Postpartum Depression

[Auzy88]

Hi everyone -

this is is my first post, so I'm sorry if I am in the wrong subject. I live in Ohio and am due to renew this year. I just had a stillbirth about a month ago, and I believe I may have postpartum depression, and my husband thinks I may have postpartum PTSD. I am afraid to seek treatment for fear of what could happen with the board, whether it be being out of work for a specified time frame or not being able to work in specified area (I work in ER), or worse.

Does anyone have experience with mental health related issues and bringing it up to the board? Is this something that is even needed to be brought up? I haven't yet gone back to work, so I am unsure of whether this could affect me or not as of yet.

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

I am so sorry for your loss. I had something similar happen with my second child, so I can understand how you are feeling. (((((HUGS)))))

As for your possible postpartum depression and/or PTSD, please don't try to diagnose yourself. It's worth it to see a professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment. The Board of Nursing will likely never hear of it if you don't tell them...and unless it makes you unsafe to practice nursing, you shuldn't. The only exception to this is if you're renewing your license and they ask you if you're being treated for a mental illness; otherwise, I wouldn't bring it up to them at all.

I wish you comfort and healing as you grieve. I know it's hard but know that this too shall pass, even though you never really "get over" a loss like this. My daughter would have been 33 this year and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of her, especially now that my husband is also gone. I like to think of both of them together in Heaven, with him holding our baby in his arms.

Again, I hope you're seeing a mental health professional such as a psychiatrist, and if not, I strongly suggest you do. They can not only help you manage your life, but they can prescribe medication that may make the difference between illness and wellness. It doesn't mean you have to be on meds for the rest of your life; PPD and PTSD are often self-limiting and may be potentially "curable" with meds and therapy.

I wish you the very best. And welcome to allnurses!