Encouragement

[Charlotte]

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to share how encouraged I am in reading about each of your experiences with post-partum psychosis.

I found having post-partum psychosis difficult to deal with not only because of the nightmare of it occuring, but also because of the isolating feeling of having experienced a crisis in the midst of the joy of having a baby.

The rare nature of post-partum psychosis and of the situation itself (being apart from your infant, being hospitalized, and trying to 'normalize' life again is tremendously challenging when you don't know of anyone else who has had post-partum psychosis.

In my case, a sibling had pp several years ago, and this was a huge support - both of how to get through the illness, but also of how to heal from it, and to (with her) successfully have another child.

Again, I just want to encourage all of you. It's been a blessing to have chanced upon this website and to share, and relate, to having pp. I know I've found it healing to read your experiences - it doesn't make oneself feel as isolated.

I guess for me, I'd love to trade experiences with treatment and, for planning another pregnancy, preventative meds. After having had pp, I guess I want to learn as much about it and current research so that I have a fighting chance of preventing it.

For all of you out there, keep your chin up and remember that you are amazing women,

Charlotte

[Frankie]

Hi Charlotte
All of what you said was said so well.
I suffered PP after the birth of my son almost 3 years ago, the memories are still raw.
I am now pregnant again, almost to the half way point.
Whilst I dread having PP again I have a good support team in the form of my mental health team, family, friends and midwives.
I have elected to have a c-section this time after a prolonged birth last time. I have also asked not to be given any meds until/if I exhibit any PP symptoms. My psyc is happy with this decision.
Thanks for your positive post.
When I first had PP I never thought I would be 'normal' again, it has taken taime but i am back, memories will never fade tho i expect.
Frankie

[rahab]

Research is at last being done.. see [url=http://www.neuroscience.bham.ac.uk/research/app/]here[/url]

I think they would love to hear from you! Especially your family, Charlotte, with two sisters affected . (note the unit has been transferred to Cardiff, see the links at the bottom of the page)

[Charlotte]

Thanks, Rahab.

I've taken a look at 'Action on Peurperal Psychosis' - their information on their research looks great. Unfortunately, I'm a continent away (Canada) and so couldn't be an active part of the research project.

If anyone knows of any North American-based research projects, I'd love to hear about them.

Charlotte