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Smuches4u
member
Clicky Poll - PPD Alums
Smuches4u
member
Since I don't believe we should be quiet about PPD, that silent evil, I was just curious how many of us battled with it.
To remain anonymous, I'm doing a clicky poll. Just want those who feel like their alone, to know they aren't.
Hugs to my sisters.
[Poll]This discussion has been closed.
Re: Clicky Poll - PPD Alums
Having suffered with clinical depression prior to my BFP, it was a HUGE concern of my OB's. Fortunately, DH and I were educated enough about warning signs. I was able to get help quickly.
I needed it. I know it's not my fault, but I'm ashamed to admit that I wanted to throw him. I called DH in just in time. It wasn't like DC was crying or anything - he was perfect, I was just in a really dark place & couldn't handle all the emotion/hormones.
I hate to admit that, but feel it's necessary to clear the air. PPD is no joke. It is real. You're not imagining those feelings and you AREN'T crazy. Don't be ashamed to seek out help. The resources are there for you, take advantage of them.
And don't leave your DH in the dark. Talk to him about what you're feeling and what you need from him. You married him because he's a great man, so lean on him.
Even when they are educated about it as well, you probably need to be the one to say something isn't right. Kaiser set me up with a counselor in their OB department because of my risk factors (they didn't even tell me about it, just shuttled me in there after one of my weekly appointments!) where she talked about PPD extensively. My OB talked to me just about every appointment. I had enough PPD pamphlets to wallpaper my house. My OB mentioned it again one day and I was like, "Dr.M, I am here all.the.time. You know me, if something isn't right I have no problem making an appointment." And she said, "I know, but you may not know you're suffereing from it."
And I was all, eh whatever. If anyone would know, it would be me. But I told DH - hey, you have to let me know if you think something is going on because they say I may not know. And he was all, Oh totally.
So there we are, about 3 months post partum and I'd had about my 5th or 6th breakdown and I just generally didn't laugh or have fun like I used to, and I said, "I think I might have post partum depression." And he was all, "I THINK YOU DO, TOO" And I was all, WTF, you were supposed to tell me!!
It can be very insidious and it doesn't have to be major scary feelings it can be feelings you just can't put your finger on, or you just don't feel "right". There is a lot of help out there, and I wish we talked about it more because I know more women that have dealt with it on some level than those who haven't.
NorCalMOMS bio* NorCalBOTB* babywearingBIO
Harmony Doula
THIS!
I too got sent to see the counselor at Kaiser after one of my appts, although it was weird because she came into my room while I was waiting for the OB (half dressed) to inform me of my appt...sort of awkward but whatever. It was nice to know that there was someone there to talk to....although I thought I was just fine.
My OB was watching me closely considering my history and so was my family (mom and dh).
My mom was actually the one who mentioned to me that she thought I should probably go to the Dr.
It is VERY important to keep people in the loop, whether it be dh or a BFF or a family member, you need to have other people checking up on you to be sure that you are okay.
I'm so glad to see discussion on this topic. It's so important for women to be aware that PPD happens and getting help is so necessary. I too struggled with clinical depression for several years prior to becoming a mom. I'd been med-free for five years when I had Kirsten. My ppd really did creep up on me and by the time K was 6 months old, I had a major breakdown. As in, I almost needed to check myself in to the hospital. DH and my mom help me get a grip and I called my docs. I was on Zoloft for a year, along with weekly appointments with a psychologist. I got physically active again, and I've been med-free for 5 months now. Life is good again, and looking back on those first 6 months of K's life, I really wish I'd gotten help sooner. Also, I realize that my lack of physical activity throughout my pregnancy and afterward had a HUGE impact on my emotional well-being. I've found the one thing that without fail keeps me emotionally healthy is physical activity. I may not be the slimmest person out there, but I try to be active on a daily basis because I know exercise keeps me sane
Looking forward, I'm prepared to deal with PPD again and am more aware of what signs to watch for. It's so important that we as mothers really communicate with our partners, families and doctors as openly as possible, airing all thoughts and concerns. If I hadn't shared some of my thoughts with my DH/docs/mom, I might have gone on longer without treatment.
Hugs to those who are in it now, who've been there, and who go through it in the future. It's tough, you're not alone, and there is hope - lots of it!