Myths about Postnatal Illness
- 'I may talk myself into having it...'
- No-one can 'talk themselves' into having PNI. If you have doubts about how you feel, talk to your GP and explain how you feel and what is upsetting you. Usually it is because you are tired, not getting enough rest at home, doing too much or you could be anaemic. See if you can get some kind of help with the baby and/or other children, so you can get some sleep, rest and take things easy for a few days. If you start to feel better—then you know what has caused the problem. If after getting some help, sleeping in and having a nap in the afternoon, you start to feel worse, speak to your GP. You may be getting mild PNI and its better to stop it getting any worse now than 'waiting to see if it is PNI'. Nip this in the bud now and seek professional help from your GP.
- 'If I read about it during my pregnancy, it will mean I will get it afterwards...'
- PNi isn't something 'you get' from reading about it, learning about it or talking about it. Nor is it something you will develop as a result of 'planting the seed'- if it's mentioned by a friend, or whilst looking at this website for instance, it doesn't mean you will get it. If you are aware of what PNi is in antenatal classes you will know what to do and how to get help very early on. The problem is Antenatal classes (from an organisation or from the NHS) in the UK are reluctant to mention PNI or Birth Trauma for some of the reasons cited above.
- 'If I have Postnatal illness/depression is can 'turn' into Puerperal Psychosis...'
- Untrue. PNi doesn't turn into anything else. Puerperal Psychosis develops as an illness shortly after giving birth. The usual timescale is immediately following the birth or within fourteen days of giving birth. It has symptoms which are unique to puerperal psychosis, but there are some which appear with PNI too such as the 'horrible thoughts'. 1 woman in 500 will develop puerperal psychosis and her behaviour will be exaggerated and ritualistic.
- 'If my GP prescribes me Anti-depressants because I have PNI, I will become addicted to them...'
- Untrue. The new groups of anti-depressants are NOT addictive. This myth possibly stems from a few decades ago when women were prescribed tranquilisers such as Valium but they continued taking them for years afterwards. Tranquilisers can be addictive if you are not monitored properly but today they are prescribed with care for a variety of situations such as before a medical procedure is performed; for example having a Cervical Smear taken if you are extremely anxious following Birth Trauma.
- 'I've been told I can't take anti-depressants and breastfeed because they are not safe—will I have to stop breastfeeding my baby or continue feeding and not take anything...'
- There are some antidepressants which are safe to take while you breastfeed your baby. This is not an 'all or nothing' situation. Make an appointment with your GP, but as this will take a while to discuss between the two of you ask for a longer appointment so you have time to discuss this properly, when you book a time with the reception staff. Take someone you trust with you if your memory and concentration is poor, so they can support you if necessary. Write down over the course of a few days while you wait for your appointment the questions you wish to ask. Some of the information you need is in our breastfeeding section (coming soon), add your thoughts to it. Print off the information and show it to your GP. He or she can write on it for you so you have notes to read when you get home. There are plenty of options for you to consider so you can continue to breastfeed if you choose to.
- 'Antidepressants will make me so spaced out...'
- Antidepressants are prescribed by taking into account your medical history, symptoms and situation at home. Discuss with your GP if you feel they are making you so sleepy you need help. This side-effect may be temporary until your body becomes used to the tablets, then after a few weeks you may feel you have more energy and may feel less sleepy. Look in our section about Antidepressants (coming soon) and their effects.
- 'I have been given a drug which is known as an Antipsychotic, on top of the antidepressants I am taking. The Psychiatrist thinks I am mad but won't tell me...'
- Untrue. Antipsychotics are sometimes prescribed to help your antidepressants work in a 'stronger way' especially if you have distressing symptoms eg horrific thoughts, which have an obsessional element to them. They may also help to 'calm you' down in a gentle way. Perinatal psychiatrists are there to help you, they are open and honest as they want your trust so they can treat you illness. No-one is making decisions about you without your knowledge. Sometimes it is easy to forget things we are told when visiting the doctor because it is a stressful time. This stress is doubles and more when you have any type of PNI, this is why taking someone you trust along to your appointment may help you, plus they can hold the baby or look after the children while you speak to the doctor. Again look in our section about Antipsychotic medication (coming soon).
As with all information presented on the PNI-UK web site, we ask you to never rely on information found here as a diagnosis or treatment for yourself or your family and always check with your Health Visitor, Consultant or Doctor. All information and designs are copyright of PNI-UK. Click here to read our Terms and Conditions