ppa-when to know if it's a real problem?

jenta

i had our 2nd child 5.5 mths ago and have been dealing with some anxiety ever since. i have these panic moments-usually in the middle of the night-where i wake up in a complete state of panic but for no rational reason. i know it's not rational but it doesn't help me calm down. aside from those (which happen about every 2 weeks or so) i just have a general feeling of dread/anxiety that lingers most of the day but is definitely worse in the evenings and when trying to go to sleep. i often feel short of breath and like a weight is on my chest. anxiety/depression run in my family but i have never truly dealt with it in this way before. i am sure the inconsistent sleep is contributing to it but there isn't much i can do about that. i am able to sleep when i get the chance-although it does usually take me 20 or so minutes to fall asleep. 

 anyway, i guess what i'm getting at is that i don't know if this is truly ppa and something that needs to be addressed or if it will eventually just get better over time. thoughts? thanks! 

findingmyshoes

That certainly sounds like a problem I would get checked out.  I also have feelings of dread and anxiety for most of the day, and I am currently changing my medication.  I don't think it is something that will just go away on its own.  You should definitely go to your doctor and tell him what is happening.

betsykerry1

oh please please please see your OB or general practitioner! I felt the same way immediately postpartum and took two weeks of being anxious before I said anything to anyone about how I was feeling. I've been doing much better with both medication and "talk therapy" with a counselor. It's a terrible way to feel and it's possible to feel better with the right kind of help! 

julieruns15

I agree, talk to your doctor. I am going through something similar...my son is 1 month old, but I started getting extreme anxiety about 2 weeks ago. I started meds last week and may be starting therapy soon as well. You'll feel better just doing something about it. 

mrebecca

Please don't hesitate to ask for help. Any amount of depression or anxiety is a real problem.