post partum depression

Wendy - posted on 10/02/2009

I went through the same thing after the birth of my first and only child. It was a living hell. I would not wish PPD on my worst enemy. Mine started out about a month after. I had severe anxiety, couldn't sleep or eat and I wanted to die. That's when I told my husband that he better get me some help so I went to a hospital where I spend 28 days. It was no picnic, but with the help of some good doctors and good medications I survived. They told me there is no way to measure your hormone levels, especially after just having a baby. There is nothing wrong with taking medications for this illness. If you were diabetic you would take something right? I will check with my doctor to see if he knows of a specialist in your area. Hang in there.

Ruth - posted on 10/01/2009

i thought i might have that cause my mom died a month after my 1st daughter was born; and i don't have any really close fam or friends besides her; but i am so so now; but my neighbor sought treatment for that; & her dr got child services involved; to make sure she wasn't hurting her kids; & she wasn't; but they investigated her and sent medical professionals to her house to evaluate her mental stability

Cheryl - posted on 09/30/2009

emotional/Mental health are the hardest to deal with. "People may say we are going through the same thing but most of the time we think we are alone despite the reassurance of others sharing the exact same issue. Yeah right how can another person feel the same way I do, they could only relate- right?" These were my words after I had my daughter, she is 18 months now. There was alot of friction with my existance and hers for that matter not only did the pregancy take a toll on me there were several deaths in my family: my little Brother was murdered outside my best-friends house, my nephew committed suicide and my uncle died of a heart attack. After all this, several months passed and I had become pregnant once again but I was beginning to feel a little *hope* a new baby meant new beginnings for me. I carried her for 5 months, I gave birth and she died so we buried her. So I can relate to your story of the PPD, I feel for you greatly, if I could get past these barriors, I am hoping you could too, we are women, we are survivors...I did get help medication wise although I found the side effects more unbearable than the actual dispair of PPD..try to be strong we only have one life to live and you just gave birth to a brand new one, here is your chance to start a life out great! I wish you and your family the best of luck

Catherine - posted on 09/29/2009

I suffered ppd for three years after having my daughter. Initially I had suicidal thoughts which included taking my daughter with me, because the thought of leaving her behind was too awful to bear. I cried every day, many times, and would fly into rages out of nowhere. I talked to my doctor but really didn't want to take meds because I was nursing, so I just put my head down and battled through. Being diagnosed with ppd was actually comforting, because up until then I just thought I was losing my mind.
I am lucky and grateful that my mother was close by and came every day to help, and my husband was a rock. When I look back now, what little I can recall seems so horrible, and I realize that I did not go through it alone, even though it seemed so at the time.
My best advice is to get outside in the air at least a couple of times a day, alone if you can, and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. There are lots of ppd groups and your gp should be able to hook you up with a specialist. Or contact the hospital where you received your pre-natal care or had your delivery, and they should have numbers to call and web sites to check out.
Have faith that this will pass, because it does. It takes time, but one day you'll realize that you feel better, and then some time after that, you'll feel like yourself again, and you will love your child and cherish them and not feel so overwhelmed by everything.
I promise, so give yourself a chance.

Bettina - posted on 09/29/2009

ppd can be very serious, i have had it and it was no bed of roses i can assure you all! I have never heard of "creams", and no cream would of helped me! It can be a very serious condition therefore please seek the help of a medical professional. I'm all for health food shops and alternative measures being an old hippy myself, mother of three and granny of three also.Dont take this subject lightly.

Daiqiri - posted on 09/29/2009

I think i have been dealling with the ppd. I have not gone to the doctor cause i dont want to just be given meds for it. i have heard horror stories of what the meds can do. I find that getting out and into the sun, Excercise, being around others helps alot. I really think i will try the progestrone cream from the natural health food store. If there are any other natural ways people have dealt with this please pass the info on.

Jeannie - posted on 09/28/2009

Jennifer, if you don't go to a doctor, at least go to a health food store and get some progesterone cream. My niece was going crazy after her last baby. And ready for a divorce. She got the cream and said the change was incredible. She's human again.

Marcie - posted on 09/28/2009

Hi Jennifer,

I am so sorry for how you are feeling. Just keep in mind that you are not alone, not to blame and with help you will be well. I am a two time survivor of PPOCD and am now a cooridnator for Postpartum Support International. Our organization provides resource information and support for moms and families struggling with postpartum mood disorders. We have coordinators in New Jersey. You can find the closest one to you at www.postpartum.net. We also have chat with an expert phone calls on Mondays and Wednesdays. You can also find that info on the website. I too was hospitalized during my postpartum mood disorder, so know that you are not alone.

