| |
| From: |
Veritee |
| Date: |
Mon Aug 30 13:11:34 2004 |
| URL: |
http://www.veritee.net/ | http://www.pni.org.uk
|
| Message: |
I have to apologise for the recent rubbish being posted on this
guestbook ie casinos and other rubbish.
I have tried for sometime to get support for this from freenetname
who provide the web space for this site and the guestbook.
The have proved useless. I have all the skills to resolve the
problem if they would grant me permission on their server to alter
the guestbook data file.
But despite many phone cals and e mails I am unable to access
the dat file and they only offer to delete the guest book altogether.
Therefore I will shortly be archiving this guestbook - minus
abusive entries - and putting another guestbook up there which I can
edit - so plese bear with me.
Thank you
Veritee |
| |
| From: |
dawn foreman |
| Date: |
Sun Aug 29 15:51:39 2004 |
| URL: |
http://doreset%20health%20care%20trust/ |
| Message: |
can you supply a list of all or any mental health hospital that
have inpatient arrangement |
| |
| |
| From: |
skye |
| Date: |
Mon Aug 23 05:55:12 2004 |
| URL: |
http:// |
| Message: |
your my hero (this website) you have tought me so many thingz about
pregnacy god bless you! |
| |
| From: |
danielle |
| Date: |
Fri Jul 23 15:20:55 2004 |
| URL: |
http:// |
| Message: |
how do you get out of this rutt |
| |
| From: |
|
| Date: |
Wed Jul 14 12:34:26 2004 |
| URL: |
http:// |
| Message: |
Hi
If you are having problems with the web site please e mail me
or phone.
I think the problems are related to your security settings and
you also have to enable java console and allow cookies.
I would need to talk you through this.
In the meantime go on the forum as a guest |
| |
| From: |
shine |
| Date: |
Mon Jul 12 23:41:14 2004 |
| URL: |
http:// |
| Message: |
want to know how to use chat room. Whenever i get it, it is a white
box that i can't do anything with please help. |
| |
| From: |
Vanessa |
| Date: |
Fri Jul 9 17:41:16 2004 |
| URL: |
http:// |
| Message: |
I started a thread the other day, and have replied before, but know
it won't let me do it. I keep getting an error message that I have
to choose a different user name than the one I have already been using.
I also tried registering the other day, but I keep getting error messages.
Can someone help me, as I would really like to reply to the people
who have responded to my message. |
| |
| From: |
Veritee@pni.org.uk |
| Date: |
Tue Jul 6 11:43:10 2004 |
| URL: |
http://www.pni.org.uk/frame3.htm |
| Message: |
Dear Vanessa
I am so sorry you are feeling like this at the moment, it is
horrible We have al been there!
These is inadequate support in most areas for this horrible
illness
Please phone either myself on 07974817933 ( this is a mobile
that I use only to receive PNI calls so you may have to leave a message
and I will phone you back – but I will call you back)
Deborah at PNISH a 24 hour helpline – although 24 hours does
not mean she always answers it – you may get an answer phone here
too as we run these services completely on our own so can not be around
24/7.
Or have you been on my forum direct link is: http://veritee.proboards7.com/
or http://www.pni.org.uk/frame3.htm you do not need to register –
just write on the site as a guest – start a new thread and write away
– you have nothing to lose as no one will know who you are unless
you want to tell them.
This may be a good option as you are guaranteed a reply from
someone within the hour and there are lots of recovered women on the
forum who can support you and can suggest the forms of support they
managed to get themselves and where to access it.
Please do one of these things
All the best and god luck
Veritee
|
| |
| From: |
Vanessa |
| Date: |
Tue Jul 6 10:43:34 2004 |
| URL: |
http:// |
| Message: |
After a very desparate day yesterday, I've come onto the internet
looking for help. My baby boy is 5 months old today, and is the best
thing that's ever happened to me. I had a few days in the first weeks
when I felt overwhelmed, but was able to get over it relatively easily.
But, two weeks ago Calum came down with an ear infection and has cried
through the night every night since. I guess the lack of sleep and
stress of it all has finally gotten to me. I've been having thoughts
of hurting myself for several days now, but yesterday I thought about
hurting my baby. I called my husband and told him to come home immediately,
because I didn't feel I could be left alone with the baby. I tried
desparately to find someone to talk to, and contacted a self-help
directory in Nottingham. The national number for PNI was busy, the
local contact had an answering machine that didn't identify herself
(I couldn't leave a message not knowing if I was calling the right
person), and there was no answer at the La Leche League headquarters.
I don't feel comfortable talking to my GP, and my health visitor has
proved unhelpful several times in the past. I just don't know what
else to do, as I feel there is no support for me anywhere. I wish
I could find someone who could tell me what I need to do. My husband
has taken emergency leave to stay home with me for the next few days,
but I'm already feeling anxious about next week when he goes back
to work. |
| |
| From: |
Veritee |
| Date: |
Thu Jul 1 18:08:01 2004 |
| URL: |
http://www.pni.org.uk/frame3.htm |
| Message: |
Hi Cathy
I am so sorry to hear that you have been suffering for so long.
But you have now come to the right place!
The place to go to start talking with other women is the Forum,
type either of these addresses in the address bar or click the link
above.
http://www.pni.org.uk/frame3.htm
http://veritee.proboards7.com/
When you get to the Forum and can read the headings, just click
'Post Natal Depression' and then to read any of the threads just click
on a heading - to reply click on 'reply' and to start a new subject
just click 'new thread'.
I hope this helps but if not - I know how confusing web sites
can be at first - just e mail me and I will try to help.
