Seeking Moms with Post Partum Depression

I too work in the grocery industry, am 23, and am suffering from depression. Its been nine weeks since delivery, and prior to getting pregnant I was never depressed, in fact most people thought I was too happy all the time, I just don't stress over anything. But now the littlest thing can send me over the edge on an emotional rollercoaster and my husband is getting used to having to hand off a tissue. I have never been an emotional person, so the constant crying spells are really getting to me. I feel guilty that I have a beautiful healthy baby and yet I am not happy and excited about everything all the time. I thought that it would get better on its own, and so far it has not. Today was the first time that I admitted that I had a problem and talked to my doctor. I was referred to a mental health clinic but I am really scared to go or call. I thought that I could manage this all by myself, because I have always been able to talk myself out of the blues, but this is more than that. I know they are going to want to perscribe something, but I don't think the solution is always medication. Have you found anything that helps at all?

I felt the exact same way. Finally went to see my doctor who immediately wanted to test me for an hormone imbalance. I took a blood test to check my thyroid and did a pretty extesive Female Hormone test which basically involved taking saliva samples throughout the month. Found out that I am very low in progestone which made me really high in estrogen. I am taking progesterone supplements, until my body naturally starts to make the right amounts on its own. After 2 weeks, I feel FANTASTIC! My doctor beleives that all women should get their hormones checked after labor, no matter how they feel. I strongly recommend you go to your doctor and demand to be testesd. You will be amazed how much better you will feel.

I was diagnosed with PPD after the birth of my son 15 months ago, I was perscribed Zoloft which worked wonders I was only on it for 10 months and am feeling terrific now. This was my fourth pregnancy but the first time I developed PPD. Talk to your doctor. I has nothing to do with your mothering it is a chemical imbalance in the brain. Please talk to your doctor it will help. Let me know what happened C.

Hi E.,

Your not alone! I had depression really bad after my first and now she is 2 1/2. I never really talked about it with anyone. I now have a second daughter that is 10 months old and my depression never went away completly. I didn't want to go on any medicine. So I tried to deal with it myself. Of course that didn't help. I started taking a health drink called MonaVie. Its all natural, and made up of 19 different health promoting fruits. I feel great! The main fruit is the Acai Berry. Studies are showing that the Acai Berry makes your body do what it is naturally supposed to do. I still have my moments, but I think everyone does. lol. I became a distributor because I wanted to share this with everyone and help as many people I could. Please contact me if you are interested in learning more. ____@____.com, take care T. Q

Go to your OB and tell him/her what's going on with you! I had the same thing happen to me but it started while I was pregnant and I was miserable. No, anti-depressents aren't for everyone but they ARE for a lot of us!

The hardest thing for me was just saying it out loud to a real person. Although our culture has gotten better about depression, it is still looked at as a weakness or mental illness a lot of the time and I think that's just ridiculous. The depression comes about because your body is not producing enough of certain hormones. So, it's really no different that a person who's diabetic. Their body doesn't produce/process sugars correctly so they take insulin shots. We would never dream of telling a diabetic that it's just all in their head and that they should simply "choose" to change it.

Depression is a chemical thing that's going on in your body that your body isn't being able to control on its own. You may only need anti-depressents for a few months. You made need them for a few years. You made need them for the rest of your life. I, myself, was on them for 4 years. I wouldn't hesitate to go back on them, though, if I found myself feeling that way again. Taking a pill once a day is such a small price to pay for wellness that benefits you, your husband, your children, your work, your play, etc.

My only other bit of advice is, if you're put on a drug and you don't feel any better in two weeks, TELL YOUR DOCTOR!! There are several different kinds out there and different ones work differently on different people. My drug of choice is Prozac. I have a friend that was put on it, though, and it did nothing for her. I've been on Welbutrin before and got nothing but it works wonders for my friend. So, if it doesn't work, try something else. All antidepressents are not created equal!

Good luck, dear! Depression is a difficult thing, especially with a new baby. You deserve to be blissfully happy with Olivia and your husband!

You are not alone. :) I'm currently on Wellbutrin after almost divorcing my husband and wanting to leave my baby behind many months ago. My husband and I went to marriage counseling and it was "suggested" that I talk to the doctor about PPD...and I've taken the medication since and actually feel "normal" again.

The best "advice" I can give, if any is; Relax. Don't beat yourself up. Even the "best" mommies have doubts about their mothering skills but as long as we do the best we can...that's all we can do. I have learned that if the house isn't spotless or the baby isn't perfect or me, for that matter...it's okay. There will always be SOMEONE who thinks we "should" (I hate that word!) be doing something different/better! Also, DO NOT think that you're bothering anyone when you need to talk...that is the worst part of depression, it makes you think you are "crazy" and no one wants to listen to you...and then you become isolated and it just gets worse. So TALK to your husband and friends and family.

You'll get through this...you're not alone. :)

Depression after birth ruined my first marriage. I was out of sorts bad. I never reached out for help because I did not know what was happening to me.

