Am I depressed? Please help!

Meghan - posted on 08/24/2009

I completely agree with everyone! I went through a long stressful PPD after my 3rd child was born and didn't realize what hormones can do to a woman's body. Please seek out you OB/GYN's advice. It's the best thing I could have done! Good Luck!

Lisamarie - posted on 08/24/2009

I would like to thank everyone for their advice, I will definitely take them on bored and go and see my doctor. Thank you all. :)

Helen - posted on 08/24/2009

i forgot to say that you can treat mild depression with homeopathic remedies if you really don't want to take 'drugs' but the most important thing is to talk about how you are feeling mail me if you want to know more, i've managed to swap to homeopathic remedies after 3 years on antidepressers

Firebird - posted on 08/24/2009

Quoting Kelly:

It could be anything. Best to get a babysitter for AN ENTIRE DAY and go to the Dr.
If your budget permits, have a nice, nutritious lunch OUT. People watch, read a magazine, sit in the sun. Give yourself some genuine ME time. I know once I do GET OUT OF THE HOUSE, my mood improves. You're not a bad mommy if you want to be ALONE or with other adults and NO babies / kids. My husband doesn't understand that. Luckily, my Dr. listened and gave me what I needed for my dark grey FUNK.

Great suggestions! Actually my dad was telling me not long ago that he was reading about some studies done that show if you spend even just a few minutes in the sun when you're feeling low that it will help elevate your mood.

Kelly - posted on 08/24/2009

It could be anything. Best to get a babysitter for AN ENTIRE DAY and go to the Dr.
If your budget permits, have a nice, nutritious lunch OUT. People watch, read a magazine, sit in the sun. Give yourself some genuine ME time. I know once I do GET OUT OF THE HOUSE, my mood improves. You're not a bad mommy if you want to be ALONE or with other adults and NO babies / kids. My husband doesn't understand that. Luckily, my Dr. listened and gave me what I needed for my dark grey FUNK.

Firebird - posted on 08/24/2009

You should go see the doctor, but it might not be depression, it could just be that your hormones haven't returned to normal levels. You're probably also somewhat sleep deprived and that will definitely add to the mood swings. So if you do see a doctor about this make sure you mention the other possibilities as you don't want to be on anti depressants if they're not necessary. Good luck

September - posted on 08/24/2009

I'm sorry to hear that you are having such a hard time with your mood swings. I think that the emotions that you are feeling are completely normal. You body is going through a major change with just have given birth to your son. For me it took several weeks to regain control over all of my emotions as there are so many that you are going through at this time. What helped me was to remind myself of all my many blessing and be thankful as some are not as lucky. Focus on your family letting them be the courage to help ground yourself. Your babies need you :) A happy Mom leads to a happy family :) Hang in there it will get better! Good luck and best wishes!

Alison - posted on 08/24/2009

Lisamarie, you are going to get a lot of opinions here, but you really should see a professional. From what I recall, mood swings are considered normal for the first 3 weeks (or maybe six), but if it extends longer, you should talk to your doctor. There are a lot of different forms of depression and a lot of different treatments. Do whatever you can to get some mommy time and do talk to your doctor.



I had a very hard time emotionally after my second child was born. This is a very challenging stage in your life and a lot of husbands really don't get it. Mommy support can also be really helpful. Please keep us updated! Take care.

Amy - posted on 08/24/2009

I feel for you. I had the same problem with my first son. It kicked in right after I gave bith to him. I had a hard delivery and It was not easy. My mom was there for me and told me what I had Post pardom depression. which happens after birth. I took naps when my son slept. When people came over they always wanted to hold and feed him which gave me a break. It was great. I was an older mom of 34 years old. I remember one day My husband went hunting. and I have not been out of the house for a week. I called a friend from church and asked her to watch him so I could go to a meeting to I have been going to for a few years. My husband was wounderful watching him while I did things for myself.but until the dression left me it took a year and a half or so. It was hard but managed.

Karen - posted on 08/24/2009

Lisa..
Hopefully you can have a chat with your doctor.. Remember that your hormones are going to be all over the place too! I was about your age when mine were little.( they are close in age! VERY! LOL Try to find a few minutes each day even if its only 10 or so at a spurt that is just you... an example: find a book that interests you and make enough time (even if you have to sneek into the bathroom!) to try to read part of /or one whole chapter.The escape for your brain is usually welcomed! one child is hard enough , adding another can be overwhelming.. Best wishes hon!

