Depression? - Jasper,AL

I don't think your problem is depression at all. I think it is just stress. You have a lot on your plate so it is understandable that you would be feeling the way you do. I am guessing since you are having problems with your father that you aren't close with your family so you don't have them to rely on which would make your dependence on your husband understandable with all you have going on. Normally people have family and friends to depend on to get through these things but if all you feel you can count on is your husband then of course you are going to have seperation anxiety.

You must also take into consideration that in addition to your stressers, your hormones are all still out of whack from the pregnancy and birth. Your body needs time to get back to normal from all of that and you should expect to be overly emotional among other things through this transition.

You are certainly not losing your mind as much as it may feel like you are. I don't think you should run out and get antidepressants or anything but if you don't have close friends and/or family to lean on right now it might be a good idea to find a counselor. This will help both you and your husband because I am sure he is feeling the pressure of trying to help you through this but not knowing how.

I don't live in the area yet but you can always email me or message me through here for now. I know it feels really crappy right now but being someone who has been through the ringer, I can relate to what you are going through.

Talk to your doctor and i am sure he/she will help you through. Our children have been through alot (one son a brain tumor and the other is autistic) and after the birth of our daughter, i started using something to "take the edge off". Not only are you going through alot but are probably tired from feedings at one am. There are even medications that are safe if you are breastfeeding. My doctor and I discussed what they were and decided what to take. About the anxiety, what about if you ask your husband to give you a ring here and there durig the day just to touch base. It may not seem like much but you will be surprised at how just a "hi there" and "I Love You" will make a difference. The hospital where our children were born offers groups to help women through postpartum, do you have access to such a group? I always find that talking to someone who has been there helps. Whatever the choice you make, asking for help (in my opinion) is not a sign of weakness but a sign of intelligence. It shows that you want the best you can be to give the best mother to your children. God bless.

sweetheart i had some of those systems and some additonal ones post partum depression is different for every woman your fears are different but my advice is see someone b/c you don't want to risk harming yourself or your child and i almost waited too long to do anything it doesn't get better on it's own

I had preeclampsia and had to have a c-section two weeks before my due date. I ending up haveing to stay in the hospital two extra days because I developed a fever and had a misterious infection somewhere. The entire time after delivery, I had a morphin drip I could use at my discression, and was sent home with two different perscriptions for pain meds. I tried not to use them unless absoutely needed to. I had a terrible time the for a while after I got home. I'm can't remember how long it lasted but I do remember sitting and crying for absolutely reason. And not wanting to put down my baby, not even for one minute. My husband was driving 4 hours a day for work, so he was gone alot. I think it was pretty rough on both of us. The doctor told me I could have sex after 6 weeks, but I was so freaked out by the idea of having sex. I'm not sure why. But it took a while to get over that. I never told my doctor or anyone else for that matter while I was going through it. But I have talked to several women since who also had c-section or problems giving birth and it's seems that it takes a little longer for your bodys natural hormone levels to get back to normal. I always thought I would have the perfect pregnancy and everything after birth would just be wonderful. I think that was also part of my problem. I just didn't know why I felt crazy and that made me even crazier. I don't know if any of this will help you. But maybe know other women have been through it and made it out all right will help. You are on the right track by talking about it now instead of waiting until later. You may also mention to you doctor.

Talk to you Dr. when you go back for your check-up.
Also-DO Research OnLine. In the meantime it will make you feel better.
I went through similar stuff when my daughter was born-about 2 weeks after she was born-my husband came in and found me sitting on the bed holding our crying baby, sobbing myself. He got very upset and kept asking what was wrong, I told him I didn't know. Mostly I think That was just horror-moans settling down. I did get into a funk that the Dr. treated me for.
I think when you have a child it permanantly changes your chemicals in your brain. (I have no studies to back this up).
Talk to your Dr. and look into things on your own. It is obvious you are a caring Mom otherwise you wouldn't be wanting to find out if you might need help.
Good Luck,
C.