I experienced it again about 5 yrs later. I take 5mg of lexapro a long with meditation. Don't take out your frustration on your hubby or yourself. Its probably just a slight imbalance because you are overworked and went through childbirth etc.! It does a real number on you. Get some help. Youwill be glad you did!

Hang in there sister!

My daughter is now 2 but for the first year of her birth I had the worse depression. I didn't want anything to do with her or anyone else around me. The thing that worked for me was taking depression meds, I don't like taking drugs as a general rule, but I couldn't do it on my own. And if you are breast feeding and worried about the effect on the baby, I believe they have some low dose that may help with out affecting your child. Good luck though in what you decide.

Hi E.! My name is K. and I suffered from ppd after two out of three of my kids. With my third I started Zoloft before I had him, to be sure I wouldnt have to go through it again. It is so hard, and you feel so lonely. What I found helped me is to be active and I lost 89 lbs. I now have things that I enjoy doing that I couldnt do before, such as running, long walks, coaching my sons soccer, etc. I am planning to have another baby in a few years, and I pray I wont have ppd again. I hope you feel better, feel free to contact me! ____@____.com

E.,

Talk to your OB. Postpartum depression can set in any time that first year after your baby's birth. There is help available.

:-)T.

Hi E.,

I too struggled with Post Partum depression...it was BAD. I was in ICU after having my daughter and wasn't able to see her until 4 days after I had her. After that much time, she was like a stranger to me, and I had a horrible time with post partum blues. Have you read the book "Down Came the Rain" by Brooke Shields? It was very powerful for me to read. However, I finally had to turn to anti-depressants (Zoloft) to be exact. They helped immensely and I was able to stop taking them after about 3 months. I will never forget the sadness I felt. And the guilt I felt for having it because I had everything I wanted. Just know it is not in your control. Talk to your doctor. Good luck.

J.
Roseburg, OR

Hi E.,

You know, I read somewhere, I think in What to Expect When You're Expecting, that somewhere around 4 months after the birth of your child, you may experience depression, sadness, any or all of the feelings you may have experienced after giving birth. This is due to the final pregnancy/baby/mother/crazy/Iwannacryrightnow! hormones circulating, and leaving your body. I think the best defense for any mother is to read and be informed about all aspects of childbearing/childrearing, because as you know, there's so much more to all of it than just labor & delivery. I, too, experienced PPD until my son was about 18 months old, and with my daughter, it only lasted a few weeks, but around 4 months after I had her, I felt all these things coming back again. I try to get out by myself when I can, because feeling overwhelmed with the demands of children can compound your feelings of depression. And talking about it with your husband can do wonders! And if you think it's bad enough to get on medication, don't hesitate! They have great things that really work, too. Please let us know how it all turns out for you. Take care.

K.

Okay. We sound exactly the same. My husband is also home with the baby and I work full time. He is also on disability. Just finally received the first payment last month. It has been over two years that I have been paying for EVERYTHING. I also worked right up until I delivered. I had postpartum as well. I did go on medication but it made me gain alot of weight. So I stopped. I work full time but at a hospital so I work three 12 hour shifts. I started going to strollerstrides which is an excersize class that you take your babies with you. It has changed my life:} I love it. My son is a year old now, so I'm over the months of colic and what not. You should try it. It really helped me. I still feel like I do everything and miss out on my handsome little man taking his first steps, etc. I am also deeply in love my husband, but I still resent him I think. Anyways. hope this helps. Get ahold of me if you want and we can do coffee or shopping or anything! J.

Hi there, my name is C., I too had ppd after my last couple were born. I have 6 kids. As long as you have an understanding husband you will get thru this. He just needs to be strong enough to know that your feelings arent his fault. The first bought I had lasted almost 6 mo. I found it very helpful to schedule my me time.IE nails hair, pedcure...things like that. I also tried to go on a mini date with my hubby once a week.With all our kids it was usually after the kids went to bed and we would make some popcorn and watch a movie on the couch. This last time I also had my tubes tied.So I am still going thru some anguish knowing I cant have anymore. Just rry to stay positive. If you have any close friends keep in touch with them. Even if its over the phone! Kids are a wonderful blessing and I bet you are a great mom! Good luck And GOD Bless. PS Merry Christmas!

Hello E.-
My name is Jen and I am a 30 mother of one 21 mo boy and happily married as well!
I had severe post partum depression after my son was born. I constantly was crying over anything and everything. I was sooo happy but felt so sad and overwhelmed all the time. My OB Dr. said to me, "Jen, I really want you to be able to enjoy this experience and just want to put you on an anti-depressant until your hormones regulate which usually takes 6-12 months."
I am a RN as well and know that antidepressants are not very everyone, but I firmly believe that they are a life saver when they are needed. I got off of them after 9 months and am doing remarkable. Don't get me wrong, not every day is easy but I am much more able to cope with things now that my body is getting back to normal and I got the help I needed when I needed it.
Hope this helps a little.
Good luck,
Jen G:)