Nicole, you poor woman! I was almost in tears reading your post. I see you posted this 6 months and 3 weeks ago! How are you doing now? I really hope things have improved. I lived in Saudi Arabia for 7 years and when I moved to Irelans it was a MASSIVE shock to the system and I was a child back then and no kids (obviously). I can't being to imagine what you were feeling and going through. If you read this, I would love to know how you are doing and if you want to chat about anything I am here for that. I feel like us Mums who have or had PND are good for each other and that is the best support. No one like someone who has had the experience. Hope to see an update from you soon.
I am really struggling to get help at the moment. I have a severe history with PND (hospitalised for 3 weeks) with my first daughter (now 2) and am pregnant with my second child (23 weeks). I moved over with my husband 7 weeks ago from Australia, I don't know anyone outside his family (and they just don't understand how hard this is), and between work and a stag weekend away he has now been gone 14 days, and will be gone another 3. The GP was waiting to hear what the social worker advised at the hospital after my booking visit, but 4 weeks after referral I still haven't actually heard from a social worker. I can't afford to go back to my GP, we only have one bank card and my husband has it with him. I am down to my last 3 euro. My next free appointment is on Friday morning, but I don't think I can last that long at this point. I know I am in trouble at the moment. I am crying every day, for at least an hour, but on the worst days its all day on and off. I am finding myself having to walk away from my daughter because I am becoming so overwhelmed when she has a tantrum or asks for her dad, it takes me at least 3 hours to fall asleep at night and I am exhausted throughout the day. In the last week I have started to get to nervous to go outside. I'm scared of what I will do or say, or breaking down completely. Everyone knows everyone here, and I don't feel safe. Is there anywhere I can go for help that's free. I called the hospital but they very bluntly told me I could not just 'cold call', they are a very busy service and I need a GP referral. I told them I had a referral sent through weeks ago, and they told me they were allocated on priority. I was crying throughout the phone call and at points unable to speak, and it felt like that just annoyed her further. Please, I am so wishing I never left Australia at the moment - I knew where the help was, it was 24 hours a day and it was free. It terrifies me that there is nothing other than the Samaritans call line and they can't physically help me.
Nicole, You poor pet you are really going through it, I cant imagine how hard it is to move to another country with no support and be pregnant into the bargin. I cant believe that you havent heard from a Social Worker, as far as I know you can ring the maternity Hospital and ask to be through to Social Work Department and ask where you are on the list. You need to get out of the house, even a small walk really helps. Have you checked out Mother and Todler groups in your area? what about your Public Health Nurse they are based in your local Health Centre. Look up helpfull suggestions on this Website. PND Support Group really helped me, if you live in the Cork area they have Support meetings and coffee mornings. I know everything looks black at the moment, you have got through this before and you will again. You have to search for posotives (I know that sounds impossible!) At least your husband back in a few days, maybe you should give your in laws another shot, you really need support.
My dear, you can just present to CUH or Mercy emergency department or psychiartic unit (you can just walk in and ask to speak with a duty psychiatric doctor) if you are in crisis, better CUH because it has maternity hospital as well. They will ask you for Gp referral but will see you without one as well. You will be seen within few hours max by psychiatrist and subsequently followed up by psychiatrist free of charge as long as you need it. Good family support there as well. Hope this helps.
Hi Nicole, How are you coping now? What county are you in? I'm a kiwi and could meet you for coffee or a big homesick cry if you are near by, Nicole :)