If you sought help for PPD

KellyMRocks · May 2010

Mamas, if you sought help for PPD, how far post partum were you...and what was your solution? I keep thinking I just need to "snap out of it", but I know depression doesn't work that way. I really don't want to end up on meds though.

tri_bride05 · May 2010

I started seeing someone about 5 weeks post partum. I really should have gone after my 1st so if we want to count from there, it took me 2 years and three months. I don't want to take meds either so I'm working with her on coming up with other things that might help (we've come up with the following things for my situation: finding time for myself to exercise, improving my diet, finding some mommy friends so I'm not so isolated during the week). If these things don't help improve my mood or I can't actually do them (which has been the problem thus far), we'll start talking meds.

2bearichards · May 2010

Hugs Kelly.

My best friend sought help at about 6 weeks I think. She is taking meds and said it has made a world of difference.

If you think you might, just call your OB and talk, or send her/him an email.

bb_n_jp · May 2010

I went on synthetic progesterone (Progestin maybe?) at 6 weeks pp because I was severely depressed - I would seriously wonder every single day how on Earth I was going to make it through. However, I was taking Reglan at the time to help with milk production, and I now know that Reglan is known to cause depression. The moment I threw that evil, evil stuff away, I totally felt better. So I don't really know if I was truly PPD or if it was the Reglan.

I've seen some commercials for lawsuits against the makers of Reglan, and part of me wants to sue for robbing me of enjoying my first precious weeks with Sam.

But it's never too early to talk to your OB. I highly recommend it. Mine even had some herbal remedy suggestions before we started the Progestin.

mrscerruti2be · May 2010

I don't have any experience with PPD, but know a little about depression. I think recognizing it and getting in to talk to someone right away is important. Even talking helps without meds and if meds are needed, you didn't waste precious time previously mentioned. Hugs from a non hugger. Wink

danandkelly · May 2010

I think you know yourself and you know the signs of depression, so if you feel off than see someone, it may or may not be PPD but at the very least seeing someone will give you perspective and someone to talk to...which is always good.

jimmysgirl22 · May 2010

I didn't say anything until 6 months post partum and looking back I should have gotten help right away. I did use meds because I have a prior history of depression and knew meds helped. I was on zoloft for one year in conjunction with a major increase in physical activity and regular appointments with a psychologist. I still see my psychologist twice monthly and we're ready to handle anything that comes up this time around. I also know myself well enough to know that I can usually fight off a depressive episode by getting 30 minutes of activity daily at minimum. Talk to your docs and start moving your body. Both will help. Good luck and I'm always happy to talk - ppd can be scary but it is totally fixable. Hang in there Mama!

EmmieB · May 2010

No advice, just lots of hugs. Feel better soon!

That's~Mrs.Stephanie · May 2010

I started meds before I gave birth. I knew I would suffer PPD having lost my mom 4 weeks before having DS. Not ideal, the meds, but I need them.

I also got a book to read called Beyond the Blues, it helped - but was more for a practitioner I think, not the patient.

Mrs.Wright07 · May 2010

I don't have any advice, but I wanted to offer my support and hugs.

RevJG · May 2010

For the first 2 weeks I was completely numb. Didn't cry, but didn't smile, couldn't eat, felt like I was in a fog. I 'snapped out of it' and thought everything was okay, so I didn't seek help for over a year. You know yourself better than anyone. If something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't and there is no reason to suffer.

bunch · May 2010

Super HUGS! I have suffered with depression for years, and I had untreated/self-diagnosed PPD with S. I have unapologetically been on a low dose of zoloft with both pg's and through bf'ing. I have a lot of info and my opinions on the matter, and would be happy to talk through my thoughts/experiences with you if you want.

FWIW- I feel like the mother/daughter hormones were very different from mother/son. Maybe the extra estrogen messed with me more? My experience was SO different with the kids.

I don't have much advice on therapy, as I haven't found anyone I'm happy with in CA or WA (yet)

SweetieP · May 2010

No advice - just hugs.

KellyMRocks · May 2010

thank you all for sharing. It's been a rough week.

I've dealt with depression & anxiety in my past and hated ever med I was on. I have noticed that when i am busy throughout theday or visiting friends, I feel much better. Im going to make an effort to get out more and hang with my homies and see if this helps before calling my OB.

ModernMomma · May 2010

I didn't get PPD right away, it took a few months. But I also waited to get help, not realizing what it was. E was about 10 mos. old when I went in. I am on meds, Zoloft, and am still BFing. The meds have been fabulous for me. I'd like to add in therapy, but with working full time and two kids I don't feel like I have the time for it right now. I'll probably try to start this summer while I'm off work and see if I can keep it up even when I go back. Exercise also helps a lot, I try to at least take a walk everyday.

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