All the best
Veritee |
| |
| From: |
Cathy |
| Date: |
Thu Jul 1 16:16:10 2004 |
| URL: |
http:// |
| Message: |
I have PNI and would like to start getting feedback from your site.
I have has it for 3 months now but although I read lots of information,
books etc I never feel that anyone elses' reflects my symptoms. I
dont mean that to sound bad it is just mine is more anxiety based
without worrying about specific things. I have tried to go into the
chatroom but cant seem to log in. As I have never used a site like
this before could you please give me some tips. Thanks |
| |
| From: |
Lea Ingle |
| Date: |
Mon May 24 12:27:06 2004 |
| URL: |
http:// |
| Message: |
It was good to hear from you. Good luck with this site. |
| |
| From: |
|
| Date: |
Sun May 16 12:47:56 2004 |
| URL: |
http:// |
| Message: |
|
| |
| From: |
debra |
| Date: |
Sun Apr 25 00:24:28 2004 |
| URL: |
http:// |
| Message: |
How refreshing to have found your website. Having read others experiences
of PND I no longer feel so alone, stupid or guilty. I myself am also
going through the emotional and unexplained feelings of PND and find
some days i'm on a rollercoaster of emotions. I have 2 daughters,
one of 2yrs and the other is 8mths. After the birth of my first, I
had a few tears but nothing to the extent of what I felt after the
birth of my second and am still feeling now, although I feel I'm getting
better, I am still not 100%. I knew I had PND after a month or so,
because after the initial euphoria of another baby, the tears and
all sorts of emotions arrived. One of the hardest things was admitting
you were suffering and also the lack of information out there. Luckily
my health visitor has been fantastic, along with my sister who has
put up with alot but I didn't know anyone else at the time who was
going through what I was. I could confide in a few close friends but
most certainly didn't want to broadcast it to all from the rooftops,
as I had feelings of guilt and embarrassment. Instead I'd put on my
make up and smile even though I was sad inside. Alot of people do
poopoo it or tell you to pull yourself together, because after all
what do I have to feel depressed about? I have 2 beautiful babies,
a good, though not always understanding partner, and a lovely home,
NO REAL worries really. Yes this is true and of course I love crying
all the time and being upset but the truth of the matter is you are
not always in control of what's going on inside your body. My babies
are my life and are so precious to us, however I also feel I've lost
myself along the way and I believe it's because I became pregnant
the second time when my first was only 7mths old and I knew as much
as a joy it was to be having another baby, I also knew it wasn't going
to be easy months ahead. Had I really any time to recover as well
as learn with a new baby? I now know not. Never the less I love them
both dearly and like all mothers give unconditionally, however it
has taken a toll of my body and feelings. It has been hard for my
partner to cope with, having to see me low, unhappy, tearful, snappy,
irrational and basically not the woman he met. I didn't choose to
change, but I have. I only know in time that the old me will return
and I will be the happy, smiley, bubbly, confident person I want to
be. Sadly I havn't been to the doctors yet as I feel anti depressants
are not a route I want to take, but I took a big step today and made
an appointment for this coming week. I have tried a few sessions of
counselling, but am yet to find a counsellor I feel comfortable with.
What I've found does work for me, is to eat well, a bit of exercise,
laughter, someone or friends to confide in and if you want to cry,
do so! The days do get easier and the light at the end of the tunnel
is getting brighter. Thank you Veritte for this wonderful website.
We are not alone x x x |
| |
| From: |
Veritee |
| Date: |
Thu Apr 22 12:56:29 2004 |
| URL: |
http://www.veritee.net/ | http://www.pni.org.uk
|
| Message: |
You could certainly be of help to women on my forum. Any sufferer
or ex sufferer is of course always welcome to reply to any of the
posts on the forum as this is what the site is for, people who have
or are experiencing PNI helping other who are or have experienced
it. . It can be found at. http://veritee.proboards7.com and I would
welcome your contribution.
However I am currently looking for recovered women who have
or are undertaking counselling training or have any other appropriate
experience and or training to join my team who reply/counsel/befriend
women on the forum and/or to take turns on a rota for the chat room.
Are you interested in considering this?
If you are please e mail me at Veritee@pni.org.uk or Veritee@i.am
(send to both as I am having e mail problems, with your details and
any relevant experience or training.
(This goes for others who feel they have something to offer)
I can not offer any payment although it is my dream to be able
to have the forum and the chat room monitored by skilled people 24/7
and to be able to pay appropriately for their skills. But as yet I
have no money at all and fund this all myself – so it is a dream at
present.
However what I can offer is career and skills development in
the form of training and supervision and references. I have qualifications
and experience of supervisory management in the careering professions
so this would be properly conducted although not in person – by phone
and e mail and I can provide documentation if and when needed.
Anyway as you did not leave an e mail address I can not contact
you so if you are interested, please contact me – also any other recovered
person with these skills are welcome to apply.
All the best
Veritee
|
| |
| From: |
Veritee |
| Date: |
Thu Apr 22 11:34:29 2004 |
| URL: |
http://www.veritee.net/ | http://www.pni.org.uk
|
| Message: |
Thank you so much for your story. I am sure it WILL help others
with PNI. I will try to put it on the site in the next few days. If
you have any questions about this please e mail me at Veritee@pni.org.uk
or Veritee@i.am
If you do not mind after it has been put on the site I will
remove the actual story from this guestbook as there is limited room
allowed on this.
Also you are welcome to contribute to our forum anytime you
have something to say in reply to anything that is posted on there.
It is for recovered women too. It can be found at. http://veritee.proboards7.com
and I would welcome your contribution.
It may help keep the stress levels down that everyone has who
is a parent and in posting on the site you may be able to help someone
else by relating to their current experiences with yours. That is
what the site is for, people who have or are experiencing PNI helping
other who are or have experienced it.
