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Postpartum Depression
Reading these posts are freaking me out!
I've been wondering whether I might have PPD for the last month or so, and have been reading posts on this message board lately, but now I realllllly don't want to ask my doctor! I was just feeling terrible for a couple weeks, crabby, crying, irritable, etc. but now the last week or two I'm feeling better. So I'm not sure if that was just a bad case of PMS or what. But then last week I went in for LO's 4 month appointment and I mentioned to the pedi how I was feeling, and she said she'll send a message to my OB and make sure she follows up with me. Well, after reading these posts on here, I'm terrified that they'll say that I do have PPD, and then what do I tell my husband? And I don't want to go on any meds because I'm so afraid I won't be able to get off of them?! I don't want to see a therapist, that would mean that something is wrong with me. Sigh! Any advice?
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Re: Reading these posts are freaking me out!
As you can probably tell from all these posts, everyone is different. But, our common thread is recognizing the problem and getting help. Please don't be embarrassed or ashamed - I would hope that your husband will be supportive of you during this time. Untreated depression is dangerous. Talk with your doc - maybe you need meds, maybe not (and if you do, there's nothing that says you have to stay on them forever - I'm not on them anymore), maybe a little counseling is the answer for you - let your doc guide you.
There is nothing wrong with you - you just need a little help. We all need a little help sometimes.
GL.
Maybe it's PPD, and maybe it isn't. You were obviously stalking this board for a reason. Perhaps you just had a case of the baby blues? Although at nearly 4 months old, I doubt it. Believe me, just saying outloud that I had PPD and that I was seeking help made me feel better. It was the most difficult thing for me to tell my DH. I didn't tell him until after I saw my OB and got meds. I didn't quite know what to say. But, I was so relieved when I did tell him. I'm still on my meds, but it has only been a few months. I don't plan on staying on them forever, and neither does my OB. But guess what, even if I need to stay on them - I'm me again. That makes me a better mommy, a better wife, and a much happier person! GL!!
What if there was something "wrong with you"?
There was something "wrong with me"--and I did everything in my power to get better. I am still on meds because my psychiatrist told me that current research shows that the longer one stays on their antidepressant medication, their chances are bettter for continued and long term positive mental health. I feel good now, I am not going to stop my meds because other people think that I should.
There should be no shame if one has postpartum depression or anxiety. Nobody did anything to deserve feeling depressed or anxious. Nobody should feel badly that they ask for help for a medical condition.
I am sorry that you were feeling poorly and I am glad that you are feeling better. I apologize if you find my response harsh, but your post frustrates me because it shows the continued negative stereo-type of PPD and other mental health concerns. If you had diabetes, you would go see a doctor and be treated, correct? Why should depression be any different?
Since you asked for advice. . . when your OB's office calls, be honest with them about how you felt and how you are feeling now. You do not have to suffer needlessly. Hopefully, it was baby blues. . . but let a professional help make that decision.
My personal experience is such that I could not function because my PPD was so bad. Not getting help was not an option for me. I called my OBs office the day after LO and I were released from the hospital. So, my perspective is very different from yours. . .
I wish you all the best and hope that each day is better than the day before.
My doctor said "If you had appendicitis, we'd treat that. Post-partum depression is no different."
Sometimes, our bodies "fail" us. Hormones can really mess with us physically, and sometimes we can't work through it on our own. It's not a weakness or a failure on your part. You shouldn't feel like there is something wrong with you.
Untreated PPD can be extremely dangerous. If you think you have it - please see your doctor. This is something that can be easily treated! You can feel like normal again, you just have to take the first step. And you shouldn't be ashamed to tell your husband. My husband was extremely supportive and loving while I was going through the process of seeing doctors and finding the right medication.
Speaking of medication - don't be afraid! It can take a few tries to find one that works for you, but once you find it ... oh, it makes everything so much better. And it's not always hard to get off of the drugs. I'm being weaned off of them right now and haven't had any problems at all.
Good luck!
Evelyn (3.24.10), Graham (5.30.13) & Miles (8.28.16)