Caroline
Age at interview: 32
Caroline lives with her partner and their four children. Although she wanted to have a big family, she developed different feelings and symptoms during her fourth pregnancy. She recognised these symptoms because she had a previous episode of depression when she left her parents’ home to start college. Caroline tried to discuss her symptoms with her obstetrician many times, but she never got a response regarding help or support. In addition, due to complications, after she delivered her baby at home with support from a doula, she was admitted to hospital where she stayed for a month. Her newborn stayed with her. Three months later, she went back to the GP who had followed her for more than ten years and explained her how she was feeling at that time. Her GP listened carefully and prescribed some medication which was helpful. At that point, Caroline also decided to start psychotherapy.
Although she has the unconditional support of both her partner and her therapist, Caroline explained that she went through a very difficult time. She found that the healthcare services she accessed were not responding to her needs. For example, she had difficulties in finding an appropriate space where she felt she could disclose her feelings. As a result of living with constant doubts, Caroline started looking elsewhere for available information and resources to help understand and address her symptoms.
Despite the struggles she went through due to perinatal depression, Caroline never gave up and always tried to look for different options that worked for her.
More content
- Advice for Policymakers – CarolineCaroline speaks about a postpartum mental health centre for mom and baby.
- Sharing Experiences – CarolineAt first, the support group helped Caroline, but over time, she grew into a role where she was supporting newcomers, but this began to affect her, so she stopped going.
- Coping with Perinatal Mental Health – CarolineCaroline says she is proud of herself for getting better.
- Relationships – CarolineCaroline found it hard to tell her husband about her struggles, but when she did, they found ways to get help.
- Support from Family and Friends – CarolineCaroline received a lot of support from her neighbours and friends.
- Bonding – CarolineDespite always caring for the baby, Caroline still felt she hadn't fully bonded; she started having intrusive thoughts 3-4 months after the birth.