All the best
Veritee
|
| |
| From: |
Veritee |
| Date: |
Thu Apr 22 11:33:26 2004 |
| URL: |
http://www.veritee.net/| http://www.pni.org.uk
|
| Message: |
Sorry I did not get back earlier but the guest book is not usually
used for interaction, only to record your views and suggestions for
the site, so I do not look on it for things I should reply to.
Thank you for your kind comments about the site.
However due to space I can not reply hear to your queries, but
if you would like to repost on the forum at http://veritee.proboards7.com
I will try to answer you there. I do have a section on the forum for
tips on getting through PNI
All the best
Veritee
|
| |
| From: |
Tracey Brockman |
| Date: |
Wed Apr 21 18:45:05 2004 |
| URL: |
http:// |
| Message: |
Like you and so many other women, I suffered from PND after both
my kids, now 10 and 3 yrs. With my first child I suffered for 3 years
in silence!! It was a horrible time for me and my then husband. Not
much was known or spoken about PND at the time, so it was difficult
to find support. Thankfully I have overcome my illness. I have 2 great
kids who I adore and I am happy again!! My experience has prompted
me to train as a counsellor. I want to help other sufferers. If there
is any way I can be of use to the women on your website, I would be
delighted to help. As part of my course we have to do a presentation
on an agency/organisation which we could refer clients to. Do you
know of any support groups available in Newcastle upon Tyne? I would
like to be able to go along for support or encouragement to others.
I look forward to your reply. Thanks for a great, and much appreciated,
life line.
Yours happily
Tracey Brockman |
| |
| From: |
Sally Harris |
| Date: |
Wed Apr 21 16:03:17 2004 |
| URL: |
http:// |
| Message: |
Dear Veritee
I have just been on your terrific website about PND. I want
to thank you because I wish I had been able to access stories much
earlier in my illness, I think it would have been a boost to know
I wasn't going bonkers sooner.
You have given me the courage to write my story! I have suffered
with PND now for 15 months my little one is 19 months and I feel as
though I'm now making progress. I've also been in touch with the Association
for Post Natal Illness and have been allocated a counsellor to speak
to when I'm low. I'm included my story below to put on your noticeboard
in the hope it will help other mothers.
I have tried to email this to you several times but it has failed
everytime.
Do you have an address to send donations as I would like to
contribute to the ongoing work you do.
With very best wishes.
Sally Harris
Sally’s Story
I had been with my husband John for 10 years, he is 37 and I
am 32 years old, we are both first-time parents. We decided to get
married in the year 2000 with the intent of having children straightaway.
I had been on the contraceptive pill for over 10 years and was very
saddened that I did not catch straightaway. It did in fact take a
year and half before I became pregnant. It was quite a good pregnancy
except I kept having severe nosebleeds I was told the veins in my
nose had thinned and if these did not stop I would have to have a
small operation to repair the veins.
Two months before I was due I was diagnosed with Gestational
Diabetes, whilst I was in labour I was monitored constantly to ensure
my blood sugars remained at a normal level. There was a moment of
distress towards the end of my labour when the umbilical cord got
tangled around my baby’s neck and the midwife explained the urgency
in getting Jack out. With the help of gas and air and by controlling
my contractions I managed to have a natural birth. When I first saw
Jack I was exhausted and didn’t feel anything towards him! I did however
notice his leg was bent and fingers crumpled this I was told later
was due to lack of space in my womb. After two hours I saw Jack again
and felt on an emotional high, I didn’t sleep for the first three
days, I was running on adrenalin.
I had problems from the word go firstly I was unable to breastfeed,
Jack had Jaundice and I had every possible problem cracked nipples,
stitches being infected, thrush, haemorrhoids and an allergic reaction
to the sanitary protection I was using. You name it I had it, however
the diabetes did clear up immediately after the birth so that was
something.
I came home and was overwhelmed by the whole experience I was
petrified of this little person I was now responsible for and felt
out of control with fear when I was left on my own. John was able
to have two weeks off work and when the time came for Jack and me
to settle into a routine I found it really difficult, not in the least
because I was really ill with numerous infections and was still having
problems getting about. I also had the normal bout of baby blues but
after a while I began to think something was wrong as I was a wreck
and couldn’t cope with anything, I just seemed to cry constantly about
silly things and was always anxious. It was then that I visited my
Doctor who diagnosed me as having Post Natal Depression and prescribed
antidepressants to combat my emotional distress. I also had lower
back pain which was also a result of the birth and was put on iron
tablets as blood tests had revealed that I was severely anaemic, this
was due to blood loss at the birth. These tablets gave me chronic
diarrhoea which was a horrible side-effect.
The antidepressants did give me the lift I needed but initially
side effects such as nausea and diarrhoea not to mention feeling light-headed
only added to my sadness and feelings of isolation and inability to
cope. After a few weeks I did start to notice they were having a positive
effect on me, very gradually I started to feel more confident both
in myself and with Jack. I had felt sick shopping in case he cried,
what would I do? Would everyone be looking at me and judging me as
a bad mother? But I found the more I got out the less harrowing an
experience it became. I have also had a wealth of small complaints,
such as verucas which are minor, but nevertheless when occuring alongside
everything else exacerbates the problem, which added to my depression.
For a while things were looking up and then I found out after
the monthly visit to my doctors that I was a Diabetic. I was in denial
for a very long time and refused to accept this fact but in October
2003 I was put on tablets to help lower rising blood sugar levels.
This has since helped control continuous infections and ongoing gynaecological
problems. As you can imagine the whole experience has been really
stressful and although John has tried to be understanding I do not
think he fully appreciates what this illness has done to me. Prior
to becoming pregnant I was outgoing, sociable, chatty and up-for-anything.
