Treatment options for PPD?

pinklepop

I've been struggling quite a bit and my thoughts have become more intense and come more often, and have been thinking of telling my husband (if I can get over the guilt of that.. what a mess). I don't want to get into specifics of my situation, as I know a lot of you are going through the same.
I'm concerned though from reading through this forum that the only real options for treatment are drugs. I have no problem with others taking them - whatever works, but for me, I'm not comfortable. Are there any other options for me? I'm having my 6 week check up soon, but I don't want to bring it up if all she can do is give me drugs.

George2n

I'm sorry you are dealing with this!

There are actually many ways to treat depression, and drugs should only ever be a part of a treatment plan. A treatment plan should also include therapy (individual counseling with a therapist, or group therapy), creating a simple routine (waking up and going to bed at the same time every day, making your bed, etc), getting enough sunshine and daily exercise, taking vitamins and supplements, and maintaining a nutritious diet. Additionally make sure that you are able to talk to people close to you about what is going on, and ask for their help. I would ask your doctor about all of these aspects of treatment. When I had my first appointment with a doctor, it was awful. She seemed very unsympathetic and basically just wrote me a prescription. I dropped her very quickly and found a new doctor who was AMAZING. She went through all aspects of treatment, hooked my up with a therapist, wrote me a prescription after going through all the options for medication with me, and then gave me a big hug. She kept in contact with me after the appointment to make sure treatment was working. I love her! So don't be afraid to ask lots of questions and even change doctors to get what you need. 

I have found that creating systems for forcing myself to do these things is most helpful. I am currently pregnant with my second child. I had severe PPD after my first, and have been pretty nervous about getting it again so I came up with my plan already. I would be happy to share more with you about my own plan if you want.  I think that it is possible to treat this without medication and know of a couple PPD moms who have actively managed the depression without drugs, but I would also definitely consider medication if it becomes severe. 

Hope this helps!

poohbear033

I would definitely mention this to your doctor. My therapist is such an important part of my treatment, I do take meds, but at this point (1year) I'm about ready to come off of them. Meds do not fix everything, I agree with the previous post, that there are many parts of treatment not just meds.

deanna1313

My son is 7 mths and I'm doing so well now and I'm not on meds. My OB prescribed Zoloft at my first appt, but I had some reactions to it so I didn't go back in anything. My psychologist also told me I did not need meds.
I didn't want meds, but would have gone on them if it was bad enough. I'm like this with all medications. People tend to have a problem with meds for mental health, but would have no problem taking meds for your thyroid, for example. It is still a medical condition so keep that it mind. You won't be in them forever if it comes to it. Normally about a year I've heard.