Anyone struggle with depression and/or anxiety?

Leslie - posted on 02/16/2009

Everyone's advice is great! Exercise, go outside, music is good, medication can also help. Also just try to train yourself to not react immeidately to something or someone. Take a few deep breaths first, that helps!

http://www.lazymoms.com

Shana - posted on 02/16/2009

the adivce from the other woman in the thread is valuable. i dealt with postpardtum depression, it sucked the life out of me and i nearly succeeded in taking my life. i am currently on cymbalta which is a life saver for me and seeing a pychologist, someone who is objective and not emotionally attached to you (such as friends and family) is very helpful. i also found my gynecologist to be very helpful to talk to.

Kyra - posted on 02/16/2009

 

Hello Joy I have just read your story and its so funny cause i went through the exact same thing except im alot younger than you im 21 years old and i have son now who is 13 months and i have been suffering with depression even before i was pregnant like you said its a family trait and i knew that i had to stop talking to my mum and which this has made me alot stronger  i am on medication aswell which has helped me alot aswell but just having my partner and his family around me has been so good and supporting for me. So yes it is nice to know that i am not alone. Kyra

Kamesha - posted on 02/15/2009

Its nice to meet moms that are going through similar situations. My doctor just provided me some medication to take because I fell into a deep depression because my son developed epilepsy at 5 days old. However, I have been afraid to take them, but like Kerri said a work out plan works wonders. I have decided to try and tackle my depression and anxiety naturally before I take the medicine, but yeah once you put your head phones on and listen to your favorite songs and get that good work out it feels great. Treating yourself to a nice day at the salon or spa may also help. Another thing that I have been trying to do is put as much energy into myself that I put into my family being my son and my fiance. So I will be taking real estate courses in 2 weeks so that I can 1;get out of the house and 2; do something that strengths my intelect and efforts of reclaiming who I am apart from my fiance and my mommyism . Sometimes we loose ourselves in mommy, baby, daddy, family world. Maybe some of these things will work for you as they are currently working for me, so far anyway

Kimberly - posted on 02/15/2009

I like Kerri's suggestions, I think they'll help tremendously.   I personally don't like drugs so I use natural medicine but whatever you choose I say seek medical help.  Not popular these days but I'll say it anyways; Prayer.

Kate CP - posted on 02/15/2009

I'm bipolar and one of the most important things to remember is it's okay to take a pill every now and then. I, myself, take a LOT of medication but I'm a fast cycling bipolar with severe manic phases. If you think you need a break hire a sitter or tell hubby you need some time off and go rent a hotel room for a weekend-alone. Enjoy the pay-per-view, room service, and time off. Nothing wrong with getting away every so often.

If you are medicated and you still feel your moods are shifting you need to talk to your doctor asap. Just remember: if you're painting your ceiling at 2:30 in the morning and you're giggling as you do it...you're probably me before medication. ;D

Robin - posted on 02/15/2009

Being a mom is tough.  The kids pull you one way and your husband another.  I have always been upbeat and positive until I had my second daughter less than a year after my first.  I realized I was not coping well when I was constantly snapping at everyone and crying at every single doctors appointment when she would ask me how things were.  She suggested I try Zoloft and that was the best decision for me.  It has helped me through a very difficult time and I know it won't be forever.  I am glad I had a doctor who saw the signs of post partum depression quickly and helped me.  Plus, I have a great group of moms that I can talk to.  I would speak to your doctor.  Good luck.

Joy - posted on 02/15/2009

Quoting Kerri:

There is no shame in taking medication for depression or anxiety but if you dont like medicine here are a few ideas (or even if you do take medication these things will help):  Start an exercise program.  Make a couple of CDs of your favorite  music and listen to it often.  Get involved in a group activity of some sort.  Spend time with friends.  Take walks every day, weather permitting.  Rearrange your furniture.  Start a hobby.  Start a journal of all of the positive things in your life or the things that make you happy.  Do some charity work.  Try to be as upbeat and positive around your kids as possible.  All of these things have helped me in the past!  Good luck! 

Or do what Kerri said lol!  All good suggestions. 

Joy - posted on 02/15/2009

I'm 37 and I've struggled with depression for as long as I can remember.  It's a family trait.  For me, it was about breaking the cycle and learning to love myself without such high expectations.  The minute I truly stopped trying so hard to NOT be like my mother, I stopped seeing her and saw myself for the first time ever.  Depression is like a horrible wave.  It still comes and goes and probably always will.  I just try not to dwell on it.  I don't know about you, but my depression got worse after my son was born.  I had full blown post pardum depression.  I still have waves of it and my son is 16 months old.  Many times, my salvation has come from just talking to someone I know loves me.  I have a wonderful boyfriend and an amazing best friend and they have collectively spent HOURS over the years listening to me "get it out".  They have been better for me than any drug or therapist ever was.  For me, prayer also works.  I don't claim a religion, just a faith in God and that things WILL get better.  I don't know how to tell you to maintain around your kids because my son isn't old enough to really understand yet.  But if you ever need to talk, I'm a good listener.  Maybe knowing that you aren't alone in it will help.  Joy

Kerri - posted on 02/15/2009

There is no shame in taking medication for depression or anxiety but if you dont like medicine here are a few ideas (or even if you do take medication these things will help):  Start an exercise program.  Make a couple of CDs of your favorite  music and listen to it often.  Get involved in a group activity of some sort.  Spend time with friends.  Take walks every day, weather permitting.  Rearrange your furniture.  Start a hobby.  Start a journal of all of the positive things in your life or the things that make you happy.  Do some charity work.  Try to be as upbeat and positive around your kids as possible.  All of these things have helped me in the past!  Good luck!