I have now become the complete opposite and even feel going to the
Park or the doctors a strain, but I am determined I won’t let it beat
me and force myself to do these things which other mothers just take
for granted.
I have worked since I left school and even though it was a personal
choice to be a stay-at-home mum I never realised the demands a young
child could make or how it would change my life. I love Jack with
all my heart but I sometimes feel as though I can’t breathe when his
demands are endless. How am I supposed to find time for ‘me’, I have
lost ‘me’ along the way?
I have since returned to my doctor and my antidepressants levels
have been increased, I also asked for counselling to help me move
forward and feel as though I’m getting better but this was refused.
I was glad for the raise in tablets the impact and effect of hearing
the horrid stories surrounding children both on the news and in the
papers was soul destroying, it was making me paranoid that people
wanted to harm my child and I needed the increase to bring the anxiety
levels back down to normal. My doctor also told me that my cholesterol
levels were high so I’m now on tablets to control that too!
My family have been supportive especially my sister who found
out about the Association for Post Natal Illness whom I’ve now contacted
and have been allocated a volunteer who helps reassure me I’m not
crazy and that I will get better. It is ludicrous that at no time
was I offered this help by the health service. I feel somewhat let
down by the hospital, midwives, doctor and health visitor who have
failed me since Jack was born and continue to make me feel that I’m
a hypochondriac, I always have aches and pains which can’t be diagnosed
and the support they have given has been limited. I suppose this is
the lack of funds within the health service but I’m still a person
at the end of the day and want to get better. It is only with perseverance
that I can get by, I just take each day as it comes and do not plan
too far ahead into the future. Whatever else I may have, I will deal
with at that time and not think about what could be, just what is!
Jack is now 19 months old, he is a clever, happy child, his
leg and hands are perfectly formed and if I had to go through all
this again I would because he is worth it. I am still suffering with
PND but feel that I’m on the up as I’ve been at the lowest point and
the only hope is that I’m getting better everyday.
I do not know if this will help other mothers who have suffered
with PND but remember –
• Each day is a progress and one step closer to getting better.
• Keeping at it is what gives us hope to get well.
• When you feel you can’t go on, tell someone, get help from
your doctor or contact the Association for Post Natal Illness.
• A problem shared is a problem halved.
• Listen to your inner voice – you can do it!
MRS SALLY HARRIS
APRIL 2004
|
| |
| From: |
Mrs Sally Harris |
| Date: |
Mon Apr 19 15:25:51 2004 |
| URL: |
http:// |
| Message: |
I just wanted to say what a brilliant website this is. The health
service should be promoting websites such as yours to mothers diagnosed
with PND there is little recommended help given, which is a shame
as if mothers knew the support they could get it would help them move
forward and get over their PND.
Keep up the wonderful work.
Sally |
| |
| From: |
andrea perris |
| Date: |
Thu Apr 15 22:09:17 2004 |
| URL: |
http:// |
| Message: |
I was wondering if you could help with a query. My sister in law
has just had a baby a week ago by c/section and is now in a bit of
a state, crying and feeling very emotional about everything. Like
you have mentioned in you're list above. Feelings of inadequacy etc.
Could you recommend some techniques we could use to help her, also
maybee a book that you would think might be appropriate. I am a mother
of two girls and thankfully only had the blues for a few days, but
I would hope that I would have asked for help if I had needed it,
so I thinks it's great that you are helping all thoese that need support.
Keep up the good work.
Regards
Andrea |
| |
| From: |
Emma |
| Date: |
Fri Apr 2 23:16:15 2004 |
| URL: |
http:// |
| Message: |
hej veritee...hope you get this msg ok, i tried emailing the info
to you but it kept getting returned for some reason...anyway the airport
is Stockholm S. Skavsta (NYO). mail me if u need more info :)
|
| |
| From: |
Calmer |
| Date: |
Fri Apr 2 13:40:17 2004 |
| URL: |
http:// |
| Message: |
This site is so helpful - Its great to know that people in the same
situation are out there when you need them and I get a great sense
of self worth knowing I can offer support to others. |
| |
| From: |
Laura |
| Date: |
Tue Mar 23 16:33:46 2004 |
| URL: |
http:// |
| Message: |
So lately iv felt so depressed but by opening up to u iv got over
the worst thanx
|
| |
| From: |
CAT |
| Date: |
Sun Mar 21 16:08:47 2004 |
| URL: |
http:// |
| Message: |
Reading the stories has given me a bit of a piece of mind. I think
I have been suffering from Post-natal Depression for a while and just
got to the point where Im going to do something about it! |
| |
| From: |
|
| Date: |
Thu Mar 11 00:07:19 2004 |
| URL: |
http://www.geocities.com/mtgmxseeg4760/ |
| Message: |
|
| |
| From: |
lesley |
| Date: |
Mon Mar 8 17:00:56 2004 |
| URL: |
http:// |
| Message: |
what a wonderful site tried to become a member but had problems
with password. wish i knew about this site 3 years ago when i was
really bad |
| |
| From: |
yorkslass |
| Date: |
Sun Mar 7 17:34:23 2004 |
| URL: |
http:// |
| Message: |
i been looking for a site for a while and now i can stop this looks
great |
| |
| From: |
AC |
| Date: |
Mon Mar 1 18:04:56 2004 |
| URL: |
http:// |
| Message: |
At last ! A breath of fresh air,a fantastic website with some truly
fantastic women. |
| |
| From: |
Veritee |
| Date: |
Sun Feb 29 13:34:33 2004 |
| URL: |
http://www.veritee.net/ http://www.pni.org.uk
|
| Message: |
Someone is abusing this guest book. I am working with freenetname
to get the entrys deleted without deleting everyone elses entrys which
seems to be the only possibility available at present. In the meantime
ignor these inapropriate links.
