FAQs
How do I know if I'm suffering from pre or postnatal depression?
We all expect to have days when we feel washed out and can't cope, especially through the early years of bringing up a young family. It's when we experience day after day of the same type of symptoms that we know something isn't quite right. There is a list below of classic PND symptoms, which can range from mild to severe. You may well be experiencing some of these right now, or even have put up with them for a while. It is very important that you talk to someone who can really help you. An appointment with your GP is the best place to start.
Symptoms
- Feelings of sadness, low mood, tearfulness
- Less able to cope with the demands of the baby and family life
- Unable to relax or sleep properly even when baby is fast asleep
- Poor appetite
- Tension which can lead to headaches
- Tiredness and lack of energy, making even the smallest task seem impossible
- Anxiety and the constant feeling of worry even when there's nothing to worry about
- Unable to concentrate, or engage in conversations
- Lacks interest in normal activities such as reading, watching the TV, socializing
I can't wait I'm desperate, who can I talk to?
Acacia offers a telephone helpline for mums and their families. Our trained volunteers have themselves suffered and recovered from PND. They will offer a listening ear and sign post you to the nearest ACACIA Postnatal Support Service in your area.
Telephone Helpline 07944 900499
If you get through to our answering service, please leave a message - In most cases we will call you back within a few hours. We endeavour to return all calls within 24 hours.
If you are unable to contact Acacia and need immediate support, you may like to try the Samaritans on 08457 909090.
How do I access the Postnatal Support sessions?
Acacia Postnatal Support is a DropIn style session. No appointment necessary. Just turn up with your baby / toddler. Partners are also welcome.
We accept self referrals, or your Health visitor or GP may have recommended Acacia to you.
To find out where your local Acacia Postnatal Support Sessions are call the Telephone helpline 07869 100499.
What happens to my baby when I attend sessions?
Babies and pre schoolers that attend Acacia Postnatal support sessions are offered a place in the Crèche. A warm, safe and loving environment staffed by a qualified and experienced team of dedicated ladies. Our crèche is visible from our support and befriending areas meaning you will still be able to see your baby whilst you are receiving support. Our crèche workers understand the difficulties surrounding PND and how hard it can be to leave your baby even for a short while. They will come along side you enabling your visit to be as stress free as possible.
All staff are CRB checked.
My GP has prescribed antidepressant medication, my partner's unhappy about this and so I feel torn between the two. What should I do?
It's only natural for your partner or family member to feel concerned about you, they may also feel helpless and don't understand how poorly you've been feeling. Your GP may have prescribed you an anti depressant to help alleviate these symptoms. This is because you need it and it will play a big part in your recovery. Your partner may need a word of reassurance from the GP which will help put his mind at rest. Although Acacia don't give medical advice we are happy to listen and explore the issues surrounding medication as we recognize this can be a very stressful area. Many times a conversation with an Acacia befriender has rectified the partners concern. Acacia will always signpost back to your GP with reference to medication issues.
How long will it take before I'm better, will I ever feel like my old self again?
For the majority of sufferers PND is a temporary and very treatable illness. With the right support and appropriate treatment many mums find their symptoms gradually fade away. Once you've begun the process of asking for help you're on the road to recovery sooner than you think.