Post Partum Depression?

Jenny - posted on 07/28/2009

I thought I would as I have had depression isues in my past but I did not experience it. My MIL ended up seperating from my partner's dad because of PPD. 26 years later the spark is returning. They are so cute!

Traci - posted on 07/28/2009

Luckily, I've never had anything like that. With my last baby I got "baby blues" where I just cried a lot. But that was only because I knew she was my last baby (supposed to be anyway, me and my hubby's parents are begging for another one ;) ) and I'd never again have a newborn of my own. I cried a lot for the first two weeks after I had her....but that's it. Everytime my husband mentioned getting the ol' snip snip, I'd break out in tears, so finally he quit asking...and I'm glad because now he's considering one more ;)

JL - posted on 07/28/2009

I had PPD after my first child the combination of being a new mom, far away from family, overly tired, and with a husband who was constantly gone after awhile got to me. At first my PPD was mild but after my husband was deployed for a year when my daughter was 10 months old the PPD went from mild to overwhelming..not in a I want to hurt my kid way but in a I am so depressed I cannot pull it together and stop crying. I already have anxiety so my anxiety levels went throught the roof and I lost way too much weight and started chain smoking. My doctor put me on Zoloft which I stayed on until my husband came back home. After having my second child I had a few bouts with my anxiety and depression but I was able to work through without meds because I was living in an area where my family was closer and they were able to come in and help me when I was needed a break. I feel like one the main problems is that as moms we feel like when someone asks how we are doing that we are expected to respond with the everything is great I love being a mom when in reality sometimes we want to say that we are tired, overwhelmed, frustrated, not in the mood to smile, and want a break from our kids. I have to remind myself everyday to not feel guilty about my the feelings I am entitled to have. YES I love my kids but sometimes I do get irritated with them and I want as well as need a break.

Joy - posted on 07/28/2009

I had PPD pretty bad but didn't really "deal" with it other than to talk my best friend's ear off (and my husband's). I mentioned it to my doctor at my 6 week check up after Jacob was born and was offered medication. I refused it, because I've been on a bunch of different anti depressants in my life and none of them ever work, and if they do, they don't work for long. My best line of defense against depression has always been "talk therapy". So I talked. For hours each day some days. And I always made sure to keep an eye on my "symptoms" and to let someone know what was going on. Thankfully, it never got to the point where I hurt my son. However, I can't tell you how many times I had to lay him in his crib, shut the door and walk away for a few minutes. Although I didn't hurt my son, I can see why some women do. I'm not saying it's right, but that I had the presence of mind and self control to not go that far. Some women aren't that way. I definitely think that if I ever have another baby, I'll just go on the meds from the begining. It may not work for long, it may be a temporary fix, but it's better than trying to "be stong" on my own.

ME - posted on 07/28/2009

I completely agree with you Sara, and I'm glad that your situation turned out well. I've heard and read a lot of arguments that there is "no such thing as PPD"...and that we over medicate americans, blah, blah, blah...I find it amazing that anyone could assume that a person who kills or harms their child DOESN'T have psychological problems of varying degrees...but Psychology is not always a very respected field of treatment...people who seek treatment from therapists are often negatively stereotyped as "crazy" rather than sick...I know I didn't include all of that in my OP...but there's some clarification...

Sara - posted on 07/28/2009

I had some issues with it after the birth of my daughter. I, too, sought medical help and have been doing well since. It was really difficult though, but thank God it didn't get to the point where I thought of hurting my baby. Have you ever read Brooke Shields' book "Down Came the Rain". It's pretty good, and it really hit home with me. I don't think that PPD is something to mess around with, if you even suspect that you have it you need to talk to your doctor.