post natel depression

Denise - posted on 01/11/2010

I know how you feel. I had my second son December 18 2008 and haven't been myself since. I never went on meds, even though looking back, I should have and still may do it. I would talk to your doctor about the meds and even the possiblity of getting your thyroid checked. Sometimes after childbirth the thyroid can be out of whack and while in most women it works itself out, there are some that it never does and it can become hypo or hyper. While the meds you are on could be more for depression or post-partum, if it's your thyroid, you aren't getting the proper treatment. I would check that avenue and I would also talk to your partner. Just let them know how you are feeling regarding your anxiety, tiredness, feelings of being overwhelmed, sad, angry..whatever it may be, but talk about it. Let them know so that you can work together to get you to feel better. I too feel like I missed out on "enjoying " Wyatt as a baby, but I can't change the past, all I can do is work harder to make the most out of "now". Keep your chin up and the best thing is to talk to others in a support system. Whether it be your partner, a friend, your family or a Mom's support group. Good luck, you are not alone in your feelings, and it does not make you a bad mother. It's just that our bodies and minds can get out of whack with the trauma of childbirth. Take one day at a time and relish the happy moments with your little one.

Heather - posted on 01/11/2010

Do you feel like your medication has helped at all? i feel like it has helped a little but not as much as i want it too Does it make you tired? im always tired i sleep 12 hours per night sometimes more my other half deals with jacob in the mornings and i get up and all i want to do is go back to bed i have tried councilling it just dont seem to work, jacobs slept throgh the night since he was 2 months old so i know its not his sleeping that affects me me and jacob go everywhere together i feel alone without the pram i get very selfconciouse without it and the more im without him the more i get used to it and want to be without him and the pram because i like being myself too much

Carey - posted on 01/10/2010

First off I want to say Good for you for reaching out and talking! Many mothers go thru the same thing you are going thru and never say anything and the results usually end up devastating! I absolutely agree with Kit. Maybe your medication isn't meeting your needs. We are all different and everyone reacts to medication in their own way. There are many different meds out there and you will have to discuss that with your doctor to find what is best for you. Most doctors are very understanding as many mothers experience pnd. I personally have not experienced it but have friends who have. Do you feel like your medication has helped at all? Does it make you tired? Are you sleeping? These can all be very big factors into how you are feeling. I at times can feel a bit overwhelmed as my fiance works a lot and sometimes I feel like a single parent. I started my son on a regular routine on a daily basis and it is rare that we get out of "the routine". If we do it messes with his nap time and bed time at night and I like to take advantage of those times. Nap time is always "me time". I can get the regular day to day things done around the house during that time or on days that I am really tired I myself lay down for a nap too. Bed time is also important because it is the end of the long 12 to 14 hour day and I am ready for that break. I also try to eat healthy and drink a lot of water because if not then I just don't have the energy for anything. I hope some of my suggestions help. Keep talking and asking questions mama, there is a lot of help out there and you are definitly not alone!!!!

Natasha - posted on 01/10/2010

I suffered PND and felt exactly the same as you. I was fantasying about booking a plane trip somewhere and just getting away. What finally turned it around was when my son started sleeping through the night (8.5 months old), drinking 2 ltrs water per day and meeting other mothers with similar aged kids. I joined a pram walking group and we meet most days at the beachfront (summer here in Australia) and we walk an easy 5.6km.
What is your routine like with your son? How often are you getting out and about?

Kit - posted on 01/10/2010

You are far from alone. Hang in there. Talk to people about how you are feeling, sometimes a friend who will listen without judging is even better than a councillor. Talk to your doctor, perhaps the medication isn't quite meeting your needs? I too feel I have missed out on a lot this this time around but things are now slowly improving. I am finally bonding with my son as should have happened from the start. Good support is ESSENTIAL for any kind of depression.

Joana - posted on 01/10/2010

I personally dont know what you are feeling but it doesnt sound like to much fun! Maybe you should try some counseling to see if telling someone how you feel can help you. Children are the biggest blessing in the world and there is no reason for you to have to miss out on that if what is wrong with your emotions can be fixed. I wish you nothing but the very best and I hope that you get to feeling better soon!!!