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activism | bereavement | community/socialising/inclusion | coping strategies | depression | female | negative attitudes of service providers | peer support (informal) and befriending | post-natal depression | self knowledge/learning/growth | statutory mental health services (-) | voluntary mental health services
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Published: November 2005 This story shows how camaraderie among and support from individuals in similar situations can impact on recovery. I had my first son when I was living in Glasgow and got no support whatsoever with my severe post-natal depression. There were only 6 psychiatric in-patient beds for women to stay with their new babies, and I didn’t get one. My GP was totally unsympathetic because I had a husband and, in his view, nothing much to complain about. But my son didn’t sleep and I was very isolated with no family nearby and no friends who had children. The psychiatrist I was eventually referred to was also unhelpful and referred us to Marriage Guidance when my relationship with my husband was not the issue. I was supported by a group for new mothers set up by an innovative local midwife, that was literally at the end of my street. Realising I was not alone was my first step towards recovery. Having the group to go to gave me the strength to hand over the baby and get out of the house. From there I progressed to a mother and toddlers group, but the post-natal depression became a more long-standing condition that the medics might label manic depression or bi-polar disorder. I’ve suffered from depression for many years now but the troughs are getting less. I’ve learned how to read the signals better and have better support and more strategies for dealing with things. I give myself permission to slow down when I need to now. When my son was 6 we moved back to the island I came from. My husband had difficulty finding employment and eventually became a student again and my 96-year-old granny came to live with us. My dad and my gran both died in quick succession and after the deaths I really sank. Lack of money and damp, overcrowded housing didn’t help. It was then I found out about my local Association for Mental Health through a friend’s boyfriend from Glasgow. The camaraderie is worth its weight in gold. There’s a drop-in centre, a writing group, an art group, and healthy food and garden project - we get a grant from the Scottish Community Diet project. I’m on the committee, and we have social evenings to tackle the isolation that people suffering problems in this remote community can experience. The suicide rate here is very high and transport is a problem so the ‘drop-in’ performs an important function. The birth of my second son was a totally different experience. This time the midwives at the local hospital handled me with great care. Having this baby made me realise that I didn’t do so badly the first time around. I enjoy meeting people who have had similar experiences and have done the Mental Health First Aid and ASIST(suicide prevention) courses. I don’t really trust doctors and don’t take medication anymore event though my GP still prescribes it. The main things I value are other people recognising the signs before I’ve even recognised them myself and the friendship and support of others in the same boat. My advice to other people is to be more open than I felt able to be and to persevere in seeking help even if the first person you meet is unsympathetic. Don’t put yourself down and don’t put up with second-rate care. This story was written based on this individuals interview for the SRNs narrative research project entitled, 'Recovering Mental Health in Scotland'. More information about the project can be found in the Narrative Research Project section of our website www.scottishrecovery.net. If you’d like to share your own experience of recovery please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 0141 240 7790 to discuss. Click here to go back to previous page |
Story Tags
activism community/socialising/inclusion coping strategies creativity depression employment (+) exercise female hospital male medication medication (-) peer support (informal) and befriending seeing things differently self knowledge/learning/growth self management sense of self support from family support from friends support from mental health professionals supportive spouse/partner taking control talking therapies voluntary mental health services volunteering Story disclaimer
The stories presented here are for information only. They are meant to inspire hope and show that recovery can and does happen. The stories highlight various examples of recovery and we do not advocate any of these experiences as the ‘right’ way to recover. Recovery is an individual and unique process, each person must decide for himself or herself what will work for them. Please carefully consider any decisions you make about your own recovery and consult with someone you trust if you feel unsure. See our Submit Your Thoughts pages for details on how to submit a story to us or you can contact us.
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