6 months an I'm worried how ill cope but I know the doctors is there if its feeling to much! Please dot suffer in silence. It may not be depression but just that your feeling low and sometimes sharing this with oh or doctor it can help! Cxxx

 

[caz_hills]

Hi Hun I agree with the girls-maybe see your gp and just haves chat about how you're feeling. Does your oh know?

I suffered from pnd which hit immediately I had my son. I too am on anti depressants and its made me cope SO much better and as a result I know I'm a better mum as a result (and a better wife). I know it's not nice to think you need a little extra help but I hope you can reach out to someone.

Please feel free to pm me anytime my dear x