PSA: PPD

chemmom

I just wanted to write something about PPD from one that knows. I have had depression after each of my pgs and for the first two I did not get treated because I did not realize I was depressed. They would always ask me questions about if I wanted to hurt myself or the baby, I never wanted to hurt anyone but I did want to run away from home. I never felt like I was doing a good job and I put a lot of pressure on myself. The worst part for me is when I weaned it got even worse and at that point everyone stopped asking and I felt awful. My marriage almost fell apart because I was such a mess.

With Stu and now with Lotte, I am being treated with antidepressants and I am such a better mom. All those awful feelings are not there and I can relax and enjoy my baby and my other kids.

So I guess what I am saying is the questions the drs ask are not always the right ones and if you are feeling awful and out of control talk to someone and get help. There is no prize for getting through ppd without help. There is also no shame in taking medication, it really helps and you will get better.

Erin

 

MarriedWriter

Thank you for sharing your story! Glad you're getting help and feeling good!

Brady1*

Thank you for posting this! I'm glad you're doing better ((hugs)) 

AggieBeth06

Thanks for sharing and glad you are doing well!

staryeyes

This is so, SO true.  I had PPD with DS and I'm looking for signs this time.  I'm sorry you've had to deal with it again, but glad you already have help!

If you don't mind me asking, what antidepressants are you on and are you bfing?  I used talk therapy last time but it took so long to feel any effects that I'm much more open to medication this time...just not sure what's okay for bfing.

kiley&matt

Thanks for sharing this!  I have had some close friends go through similar experiences without knowing that it was PPD.  It seems to be the thing that nobody wants to talk about, so I'm glad you brought it up because I'm sure this will help at least a few people.

TiffanyTheMom

Wow, the first few sentences of your post mimicked my past! With my first baby I had PPD but didn't admit it to anyone and I had a very hard time with having a baby, being a new SAHM and having a hubby who didn't see the need to help me out in any way at home. With my second, I never felt the need to hurt anyone but I would daydream (when they were both screaming their heads off) that I could just leave, and leave the front door open but the screen door closed so that when they cried, someone would hear them and go help them. I really wanted to do it, and came pretty close a few times. I tried counseling but it wasn't enough, and at 6wks post partum got put on Paxil and my life got infinitely better. I had to be put on 80mg, but I could finally breathe and feel like a functional, rational, good mother again.

I'm definitely keeping an eye on myself this time around as well. I don't want to go on anti depressants again if I don't have to, but I'm prepared to do what I have to do to be a good mom to my kids. I never want to get to where I was last time ever again.

chemmom

I did bf all my boys and Lotte too.

With Stuart I was put on Zoloft, I did not like it much but it did make the depression go away, it made me feel really numb and not motivated to do anything.

With Lotte they said Prozac was okay and I really like it so far, I have lots of energy, I am losing weight and I am sleeping well. 

HTH

Erin