Thank you |
| |
| From: |
|
| Date: |
Sun Feb 22 19:13:17 2004 |
| URL: |
http://www.geocities.com/tjhykndf930/ |
| Message: |
Hi id like to register, how can i do so? |
| |
| From: |
|
| Date: |
Mon Feb 16 14:40:36 2004 |
| URL: |
http:// |
| Message: |
I just wanted to thank you for your homepage- especially the forum
(reading and contributing)has become a real help for me- it's almost
like a good friend that I am allowed to visit daily!
Dood luck to anyone out there who's still struggling with this
wicked illness!
Caroline |
| |
| From: |
|
| Date: |
Tue Feb 10 22:41:06 2004 |
| URL: |
http:// |
| Message: |
Dear Veritee,
In November 1997 I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl only
to be crushed when I was told when she was 4 months old that she had
a terminal condition Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Briony died on 6 sept
1998 and in Feb 1999 i was prescribed Prozac, I remained on these
tablets throughout my pregnancy with my 2nd daughter Verity and continued
with them until October 2002 when I fell pregant with my 3rd child
Elysia born 15th June 2003. My story has been very complicated as
I have been pregnant a total of 8 times, 3 miscarriages before my
first daughter and several inbetween the births of my other children,
I had been for grief counselling and only recently Christmas 2003
felt the grief come out. I was recently diagnosed with Post natal
depression as I have been unable to cope, sleep, eat and have been
generally overwhelmed with the enormity of another baby, I now take
Diazepam 2 mg 1 a night and 1 in the morning and I am like a different
person, I think that when my first daughter died in 1998 i was probably
suffering from PND then and shouldn't have been kept on these awlful
drugs for so long, I used to weigh 9.5stone and I went up to 15st
on the birth of my last child, I now weigh 10st 2lbs and feel like
a different person, I had terrible panic attacks, moods swings, was
very critical and irrational and I am sure it was a lot to do with
the tablets, if you are feeling LOW and need help do not go on prozac
it is a very dangerous drug, try diazapam as this is a muscle relaxant
(valium) in a very low dose and try to prioritise your day, I now
have lists for everything and write a diary every night I try to think
of all the positive things that have happened in the day, I have written
plans for easy meals, a daily rota system in case I feel stuck, a
play time allocated for my daughters and make sure once a week my
husband and I have a take away or get the grandparents to baby sit
so we can have quality time together, I have managed to take over
all of the management of the home again as my husband had been helping
a lot since the death of our first daughter in 1998, being on anti-depressants
only delays the inevitable as eventually you have to come to terms
with events that have happened in your life, face them and move on.
Confidence builds confidence, some days I wake up feeling ' how am
I going to get through the day but I take one day at a time and I
am proud to say that I am coping really well, I have a wonderful health
visitor and fantastic husband who is a ROCK and my 2 beautiful daughters
I am lucky that my marriage has survived this nightmare of depression,
as depression comes in many shapes and sizes, Post Natal depression
is often called the 'Painted Smile' as people you would never expect
are the ones who are suffering. Life with a family is wonderful and
not all doom and gloom, days are hard at the beginning especially
with a young baby and sleepness nights and especially if you are breastfeed,
also because of our previous history we have come through and out
the other side, don't be afraid to get a 2nd opinion if you feel low
and for gods sake don't suffer in silence like i did, if you see yourself
acting out of character sobbing and being emotional and feeling overwhelmed,
shouting,overspending, being irrational and putting on weight go and
see your doctor and get taken off these tablets straight away, Prozac
was very bad for me and made me very ill.
I now have a wonderful Dr who i trust and who has helped me
enormously, in 3 weeks I am just like i was when I met my first husband
( in personality ) my weight has dropped off since the birth of my
daughter in June 2003.
Stay positive, live each day as if it is your last and enjoy
your babies and you will get through I promise.
Dawn x
|
| |
| From: |
|
| Date: |
Tue Feb 10 21:06:14 2004 |
| URL: |
http:// |
| Message: |
|
| |
| From: |
Brian |
| Date: |
Thu Feb 5 23:39:40 2004 |
| URL: |
http:// |
| Message: |
Hello
Just thought I would drop a line and say thanks for what looks
like a great website. My wife has just been diagnosed so while the
family was asleep thought I would find a little more about it. I'll
be directing my wife (as well as using it myself) to your site as
a tool to help cope. I particulary like the mens forum as it encourages
men to actually take an active role it its treatment. I'll post something
once our feet touch the ground and we understand her condition/illness
a little more.
Great work. |
| |
| From: |
tina |
| Date: |
Thu Jan 29 22:59:01 2004 |
| URL: |
http:// |
| Message: |
|
| |
| From: |
Kelly Southall |
| Date: |
Wed Jan 21 22:55:53 2004 |
| URL: |
http:// |
| Message: |
Hi there Veritee having been a computer virgin until now this has
been fabulous to read I had severe postnantal depression six years
ago and have recovered but still suffer the odd bout of depression.
Your story is an inspiration to myself and others I just wish I had
someone like you or the other women featured at that "horrible bleak
time" in my life it would have made such a difference if I can help
others in any small way please pay my email address on you and I know
just knowing your "normal" in the feelings you have can be of huge
encouragement. Love Kelly xxx |
| |
| From: |
liz wise |
| Date: |
Wed Jan 21 09:13:49 2004 |
| URL: |
http://www.postnataldepression.com/ |
| Message: |
Hi Veritee,
Just to say what a good site I think this is and congratulations
with the Observer piece!