Call your doctor immediately. Anxiety and depression are very closely related. and are treated very similarly. The longer you wait, the more axious and depressed you are likely to become AND the harder it will be to pull out.

Start treatment now and start feeling more like yourself in a few days. You have a lot to deal with right now, but you will find your thoughts clearer and your ability to make decisions improving. Then you can deal with your other issues and love on that new baby boy!

Hi

I have an anxiety disorder, and a lot of your symptoms resemble mine. I can have horrible nightmares, night terrors, panic attacks, and just general anxiety at any time but if the stress levels go up it can really get bad. I would urge you to see a doctor. While I don't take medication all the time, there have been times I have not been able to shake the symptoms and have worked with my doctor to use a medication short term ( a few months).

I also do a type of deep breathing/ meditation exercise when I feel everything closing in. I concentrate on my breathing for a few minutes and try not to think too much. Then try to figure out if I truly have anything to be worried about or if it is just anxiety. If there is nothing to worry about (or nothing I can do about it), then I tell myself so and remind myself of all the good things in my life. Just sitting there and concentrating on being calm often makes me feel better.

I hope this helps. Please know you don't have to spend your life feeling out of control or crazy. You are neither. You just may need a little help getting back on track. If you have any questions or just need to talk, please contact me.

S.

Your hormones are crazy right now. Please tell your doctor.

My sister-in-law had postpart depression and it can be very serious if you don't get it treated. You would be suprised how many women have this. I would recommend going to see you OB-GYN and see if he/she can prescribe you something. You won't have to be on it forever just for a little while. You definatley aren't alone in this and you aren't loosing your mind.
J. B

D. you are not crazy! Call your OB today!!!! I had problems after my last child was born but it took until I stopped breastfeeding. There are any many great options out there that are safe for you and your baby if you are nursing

Please call your regular Dr. to see about getting evaluated for post partum depression. It is quite possible it will pass, but there are some really good options out there that can help you through this. Sometimes after child birth, if you do suffer from post partum depression, your body may need a jump start out of it, There are some good medications out there that can help with this. Everyone is different in how they react to them, but for most mom's that do need the help, it is a God send! Post partum depression can become serious if in fact that is what you have. It is all of the hormonal and chemical changes your body goes through. Not your fault! I repeat, Not your fault! You can't help this. It just happens to some women. The important thing to know is that there is good help out there for it. With the right treatment program for you, you can get back to normal and feel on an even keel very soon. I would stress to get outside and walk everyday. Feel the sunlight on your face. Something about the sunlight and walking to release the endorphins are very helpful and can also assist in the depression. Although you will have to go easy on the walking, since it has only been a few weeks, but you should be able to go slowly and take it easy. Hope you feel better soon.

D.,
Immediately make an appointment with your doctor!!!
You have obviously been through an extreme amount of stress recently as well as the joy of giving birth to your son.
With all of these ups & downs there are also the hormonal changes to deal with. If you want info. on postpartum depression there are some good web sites, just google postpartum depression & begin reading, even though the symptoms you read may not fit your situation entirely, you still would benefit enormously from letting your OB/GYN know ALL the symptoms and feelings you are having!!!
Keep your head up & God Bless you!!

D.,

I went through very similar symptoms after my daughter was born. I didn't think it was serious, so I never looked for treatment. Please don't wait! Since I never got treatment, my symptoms worsened and finally 2 years ago, I got help. My life is so much better now! If you had an infection, you would treat it. This is not much different. If you don't treat it, it can get into every aspect of your life.

Good luck, and if you need more, please, feel free to contact me.

Just wanted to jump in and lend support! Go see your doctor and if he/she is not receptive and supportive, go and see another doctor! This is not a strange, crazy, weird thing, it is completely normal in many instances. I had post-partum, too. A good doc can make a world of difference...and a nice walk in the sunshine...and some female companionship time...and a bubble bath...MAKE TIME FOR YOU!