Dusty - posted on 08/24/2009

I am right where you are. I have a son who just turned 2 in June and I have a baby who is going to be 5 months old this Wednesday. I am 23 and a stay at home mom. My husband is always telling me what I need to do better in raising our children, but he is gone (at school) most of the time. I have been somewhat depressed since my second son was born. Mostly mood swings but I find that it does help if you talk to someone about it. I agree you should find a program in your area that does home visits for post natal care. You are young and I don't mean to sound presumptuous but you may qualify for some free to low income family care. I did it. I took advantage of every service that would send someone out to my house for free. If only for someone to talk to. I don't really have friends so it was nice to have someone there to talk to that had good advice to give. I also recommend seeing your doctor. There are some antidepressants that you can take even if you are nursing. Good luck, I hope things get better for you.

Gail - posted on 08/24/2009

Lisamarie,



congrats on your newborn baby. your family pic posted is so sweet. the answer I have for you is good nutrition...that is what the body needs to work and function properly. Please feel free to contact me back...I would be happy to call and share my story. Have a great day....

Lyndsey - posted on 08/24/2009

Lisamarie, Postnatal Depression is a huge term, sounds a bit scary too. Having a baby is very emotional and your body will be trying to adjust still after birth. Its good to cry, you are showing your feelings. I completely understand as i have two daughters myself aged 3 and a 1 yrs. You have alot on your plate with a new bundle, your other daughter, a husband to tend to and a house to keep. But YOU can't do everything on your own, although you may think you should be able to your not super women. Don't worry explain to you husband how you've been feeling, let him take some of the pressure off your shoulders- feeding, keeping your eldest daughter busy playing or take her out whilst you have a rest when baby is sleeping. Friends and family members could also do this for you if you can ask.
If your not feeling better in yourself within 2-3 weeks then consider going to the doctors for help and advice on what else you could do.
Postnatal Depression covers lots of feelings Lisamarie and shouldn't be used lightly.

Hope this helps, take care x

Kristin - posted on 08/24/2009

I have been exactly where you are at! The best thing is for you go to your doctor and describe exactly what is going on with you...i did the same thing one moment i would be happy and easy going and then the next i would be the worst person to be around!! I never wanted to do anything...me and my husband would get in exsplosive arguements...I went and saw my doctor and she prescribed me some medicine that has helped me tremendously!!! I now want to go and do things, my kids and husband are happier because i'm happier!! trust me it will be so much better if you get some help..i was the same exact age when i had my 2nd child..it's alot to handle when you are so young and can't do the things other people your age are doing...it took a toll on me...even though i would do anything for my children..it's just hard when alot of people your age don't understand the new life that you have!! if you need to talk or anything just write me..i understand completely what your going through!! :)

Stacey - posted on 08/24/2009

Lisamarie, I went through clinical depression and anxiety when I was a teen, what you are describing sounds like the normal 'lows' of just having given birth, probably being sleep deprived, getting used to a new baby, etc. When I was depressed, My mood was low almost all of the time, It was an effort to act happy around people so as to not come across as a total cow, i was lonely - but felt uncomfortable around friends and loved ones, I had bad insomnia, I had no energy to do anything - not even the things I usually enjoyed doing, all I wanted to do was sleep to escape from everything.

When my kids were newborn, I cried at times and felt like I wasn't coping, its an emotional time - especially if your baby is not a good sleeper, has colic, not feeding well, etc. We just need to remind ourselves that it gets easier (usually), but if you are worried or want some help, go to your Doctor or contact a service that offers home visits/support from midwives or other specialists if you have that available. Oh, & the thing with you and your husband arguing and you ending up in tears, I've done that many a time too, babies can put a strain on relationships.

Helen - posted on 08/24/2009

lisamarie please go and see your doctor, it does sound like you have a little bit of pdd, which is absolutely normal. your mood swings will be due also to your hormones kicking back in but you really should see someone. I felt just like that after the birth of my first son and didn't do anything about it. I went on to suffer from depression for years. it's good you are looking for help even if it's just from us other mums. If you need to vent out a bit you know where i am

Djoanna - posted on 08/24/2009

Hi,im Djoanna. From what i have experienced from past childbirth what you feel is normal bec. you just gave birth. You just have to keep yourself busy and try not to be too sensitive. It will be gone in a few months.

Madison - posted on 08/24/2009

Hi Lisamarie, i am sorry you are feeling like this but like the other mom suggested you should see your doctor as it does sound like post natal depression and if you don't get help for it sometimes it gets out of hand. I see you have another child and I know how you feel as I have three children of my own. After I had my first two I was fine and got on with life but after my third daughter i felt like the world just hated me and i couldn't do anything right and it was all too overwhelming and even though i thought i was coping i really wasn't. also i found finding someone to talk to also helped me to get through the day. anyway hope you find this helpful. good luck with your new baby :)

Vivien - posted on 08/24/2009

go n see your doctor you are probably suffering from post natal depression