How do you know. . . (LONG)

jaime5121

. . .when you need to see someone?  I've had depression issues in the past.  A few years ago I was on anti-depressants because I lost a pregnancy.  DH and I even went to see a counselor.  He helped us get over some major issues.  (Like me being able to depend on people).

 I had some major supply issues and was put on Reglan.  I cried all the time!  I figured it was the Reglan and went off the stuff.  It got much better.  I still cried sometimes, I chalked it up to hormones - I was still BF'ing.  Well, it's been about 3 weeks and I have finally gotten over the guilt of stoping BF'ing (talk about crying all the time). 

I'm still sad all the time - unless I'm with LO.  It doesn't matter what I'm doing.  If I'm at work, I will be sad, depressed, blue, sometimes even cry because I miss LO so much.  And, it's not that I don't trust whoever is watching him.  On Mondays, it's DH.  On Fridays, it's my Mom.  The rest of the week, I really trust his DCP.  But, it's not ME! 

My OB went over signs of PPD several times with me and DH (esp DH).  But, everything she told us to look for doesn't fit.  I mean, yes, I'm sad.  And of course my way I think is the best way for LO (don't most mothers, though?)  But, the biggest things she told us to look for were lack of personal hiegene, lack of interest in doing things outside of the house.  They just don't fit.  I guess what I'm trying to figure out is whether I just have an extended case of the "baby blues" (and working mom's guilt - cause I want to stay home more than words can say) or if it is something more. 

Thanks for letting me ramble ladies.  I've been lurking on this board for a while now and it amazes me how much strength you all have.  This board helped me a lot when I had to stop BF'ing.  I had a lot of guilt associated with that.  Thanks for the advice and input.

madhatter2003

It wouldn't hurt to talk to someone. I totally get the working mom part of things...I think it is hard when you have other 'issues' you are working through as well.  I know I've found my counselor a great help, not only on the 'mommy' side of things but helping me deal with the stresses of working as well.

TommysGirl56

You certainly don't have to have every single symptom to have PPD or PPA.  From what you have described, I think now would be a good time to see someone so that you can get a definite diagnosis. 

All of my symptoms were purely emotional.  I had (and still kind of have) major anxiety over not being with my baby.  That to me was a red flag.  I also had no patience for DH and the dog, irrational thoughts, thoughts of wanting to hurt myself, thoughts over my daughter being a "mistake", extreme fatigue, and prolonged crying spells.

 The sooner you go see someone, the sooner you can start working on feeling better.  Good luck to you, and let us know  what you decide!

((HUGS))

*speedracer*

i think if you've even considered it, just do it.  i hemmed and hawed over this for such a long time before making the calls.  Nobody told me how emotional the whole BFing thing would be and my trouble with it definitely factored into my post partum issues.  talking to a therapist for an hour every week or two was like a breath of fresh air for me.