I'm all too familiar with postpartum depression. After my twins were born 2 years ago, I felt trapped, overwhelmed, and I cried all the time. I felt this way for 5 weeks before I got help from my doctor. I look at pictures of my little ones during that time and all I can thing about is how crappy I felt during that time. It's only understandable that you're feeling like you do because you've had a major lifestyle change and your hormones have gone down the drain. It was only after I seriously contemplated driving my minivan into the back of a truck that I got help. My doctor put me on Zoloft and it helped tremendously. I would recommend you see your doctor as soon as possible, and if your OB can't see you soon, try a regular family practice doctor (that's what I had to do). An antidepressant can help normalize the chemicals in your brain, so that you can start to feel better.
I wish you all the best!

Hi D.,

First, fast for 24 hours (or l2 if you can't make it for 24) & then have a COMPLETE blood work up, especially & including your Thyroid. This is VERY important. Then go to your OBGYN & have a complete checkup, including blood work for your female hormones. If all that comes back normal, THEN go see a Psych. Your doctor can refer you to one. Whatever you do, DO NOT take Cymbalta. It is extremely difficult to get off of. I recommend Lexapro if an antidepressant is deemed necessary. It is mild & easy to get off of. I also recommend Xanax for anxiety, but of course you & your doctor will have to decide what is necessary. I went through what you're going through after my son was born in '98 & it turned out to be both Postpartum & Hypothyroidism.

http://thyroid.about.com/od/hormonepregnantmenopause1/a/p...

Take Care & Good Luck,

C.

D.

It sounds like you have a combination of a lot of emotions all at one time. Postpartum Depression is possible, since there seemed to be some issues on your mind already. It is very treatable and actually very normal after giving birth. Talk to your doctor now, and get the help you need early. Of course you are not losing your mind. You just have a plate that is really full right now. Just a 4 year old and a new born is a lot, as much as we love them. Make the call to your doctor and you will feel a lot better after having a talk with him.

Good Luck and take a little time for you to heal.
S. Miller

One of our Great Personal Physicians is the Lord

Hi D.,
Frankly, with all that you have been through you should be worried if you wern't depressed. My daughter had post-partum depression and the symptoms sound the same. Get help. There are measures that the doctor can take to ease this difficult time for you. You've been through a lot...take care of yourself...now. Good luck and keep us posted.
W. Q

You are not crazy!! You have been thru a lot and I think your hormones are still crazy from your pregnancy. Speak to your doctor about what you are feeling and I am sure he can help. My daughter has a 9 month old and she is calling the doctor today because she says her hormones are still not back to normal. Hope this helps and God bless you and your little family!!
J.

Sounds like you have it. Talk to your doctor and let your husband know that you think this is what you have.

D., I am not a DR. but I did suffer from post partum, you need to see your DR asap if DR finds you are post partum or suffering from depression ask for Lexapro, its great you will feel better within days and no weight gain.

D., Please see your doctor right away. These are definitely signs of depression, and since you are in the postpartum period, this can be exaserbated! There is help, and you should see a doctor who can help you! Hugs and prayers for you!

D., just the hormone surge alone after having a baby is enough to cause PPD and you have so much more on your plate. Your comments about panic and separation anxiety would lead me to be concerned you are suffering a form of PPD rather than just having baby blues. Please call your OB and tell him/her your symptoms. There are medications that you can take that are safe even during BF, and can help you feel better. As things even out, you'll be able to work with your doctor to wean yourself off.
I had PPD with my first, and now that I look back, I really wish I had reached out for help.
Additionally, you might want to seek counseling from a minister or counselor to help deal with all the things you are going through - you are undergoing a lot of stress.
I pray your baby is healthy, what a big boy, congratulations! Feel better soon.

I went through these same things and found out 14 months later when I started having major panic attacks and couldn't breathe that it was post partum. Do yourself and your family a favor and don't wait to see your doctor. Do it NOW. I went on meds and it brought me back to myself in no time. I am in the process of getting off of them now because we are currently trying for our second. Please be very honest with yourself and your doc. I have a wonderful husband and a beautiful son and I thought I could handle it all. I put them through a lot of impatience and I am sorry that I let my pride get in the way. You are not alone and it is nothing to be ashamed of. It is an imbalance in the chemicals in your brain. After I realized this it was much easier to deal with. Please e-mail me at ____@____.com if you need to further talk about it. God bless you and your beautiful family.

