The Year 2020: PND, Covid and Me

This has been, without a shadow of a doubt, the hardest year of my life. To briefly summarise: My husband and I moved house, bought our first home, discovered I was pregnant, I started a new job and he moved his business from London. To add more spice to mix, I was terrified of childbirth which was then timely followed by a global pandemic and very limited maternity support. Add to this disagreements around Covid and voilà the perfect storm in a teacup which would test even the most resilient of people.

​

I didn’t realise I was suffering from Postnatal Depression (PND). In fact I dismissed suggestions that I might have been depressed as poppycock because I wasn’t sad, rather I was intensely angry or anxious.

​

I still haven’t had a real diagnosis because there just isn’t the support from the NHS, although thankfully I’m feeling a lot better now.

​

What my family really needed was support from healthcare professionals, especially as first time parents struggling under lockdown.

​

Our little family is still reeling from the effects of lockdown but our son is doing fantastically and remains a source of delight throughout this tumultuous period.

​

I have chosen to share my story because hopefully with increased awareness and openness there will be better support for young families. 

 

With love,

Anonymous