My Daughter is now 6 months old and I just started to get PPD about 1 1/2 months ago. It hit around the time that my milk started to dry up and I was no longer able to breast feed her. I have had a past of depression before but always knew how to handle "everyday depression" as I call it, but it has not been the case with PPD. I feel like I am on a roller coaster of emotions. I have not gotten as bad as not wanting to take care of my beautiful little girl, but I think that's just because I've learned how to deal with most depression and do what you have to do no matter how bad you feel. I have an appt on Thurs with the doc, but I'm wanting to get info from other moms that may have some advise as well. I don't want to be put on anti depressents, but if so be it, then I will. Please Help!
2 days later...Well, I had to reschedule my appt because my daughter has been very sick with the stomach virus that has been going around so we'll see what the doc says next thurs.
well, I'm suppose to go to my appt tomorrow, but guess what... I'm snowed in... I'll just have to call and reschedule AGAIN....ahhhh! At least my hubby is snowed in with me so I don't think I'll go completely insane... :)
PSI Postpartum Support International
UTAH STATE COORDINATOR: GINGER LAW
Salt Lake Regional Medical Center
1050 E. S. Temple
Salt Lake City, UT 84102
http://www.postpartum.net/
Telephone: ###-###-####
Do you have an opportunity to be around other moms? I never went through PPD, but several of my friends have and they said it did help to get around other moms! I guess the adult interaction helps! And lets face it, adult interaction helps all moms, depressed or not! I was getting depressed a few months ago, and I started a mommy and me playgroup and it sure has helped to be around other moms and their children! Good luck, I hope you start feeling better! Take care!
First off I want to say I'm sorry for what you are going through. I went through it with both of my children. It was very very sevier. I had thoughts of hurting both of my boys. It was a disturbing time in my life. If you need an open ear do not hesitate to send me a message.
What so many women (and sadly so many doctors) do not understand is that Postpartum Depression is not like most depression. It is not caused by a lack of Serotonin in the brain. It is caused by HORMONES.
The Anti-depressants will help you. However, be prepared for some setbacks. You may have to try Many different kinds of anti-depressants before one works for you. It is also not going to be a fast fix. Most Anti-depressants take three weeks before they start to take effect. You also need to be prepared for the effects that anti-depressants can have.
Most will make your love life take a nose dive. They also have the ability to make you suicidal. (this was the case with me) Some may make you sleepy. So sleepy that you can not function through out the day. There are sooo many side effects and you will never know what will effect you until you try them.
30 Minutes of excersise, or St. Johns wort,or both, is a great alternative. Do not go and buy it at the Wal-mart or any retail store.They are not the same. You would do better to go to a GNC or other alternative medicine store.
The best thing I ever did was go and see a doctor by the name of Mark Curtis. He practices over at Cottonwood Hospital He KNOWS about Hormones and PPD. He is the leading expert this side of the Mississipii.And he actually cares about what you are going through. If you want his number please send me a message.
Hi J.,
I was diagnosed with PPD at my sons 6 month apt. I take Wellbutrin and I really like it. It doesn't make me feel numb or emotionless like some meds I've been on. Counseling is great. It helps you understand that your feelings are normal and that you'll be O.K. Excercise rocks. You feel better about yourself and you have that mom time that every mother needs. Find a gym with a daycare and enjoy the time for yourself.
Mare
I too have experience PPD with my first child and went on anti-depressants when he was about 6 months old and then they decided to test my thyroid (which has a lot of the same symptoms) and it was on the fritz as well. I do know that my PPD always got better once I was done nursing and my son weaned himself at 1 year. I stayed on the anti-depressants through our second child and she just weaned a few weeks ago (18 months) and I am feeling tons better, i.e., more engery, sleeping better, just all around feel brighter. I am now off my anti-depressants and feeling great. Don't be afraid to take the meds - if you were a diabetic would you refuse insulin if that's what you needed? Just food for thought! good luck and hang in there!
J. - I also suffered from PPD. The doctor's just wanted to put me on an anti-depressant. They put me on Prozac 8 weeks after having my baby. I had a horrible reaction and so quite taking the medication. I tried to deal with the PPD and by the time my son was about 9 months, I realized I needed to do something else. I started going to counseling, which helped, but the main thing that got me through it without medication was exercise! I cannot say enough about how great I felt when I started exercising everyday. Just taking that hour a day for myself helped tremendously. I know there are some people that exercise is not enough, but if you do not want to just have a pill prescribed, try it. You need to make sure and exercise hard enough to get your heart rate up, so that your body's natural endorphins are released. It took a couple of weeks, but I really did start to feel better, had more energy and was able to be a better mother to my son. My son is now 17 months old and I feel terrific. I am still exercising everyday and will continue to do so. I do not think doctors try hard enough to encourage people to exercise. Instead they just seem to want to prescribe a pill for everything. Speak with your doctor about exercise and if he/she feels it may benefit before trying to put you on medication.
Heya chica...I think I may know you? Did you go to corwin? I think we used to be like best friends...If you're the wrong person I'm sorry... About your depression I have also had a history of depression and got ppd after my second son. It is not as bad as what it was. I was put on meds when I was pg with him because of all the depression issues I was having. The meds do work, but I've also found that by doing something for myself it has made me feel a lot better. I wish I could be more helpful. If you need anything just let me know...even if it's just to talk...take care chica and gluck
Everybody is different. I suffered from Post pardom with my second child and went on meds after I was finished breast feeding. Do know that there are side effects and when I look back I wish I would of found a natural solution. I took many before I found one that worked with my system, ended up on Zoloft. I wasn't crying and feeling depressed which was great but through it all I felt like a piece of me was missing and one day I just made the decision to stop taking them. I started taking a good multi vitamin instead and choose healthier foods into my diet and well as exercise. Vitamin B is great!! You have to do what is best for you, and definatly talk with your physician and see if there are other solutions other than a perscription. Best of Luck, C.