Are you aware of the video I have produced, Understanding Postnatal
Depression? It is a 40 minute programme aimed at parents, health professionals
and anyone with an interest in PND, featuring a pyschiatrist, GP,
health visitor and mums and dads who have been through it. The feedback
I am receiving from people who have bought it is really good and it
is also being used for ante-natal and postnatal training aswell as
in PND suppoort groups.
The cost of the video is £21.75, it comes with a leaflet and
can be obtained through www.postnataldepression.com or by phoning
07745 113197.
Having had severe PND myself after both my daughters, I have
been working as a specialist PND counsellor for the past eleven years
and am also the PND support co-ordinator for the NCT.
Please feel free to contact me for any further information.
Regards,Liz Wise. |
| |
| From: |
jane |
| Date: |
Sun Jan 18 22:05:44 2004 |
| URL: |
http:// |
| Message: |
|
| |
| From: |
Sharon |
| Date: |
Sun Jan 18 21:16:05 2004 |
| URL: |
http:// |
| Message: |
I suffered PND with both my children, now aged 2 and 4. I am still
on Prozac. I read the article and that's how I found out about this
site. Better late than never! I wanted to thank Veritee for setting
it up. One of the worst things I found when I was really down was
how isolating it was. Nowadays I just tell people I am on Prozac and
let them make up their own minds, but for ages I felt ashamed and
as though I was the only one not coping. So thanks. |
| |
| From: |
Elaine |
| Date: |
Fri Jan 16 21:52:13 2004 |
| URL: |
http:// |
| Message: |
Dear Veritee
Just wanted to say a huge thank you for your wonderful site.
This time last year I was a real state and never thought I would ever
recover. Finding your website was a godsend and helped me no end.
I have also met a wonderful new friend who was also suffering badly
and we are both now well the way to a complete recovery. I still visit
your site and if I can help reply to some of the girls suffering at
the moment.
Thanks again for helping me to get better!
Elaine |
| |
| From: |
Gillian |
| Date: |
Wed Dec 31 13:25:01 2003 |
| URL: |
http://ringo.com/ |
| Message: |
Please can you tell me all about depression and what can I do to
deal with this. |
| |
| |
| From: |
Becky |
| Date: |
Wed Nov 26 22:01:14 2003 |
| URL: |
http:// |
| Message: |
I would just like to say that i think this site is very helpful.
I got pnd when my boy was 6 months old, which was 18 months ago. Though
im much better now i still get very scared in case it returns. Reading
your site has helped me. Thank you. |
| |
| From: |
Jenny London |
| Date: |
Fri Nov 7 15:19:55 2003 |
| URL: |
http:// |
| Message: |
I am currently thinking about training to be a midwife and at school
we are doing a key skills program where we can pick any topic and
write about it. Post natal depression has always interested me and
your site has helped me find more infor. Thankyou |
| |
| From: |
|
| Date: |
Mon Oct 27 02:44:51 2003 |
| URL: |
http:// |
| Message: |
hi be strong, jd from the south |
| |
| From: |
Ruth Torjussen |
| Date: |
Sat Oct 25 16:54:27 2003 |
| URL: |
http:// |
| Message: |
I am a writer and film producer seeking funding for a ten minute
short film about a young mum with post natal depression. The film
is intended for the film festival circuit and will be both artistically
satisfying (B/W 16mm film with heavy influence from Polanski's 'Repulsion')
and emotionally extremely moving. We have already made 'Daddy' a short
film about a teenage dad. This film 'Mummy' will be released at the
same time and we intend them to be as high profile as possible in
order to raise interest and debate regarding the issue of Post natal
depression. If anyone would like to know more about any aspect of
this project (especially if you would like to contribute to the budget)
please email me ASAP. And for any mums who are suffering right now
(as I did) my love and best wishes to you for a rapid recovery.
Ruth Torjussen |
| |
| From: |
Deborah |
| Date: |
Wed Oct 15 21:18:14 2003 |
| URL: |
http:// |
| Message: |
I've just put a message in and forgot to mention I run a support
group in Derbyshire, if anyone wants info please leave me a message
and I'll get back to you here. Deb |
| |
| From: |
Deborah |
| Date: |
Wed Oct 15 21:05:58 2003 |
| URL: |
http:// |
| Message: |
Veritee I too had PND twice and i was hospitalised in a mum &
baby unit for 2 months with my second. I too have a helpline and i'm
setting up a website next year for this. I also run a group for women
with PNI and I take referrals from psychiatrists Health visitors etc.
I am a trained nurse (in general nursing not psychiatry) and i'm trying
to get women together to lobby parliament to improve the british healthcare
system to improve services for women suffereing from PND.I'm writing
a book about this issue but from a different viewpoint from the one's
we already see for sale.Do you have any thoughts about the current
debate in psychiatry re:- is PND called PND because it's a depression
occuring after childbirth, or do you agree that it's an entirely different
illness with it's own symptoms, (hence the new name for it- PostNatal
Illness? Please let me know. |
| |
| From: |
liz |
| Date: |
Sat Jul 26 07:56:20 2003 |
| URL: |
http://www.postnataldepression.com/ |
| Message: |
I am a specialist PND counsellor who has for the past ten years
been working with parents experiencing PND. I have just produced the
above video which is an informative 40 minute video for health professionals,
parents and anyone with an intertest in PND. Further information and
how to order can be obtained from www.postnataldepression.com |
| |
| From: |
Mieko Snell |
| Date: |
Fri Jun 6 12:24:14 2003 |
| URL: |
http:// |
| Message: |
A friend of mine in Japan who is a medical historian is interested
in the legal cases whereby in mothers killing their babies in the
PND state being given lenience.
