MMH

Ok, so can anyone tell me anything about Maternal Mental Health? What exactly do they do? And how do you get involved with them?

They can do what u need. Counselling, in some areas home help is available, phycologsist etc.
Im pretty sure u can self refer, by phoning the hospital Community Mental Health Unit, or else see you GP or plunket nurse who will have further info.

I got a referral from my GP, she warned me it could take up to 6 weeks to hear from them but within a couple of weeks someone had called and they talked to me about things a bit then made an appt for about 6 weeks away. While I was waiting for the appt they called me about once a week to see how I was doing and ended up bringing my appt forward coz I was struggling a bit.

The first appt was with a psychiatrist and my "key worker" who is the person I liaise with if I have any problems. Then we made a plan from there and I've been seeing a psychologist once a week, plus I have a respite carer come in once a week to help with the girls.

Don't worry, they won't take her away or think of you as an unfit mother, but they will give you the support you need to help you not feel like you need to harm yourself to cope (or anything else destructive). They will help you manage when you're struggling.

Hugs

Edited by khhast

I've decided I had better ring the Waikato MMH tomorrow and self-refer. It's really really tough as the prozac isn't working and so I am being weaned off that onto citalopram which is what usually works for me, but I can't even start the citalopram for a few weeks (with a week of nothing in between) then the wait while it kicks in I have no idea what the waiting list is like but it would be really nice to have someone to talk to.

Yup! But they don't have to if you don't want them too, I prefer to go to them so they don't see my tip of a house! I suspect they will be doing home visits after baby arrives tho

MMH are fantastic. I've been with them with both my girls.

You do need to tell them your problems and what you would like, e.g. frequency of phone calls and home visits, mothercraft helpers, inhome respite care. They will do everything they can, and what they think is right for you at the time. Some key workers will need you to tell them what help you think you need, so they go in the right direction. They are trained in mental health and are there for Mums, so they have seen it all before. Some key workers may help with relaxation tools, CBT, coping strategies etc.

They can put you in touch with other organisations and groups in the community too. That helps as MMH are supposed to be there for you until your baby is 12 months old.

You don't have to do all this by yourself - there are people out there that will and can help. They can help you through your worries and fears.

Edited by MrsSmith