Wow! You have reason to feel anxiety and depression. But- you can get help. It doesnt have to last. It seems like it will- but with hormones- it seems to change slowly. If you are like me- and want to try natural products first- I'd go to the health food store and ask for sugestions. Do research first online for natural supplements to help anxiety and depression. Last - but- NOT LEAST..... try using progesterone cream- everyday. A good one is Emirita brand. It is a natural antidepressant and relaxer. Give it some chance. Good luck to you. Focus on ur sweet baby.
J. L.

Dear D., You are such a sweetheart, May God watch over you and give you a sound mind.God Bless you and your family.You're in my prayers.Yes...I've felt what you're talking about.What I've found to work are standarized phytosterols.It is non-toxic at any amount.It really balances you.I'd encourage you to eat low glycemic, eat raw fruits & vege's, drink water. Are you getting sleep?If you're in the Tulsa area.Tonight Dr. KB Austin is having a health seminar for FREE.Talking about health & foods.She's a phd psychotherapist.The class is at 7p.m.@ theHyatt Pl. (71 st & Yale)Mon. Call me.M. ###-###-#### ww.healthyanswersonline.com

That is wonderful that you recognize that you need some help! You sound a lot like me after my first was born. The whole first 6 weeks were a fog of crying and feeling completely out of control and helpless. I wish I had recognized it and gotten treatment. I came out of it on my own, but when I felt sad again for no apparent reason after my second son's delivery, I got counseling and was put on a mild antidepressant. I honestly can't say the counseling helped a whole lot, but the help of the medication was wonderful. Some people caution against medicating for depression because they say it just "masks" the problem. For me though, it helped take the edge off of the "funk" I was in, and let me enjoy my life and children. I was off of it within several months, and back to normal. Of course medication is not for everyone, but I wanted to share with you my experience. Talk to your OB/GYN. They have a lot of experience with this, can refer you to a counselor, and can prescribe medication if the 2 of you decide that is what you need. Good luck!

Sounds a lot like postpartum. Try not to worry too much it is very managable with hormones and/or temporary anti-depression meds. I went thru a very similar time after my hysterectomy. Thought I had lost my mind, then my doctor told me it was postpatum...well a version of it anyway. With some mild anti-depressants and a whole lot of support and patience from my friends and family I worked thru it. My suggestion would be to talk to your OBGYN and voice your concerns...waiting won't help this situation. Best of luck D..

It does sound like post partum depression to me. I had it too and it was so strange to feel like everything was closing in on me and I would get overwelmed with the smallest things and I was really paranoid too. I was breastfeeding so chose not to take any medications, but my doctor told me one of the best things you can do is exercise. There is something about getting up and moving causes certain chemicals in your body to help with the depression. For me what worked best was walking around the block. I would get up every day and put the kids in the double stroller and walk for at least 20 or 30 minutes. If there is bad weather go to the mall or some other indoor walking place. Just getting out in the fresh air away from the house helped me too. My doctor also said housework does not count as exercise. I would definitely check with your family doctor to see what works best for you.
Hope this helps! KT
P.S. After reading at some of the other responses I just wanted to add that I also had blood testing done and found out I had hypothyroidism also which can also cause depression if not treated. About 6 months after I had my daughter I was having tingling in my arms and legs along with the depression. After some blood tests I found out about the hypothyroidism. The medication for that also helped with my depression symptoms. But the walking and excersice definately helped also. Check with your doctor! God Bless!

