I work in the health field and my eyes are 20times more wide open since I had my puerpheral psychosis (pp) in July 2010 to mental health problems. I like to think only a select few know about what happened to me following the birth of my first baby. I certainly at the beginning was anxious about others perceptions of any mental health condition and felt people would be quick to judge me.
But you know what, I have been pleasantly surprised. Generally those that know what happened have been wholeheartedly supportive. Many infact have declared their own mental health struggles - not all linked to having a child. My colleagues have wanted me back at work and have said they will do anything to make my return a success. I don't think this is because I am lucky, it's that my perception was wrong.
What has really been an eye-opener is that the majority of people I know whom have got a child/ren (and many don't know what I went through) have been admitting that they to some degree they have had mental health symptoms or you could argue not being able to adjust to their new life. This ranges from not wanting their baby, thinking someone will take him/her away, hateing their baby and wanting/nearly harming their baby. It seems people are too frightened to talk about it!. The rates are undoubtedly higher than any figure(s) that are published.
So, if you are one of these, like me, you are not alone. And things do get better. The bond with my baby is now stronger than I could ever wish for. It's a love that developed. Don't be ashamed...talk about it.