Sally - posted on 09/18/2009

I totally agree with Mallroy - getting outside with your baby may help. That beng said I live in Australia and dont have to contend with snow etc. Do you have a mothers group locally? Many many mothers are going through exaclty the same thing and it may help you to talk with others in similar situations. See your doctor and be totally honest with them about how your feeling.

Hope u feel better/get the local suppourt you need soon.

Good luck

Jesusita - posted on 09/18/2009

I remember the days I would not get out of bed. Laying there with the covers over my head as if it would block the world from me. My husband would come in and try to urge me to get up. Medicine was ok but some of the side effects weren't. Then that still small voice from within, it was so soft I almost missed hearing. My own thoughts and feelings were drowning it out. I heard rise up u child of God. I sat up and cried. Cried for what seemed hours. But I rose and just sat and seeked that small vioce from then on. I reminded my self of who I was in Christ. Proverbs 31:10-31 a virtuous woman a child of God. And how Jesus redeemed me Galatian 2:19-20. It was not an over nite victory. But the victory did come. I have five kids, and still now I find myself thinking about crawling back in that bed, but instead I crawl in the Bible and His word. Take it one day at a time, and if you have to walk around the bedroom remembering who you are in Christ do it. All I can say that in time I was able to give up the medicine and walk away from depression. I will pray for you. Love in Christ

Ruth - posted on 09/18/2009

Jennifer, I did not suffer from PPD but do suffer from PMDD (premenstrual dysfunction disorder.) I used to live in South Jersey and participated in a study at University of Pennsylvania involving Zoloft. You know you've changed when your parents say, "You're so much better since you started taking Zoloft!" I don't have mood swings the way I used to - I used to spend 3 to 4 days a month being unreasonably and sometimes violently angry with everything.



I have been taking Zoloft now for the better part of 11 years with no side effects. My doctor in Voorhees was Zinsky (Ob/Gyn) and after I was in the study he was more than happy to write me the script.



I just wanted to encourage you that you are doing the right thing recognizing the issue and seeking help for it.

Mallory - posted on 09/16/2009

Exercise releases seratonin, which is a chemical in the brain that makes you 'feel' better. Certain antidepressants utilize this naturally occurring substance and enhance it. I would encourage you by saying you are doing exactly what you need to by seeking help. Sounds like your doctor is aware of hormonal imbalances that can cause depressive symptoms and will treat you appropriately. Remember that this doesn't last forever. Try to enjoy the little moments with your little one when you are able.

SONYA - posted on 09/16/2009

I'M SORRY I'M FROM IRELAND SO I'M NO HELP WITH DOCTORS BUT MY SISTER SUFFERED WITH SEVERE POST NATAL DEPRESSION FOLLOWING 2 MISCARRIGES. THE GP WAS GREAT AND FOUND THE RIGHT MEDICATION FOR HER. FAMILY IS IMPORTANT AND IT SEEMS YOU HAVE SOME GOOD SUPPORT THERE. ALL I CAN SAY IS DON'T BE AFRAID TO TELL PEOPLE WHEN YOU ARE HAVING A BAD DAY AND DO TRY TO GET UP EVEN IF ITS ONLY FOR AN HOUR. DEPRESSION RUNS IN MY FAMILY SO THAT MAY BE SOMETHING TO LOOK INTO. AMANDA IS RIGHT ABOUT THE EXERCISE. IT HELPED MY SISTER. JUST HANG ON IN THERE PETAL. THAT BABY NEEDS YOU. LOL SONYA.

Amanda - posted on 09/15/2009

I feel for you. My whole family has suffered from depression and other mood disorders. I have four children and my depression seemed to get worse after the birth of each one. My last one, 15 months ago, was when I finally broke down and begged the Dr. for help. He just prescribed meds to me without checking my hormone balance. Each drug is designed to treat each different hormone. You are on the right track, find out what the test says and stay on your Dr. I know this may seem strange, but what also helps me is excersie. I've been taking a class at my local gym every morning and the rest of the day I function better and have more patience with my babies. The days I skip my depression seems worse. The hard part is getting the energy together to go. Also, I found that taking a class as opposed to just working out helped me more. Having someone push me, and being around other people motivated me to working out harder. Hope I helped some. Just hang in there.