Newcomer in need of support

frenetica

I am writing this tonightvery much hoping I might find some support. I have a history of depression and have been on antidepressants for almost two decades. I had my son almost 6 months ago. Because of my past severe depression and my need to stay on meds all the time I was monitored by a psychiatrist from around 4 to 6 weeks after delivery until a couple of months ago. I had had symptoms of PPD but they seemed to abate when I got a good nights sleep. I worked with the Dr at the time to ensure I got more sleep and this helped.

I guess my problem is that even though I have a baby that sleeps really well at night only needing to get up once a night usually and I have a great husband that lets me go to bed early and helps out a lot I am still overwhelmed so easily when there is any additional "challenge:" in my life. Even fairly trivial things like my son getting an ear infection or my husband goes out for an evening (sleep schedule is disrupted). I think I may just need to admit that there is more of a problem at this point. What do people think? I just think that I should have more stamina for the small ups and downs of daily life.

Gina418

I have anxiety issues that make me feel the same way - the smallest thing throws my world upside down! There are a lot of relaxation techniques that can help you - from breathing techniques, exercises, etc. Talk with your therapist and see what s/he recommends. The first few months/first year is full of surprises - good and bad! It's all a learning experience. GL to you!

*speedracer*

it's ok to get overwhelmed sometimes, but if the being overwhelmed is becoming regular or keeping you from functioning the way you want to then i'd say it's a problem.  i think the anxiety and ocd components of PPD are really downplayed when people are educated about the symptoms, and i know i had a lot more of those two than the depression itself. 

I think if it's on your mind, it's worth looking into getting treatment for it.  do you see a talk therapist who might be able to give you some strategies for coping when you start to feel overwhelmed?

frenetica

I just want to thank you both for responding to my post.

It has encouraged me to make an appointment with my doctor.(coming up on Tues). I am going to have him recommend a psychologist/therapist that I can speak with too. Hopefully, they will have some advice/recommendations that will help me cope better with life's stresses. It seems more and more lately that the smallest thing just hits me like a wave and that just doesn't seem right to me.

 Thank you so much again!