Would you be able to give me some past examples? |
| |
| From: |
Sam |
| Date: |
Thu May 22 18:08:06 2003 |
| URL: |
http:// |
| Message: |
I would just like to say that I could't beleive what I was reading
when I read Lauras story - it was as if i had written it myself, its
a huge comfort to know I am not alone is the suffering. Thank You. |
| |
| From: |
jobanna |
| Date: |
Thu May 15 16:48:01 2003 |
| URL: |
http://post-natal/ |
| Message: |
|
| |
| From: |
jobann |
| Date: |
Thu May 15 16:47:16 2003 |
| URL: |
http://post-natal/ |
| Message: |
|
| |
| From: |
hayley |
| Date: |
Wed Apr 9 20:56:44 2003 |
| URL: |
http:// |
| Message: |
if a kiss was a raindrop id send you showers,
if a hug was a second id send you hours,
if a smile was water id send you the sea,
if friendship was a person id send you me. |
| |
| From: |
Hayley |
| Date: |
Sun Mar 30 21:37:02 2003 |
| URL: |
http:// |
| Message: |
i would just like to say a big THANK YOU to you as in december i
was diagosed with pnd and was suicidal, and i looked it up on the
internet and found you. i was put in touch with a volenteer who had
suffered with pnd and she is my rock. every time i feel down or very
low i ring her and she makes me feel so much better, its great to
be able to talk and be understood to know the way your thinking is
normal for someoe with pnd i would recommend getting a volenteer if
you suffering from pnd as sometimes i feel like im in a crowded room
screaming and no one notices and i just pick up the phone and i know
that person will listen. Thanks again Hayley |
| |
| From: |
emily |
| Date: |
Mon Mar 17 08:27:54 2003 |
| URL: |
http:// |
| Message: |
hiya. just wondering if you can help me. my best friend is suffering
pnd. she had it after the birth of her son two years ago and seemed
to get sorted when her doctor suggested trying prozac. she had her
daughter 6 months ago and now has it back again but is hiding it from
every one but me. is there anything i can do to help her as she doesnt
want to take tablets or c her doctor. i would appreciate it if you
could help by suggesting any web sites that you think could help.
i am mainly worried about wot would happen if she lets it go untreated.
she has already voiced thoughts of killing herself and the kids. thanx
for any help you could supply me with. i will be very grateful |
| |
| From: |
beverley |
| Date: |
Sat Feb 22 21:20:03 2003 |
| URL: |
http:// |
| Message: |
i am glad that there is help out there i have a baby im 18 &
suffering with pnd i have just started to seek help. i split with
the baby father as he had alchol and drug promblems and i feel very
lonbely and isolated i have my parent support but i cant explain to
them how im feeling as they think im doing a good job of being a mother
but i cant see it myself iu feel horrible as i think i dont give her
enough time and love as i feel so down. so thank you for web sites
that i can research the illness on & i dont feel so alone and
knowing there are people out there in the same boat makes it abit
easier to get on with things. so thank you |
| |
| From: |
Noyise Nyathi |
| Date: |
Tue Feb 18 21:23:55 2003 |
| URL: |
http:// |
| Message: |
I am a first year student doing research on post natal depression,
iam also a mother of 2 boys aged 3 and 11, although i never knew i
had pnd reading on it has made me realise what it was i suffered from
when i had my boys. im glad i got over it without even knowing what
it was but all i know is that it was a very difficult time and i do
not know how and when i pulled through it. |
| |
| From: |
Kyleigh |
| Date: |
Wed Feb 12 01:48:32 2003 |
| URL: |
http:// |
| Message: |
Just to let everyone know, I'm setting up a PND support group in
Blaenau Gwent. If anyone would be interested in joining or if you
aren't local, forming a contact, please e-mail me |
| |
| From: |
mandy |
| Date: |
Fri Jan 31 09:16:06 2003 |
| URL: |
http:// |
| Message: |
my mistake i was typing in the e mail address wrong will be in touch
soon
mandy |
| |
| From: |
mandy |
| Date: |
Fri Jan 31 09:14:24 2003 |
| URL: |
http:// |
| Message: |
i saw your email and message and as a mother with pnd myself tried
emailing you but it did not recognise your address get in touch soon
take care
mandy |
| |
| From: |
mandy |
| Date: |
Thu Jan 30 20:25:27 2003 |
| URL: |
http:// |
| Message: |
as a mother of two with pnd i feel this website is a great help
i feel the forums are great to get advice etc
thankyou Veritee |
| |
| From: |
nikki |
| Date: |
Wed Jan 29 17:54:05 2003 |
| URL: |
http:// |
| Message: |
i have just submitted a message but feel like i would like to add
to it. its about time this service is available by which sufferers
can contact each other. i have been that bad with pnd i have held
my sons head under water in the bath and thrown him, all of this my
social worker is aware but still the support is minimal. i feel for
all other sufferers out there, its an illness you have no control
over and you cant confide in just anybody as the guilt is overwhelming.
i would love to hear from anybody in the similar situation. i live
in essex/suffolk border. please email me on nikkiwhite123@hotmail.com
if you would like to talk
|
| |
| From: |
nikki |
| Date: |
Wed Jan 29 17:45:35 2003 |
| URL: |
http:// |
| Message: |
i have been suffering from pnd for nearly two years now and i was
hospitalised 12months ago for a 6 week period. i have been on fluoxitine
for 2 years and have found it to help even tho i am on 40mg a day.
