Where to go for help?

amber&patrick

I can't believe I'm posting this on a public forum, but I've relied on TB for almost 2 years now to get me through baby-related things, and I'm not sure where else to ask this . . .

I am pretty sure I've been fighting PPD at least since DS was born.  I also felt different and off during pregnancy, so I probably haven't felt "normal" since 1st tri maybe.  Anyway, I've tried fighting through this on my own, I finally got up the courage to tell DH and ask for his help (I guess he didn't recognize that anything was wrong with me), and a few months later, he called my OB.  The nurse told him they can't help me because DS is too old (he's 1 now) and I should see my primary care doctor.  I don't have a primary care doctor.

So, my question is, if I know I'm going to have to go through quite a bit of effort to get help, where do I start?  Do I need a primary care doctor first because I need blood work to ensure there isn't something physical to explain this (thyroid or something)?  If it matters, I'm still BF'ing, still no period, and DS has tons of food allergies so it's been 8 or 9 months since I've had much of a balanced diet.  Or do I just try to find a counselor or psychiatrist?  What is the shortest route to feeling better?  Some days I feel like finding help and other days it's not worth the effort.  So if I am going to have to do this for myself, and if this is going to work, I need to figure out what will take the least amount of effort.  Thanks for any suggestions.

 

greenbean79

I'd say try to get a primary care physician first so he/she can rule out physical causes and give you any prescriptions you might need. They can also refer you toa psychiatrist if needed and might have other resources for you.

Also, try googling for postpartum depression support groups/consellors in your area....some areas offer free services.

Good luck, hope you feel better soon.

AMYfromKY

I just went to my OB and my DS is 15 months old.  Did you BF at all?  PPD/A can come within a year of weaning.  We just weaned a month and a half ago, but I've had a lot of anxiety for a while.

If I were you I'd make an appt with your OB.  They should be able to help you because you were feeling this way before the 1 year cut off (which in my opinion shouldn't be as concrete as they are making it).  

Definitely get help!  There were days that I felt fine so I didn't call my Dr.  Then, everything kept crashing down.  I haven't been able to be alone with my DS for over a week now because my anxiety is too high.  My OB put me on Zoloft and although it's not working around the clock yet, I can feel a sense of calmness within an hour of taking it.  Please don't let your PPD get as bad as I let my anxiety get.  

Staribeth

I started out with a therapist 6 years ago for depression and then went to a psychiatrist when it got very bad. My OB prescribed zoloft for me at my six week appointment because I wasn't doing well. I still do talk therapy on my own as well as counseling with MH. I would suggest looking for a primary physician to start because they can recommend the best course of action but also check your local hospital for support groups that may be able to guide you. When I left the hospital after giving birth to DS, the gave me a packet of info about ppd and numbers to call if I need help. Maybe look for a hotline to call if you need help immediately.

amber&patrick

Thanks ladies.  I found a primary care doctor near me and saw her this morning.  She had a lot of advice to offer (she sounded like she was speaking from personal experience) and she gave me a script for Zoloft - 50 mg.  She wants me to start the meds, find a therapist, and come back in a month to let her know how I'm doing.  I think this is a step in the right direction.