I have four month old (my third) and I had postpartem depression for a little while. It has faded now, and I think it is due to the fact that I talked to my doctor right away-- she prescribed some meds, but also a natural regimen which was so helpful that I didn't end up needing the meds. She had me continue my pre-natal vitamins, added B-complex, 1000 mil. of calcium (those flavored chews are good!), lots of water, and lots and lots of rest. If you can't get a little help with the baby (to rest) then maybe the meds will be the route you need to go (I had a highschool girl come after school for a while for a few hours to hold/play with my baby and or/toddlers so I could rest) and friends brought meals for a few weeks.
I'd never been depressed before and it scared me, but my husband was so supportive (it is important to TALK and not hold it in, let your husband, your doctor or a good friend know exactly how you are feeling a few times a day.)
It is important to know that you are struggling with real life issues too, NOT just hormones, because they always make it harder (in other words, the situations you described could make anyone depressed, let alone a brand new mom) and your body, mind, heart, needs all the help you can get recouperated from pregnancy and birth! I don't know if you pray, but make sure you do something that can give your heart some peace and assurance too.

Wow, you have had a lot going on in your life and it's no wonder that your stress level is through the roof. Hang in there! There are so many things that we can't control and it is easy to feel that out of control feeling. The one thing we can control is our behavior. Postpartum depression is very real and you might need to discuss this with your doctor if you feel it is severe and lasts more than a couple of weeks. It is normal to feel this after pregnancy because of the HUGE change in hormones and usually a lack of rest. When I went through a very unexpected emergency surgery, I had a period of anxiety and would cry at everything for a couple of weeks. My husband and sisters were wonderful about it all but did agree that it was totally unlike the very independent and strong person that I was. They helped me to laugh about it and it passed as I recuperated. Take lots of deep breaths, take care of yourself and those beautiful children you are blessed with. The other matters will fall in to place.

I went through the same thing off and on in my twenties and after both of my children were born. My doctor had me take a test on his computer and deduced that I have a panic disorder. I do take medication, zoloft, for this problem. Before the medicine, I would get very anxious, hyperventilate, I didn't want to leave my home. I would get very emotional and panicky. With the meds, I can function normally. I even work now and socialize very normally. I am 42 now, my doctor says I will probably be on the medication for the rest of my life. But at least I have one now. See your doctor, you may just need short term meds.or maybe just rest and a little help around the home. Take my advice, don't wait too long to get help. This problem can be very debilitating. I had to stay with my Mom a few weeks at a time on occassion, because I couldn't function at all.I hope things get better for you.

Sounds like post-partum depression to me. See immediate help! You really don't want to end up one of those moms we see on the news because your drown all your children. Call the dr. right now. Then call your husband and tell him you need serious help. Since you are normally level-headed, I'm sure he's noticed this change in you as well and will be glad to help you get help.

This is not your fault. Hormones are touchy and you've been through so much, your brain is just protecting itself! Get some help and then relax and enjoy those beautiful little ones.

sounds like you are going through some post partum depression...call your doc and see if you can't get a mild anti-depression med like Elavil-an old drug that is cheap and useful...you should be fine....also you might find someone who does de-tox (a massage therapist or spa) and get some good liquid vitamins... www.myvemma.com/mtuttle is a great source for these...good luck
M. T

I was the same way with the crying for no reason, but I did not have the bad dreams. I would talk to your doctor about getting a mild anti-depressent, this is very common after giving birth. I am not sure what is going on with your father, but having a baby and losing a loved one and I am sure lack of sleep is enough to send anyone into depression. You don't have to stay on the meds forever, but you may need them to get through a tough time. Call you OB-GYN and they will help you to make the right decision. Good luck with everything.

I would definately go talk to your doctor about it. It sounds to me that it MIGHT be postpartum depression... Or it could be due to the stress and lack of sleep after having a new baby. :) Postpartum depression is nothing to mess with, and I would STRONGLY suggest that you at least tell your concerns to your doctor to ease your mind about what is going on. I had a very short, very minor bout of postpartum depression, which I never got treated for because it did not seem to affect how I functioned. It sounds to me that you are not functioning as you normally would, and with all the stress you are under, AND a newborn on top of it, who blames you? (Certainly not me) I hope you begin to feel better soon and I will keep you in my prayers!! ((HUGS))