if i try to come off these tho i feel suicidal. i have tried very
hard to get help from social services etc but seem to be hitting a
brick wall. i still have my health visiting me regularly. there should
definately be more help out there and more support for mothers suffering
pnd. antidepressants is all my gp is able to offer but the tablets
dont stop you wanting to hurt your child when they wont stop screaming,
and nothing helps prepare for the huge feelings of guilt at not being
able to cope, and even having these bad feelings in the first place.
society needs to recognize us, we are not animals, before we had kids
we were a very accepted part of society. i guess having pnd makes
you feel alone and a freak.if there is anyone out there i can talk
to please contact me..nikki |
| |
| From: |
Veritee |
| Date: |
Mon Jan 13 22:58:01 2003 |
| URL: |
http:// |
| Message: |
To the person who posted because of difficulties visually with the
site:
I feel quite mortified by this comment as of course you are
right and it is purely lack of time that I have not done anything
about this. I wrote the bulk of this site when I was just starting
out in web design and more interested in pretty pictures and creating
the right mood than making sure that it was accessable to all. To
change it substantially visually so it is eaisier to read for people
with visual difficulties would take an awlful lot of work - yet I
should be the first person to do this because not only did I grow
up with a patially blind mother who is now completely blind I also
have sight problems and in fact find the web site difficult to read
myself.
I do not really have an excuse for not changing it and I will
endevour to make the time change this problem.
Thank you for pointing this out. Veritee |
| |
| From: |
claireloise bingham |
| Date: |
Wed Jan 8 13:55:25 2003 |
| URL: |
http:// |
| Message: |
thankyou 4 all the info and storys that have made me think now its
time to get help !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
| |
| From: |
|
| Date: |
Fri Jan 3 19:21:40 2003 |
| URL: |
http:// |
| Message: |
This site has excellent content but its format is awful. I have
a visual impairment and this site plays absolute havock with it. I
have been looking for some help for a friend and I find it difficult
to use the navigation bar and read the content on most pages. |
| |
| From: |
Evette Tomkins |
| Date: |
Tue Dec 17 11:41:46 2002 |
| URL: |
http:// |
| Message: |
Dear Veritee,
I have found it so interesting reading Cara's book 'Surviving
post natal depression'.
I have not been a sufferer of this illness myself but have reached
the time in my life when having children is high up on my priority
list.
I am only 21 years old but do have a story to tell. I was brought
up solely by my father and grandmother as my mother died of postnatal
depression when I was five months old. I feel for her sake I would
like to learn more about the awful distress she was in which eventually
caused her to take her own life. This destructive depression robbed
me of my mother, at a time when help was still not widely available.
I have not had the heart to drag up the past and find out all
the details of that time of my dads life. We are very close and I
know how hard it was for him.
I would like you to know that reading the true life accounts
in Cara's book has helped me to understand more about her thoughts
and feelings. I feel I need to know what to expect in case PNI is
hereditary and happens to me.
I hope that you all understand that I have only been affected
in a positive way and that I never felt unloved as a child. I was
only told how my mother died when i was about 13 years old and for
a while I blamed myself, saying that I should never have been born.
I know that i want to be there for my children and am at present
looking to undertake a further degree in Health Promotion so that
i can help others.
I would like to thankyou for sharing you story with ME, it has
made me more determined than ever that I want to help people like
my mother (who was only 27 when she died) and assure them that 'there
is light at the end of the tunnel'. If you have time to reply i would
love to hear from you. Thankyou for listening. |
| |
| From: |
MRS ALISON ALLAN |
| Date: |
Fri Oct 18 21:32:56 2002 |
| URL: |
http:// |
| Message: |
|
| |
| From: |
veritee |
| Date: |
Sun Oct 6 13:08:49 2002 |
| URL: |
http://www.veritee.net/ http://www.pni.org.uk
|
| Message: |
Hi
Thank you for your guestbook entry.
I noticed you asked if anyone would like to e mail you - but
for some reason your e mail address did not show up on the message.
Perhaps you would like to go to my forum and put the same message
on there with your e mail address so that others can e mail you. I
will give you the direct URL for the forum as some people are finding
they can not view my forum through the site. Pkease note that to view
the Forum you need cookies enabled for the site and if you get the
message 'file not found' or another error message, just keeop pressing
refresh as the Forum seems to come up after it has been refreshed.
The direct URL for the forum is http://veritee.proboards7.com/ and
the address through the site is http://www.pni.org.uk/frame3.htm
All the best
Veritee |
| |
| From: |
Carol |
| Date: |
Sat Oct 5 19:54:06 2002 |
| URL: |
http:// |
| Message: |
I have five children and one step child living with me. Life is
constant stress especially as hubbie has been away alot since last
baby arrived three months ago. Have had P.N.I twice and am involved
in local group will send full story soon. Anyone who would like to
e-mail me on the above address then I will reply. I have a music degree
am a breast feeding counsellor and have been accepted to train as
a midwife. |
| |
| From: |
sandy g |
| Date: |
Wed Oct 2 21:17:26 2002 |
| URL: |
http:// |
| Message: |
hi veritee, ive been looking in on your site. its v good.see you
soon .xxxxxxx
sandy.. |
| |
| From: |
Elspeth Hall |
| Date: |
Mon Sep 16 21:51:16 2002 |
| URL: |
http:// |
| Message: |
I wish i had found this site years ago, i am recovering now although
cannot forget the horror of the experience. i will be checking out
this site thoroughly. |
| |
| From: |
A sufferer |
| Date: |
Fri Sep 6 00:46:26 2002 |
| URL: |
http:// |
| Message: |
Thank you so much for getting a Forum working again. I have never
posted anything but I used to go to the old one and just reading the
other posts was a comfort to me. I was just getting up the courage
to write on it when it closed down.
Your site is my lifeline - Thank You |
|
Back to the Guestbook
|