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Postpartum Depression
kelleighxnicole
member
OBGYN or Psychiatrist/Psychologist?
kelleighxnicole
member
I have been seeing my OB since I was referred to the practice at the age of 13, when it was thought birth control might be a solution to my acne that was really bad back then. I'm very comfortable with each doctor there (4 in total.) & I was just wondering, if I am experiencing what I believe to be symptoms of PPD - would I consult with them, or would they just tell me to find a psychologist? In terms of medication, would they be able to prescribe me anything for it? I really don't want to search for a separate doctor that I have to get to know and get comfortable with at this point in my life. I'm hoping I can just see the OB as I'm sure they're familiar with this.
So that being my question, let me explain what's going on. I'm not exactly sure it's PPD, or just flat out depression and being overwhelmed with everything happening in my life right now, particularly with my 'DH' (fiancee/kids father, not married yet.) In January I discovered he has an opiate addiction. Just last week I found out he never quit (as he said he had back then) - and it's gotten to the point it's putting us in a financial hole. I clearly am out of work due to just having DS, and I was planning on staying home the first 5-6 months of his life as I did with DH, and that worked out nicely. But I'm afraid I may have to throw myself back into work way sooner than planned, and with a fussy/refluxxy baby that won't take a paci or bubba, that scares me. I don't want to wean my poor son or even start pumping just because my DH has an addiction that he's letting ruin our lives. Okay, so bottom line is, the problems with DH are what I'm depressed about - but that tied in with hormones of just having had a baby are a dangerous combo and I am irate 24/7. I can't even find joy in my newborn's face as I try so hard to just stare and gaze at him, not because he's not amazing! But because there is never something NOT lingering in the back of my mind disabling me from feeling 100% happy ever. I'm scared, and I'm far from embarassed, I'm just worried about how my negative mood has been impacting these poor little babies of mine and even though deep down I know they're not fully realizing it (especially my 1 month old) I still can't help but feel sorrow. DH and I fight a lot, and I try to keep the peace and my mouth shut in front of the kids, but that's difficult. I have so many questions, so much to say, so much fury towards him, and he has yet to get help for his problem, and is working overnights so I am home alone with both babies, which normally would be no issue to me, they're easy enough - but night time with a baby that has reflux and is fussing, constantly waking my 18 month old is the killer. 
I am just ready to throw myself into a doctor's hands and hope they can change everything, but I know even with medication, at the end of the day.. my problems still exist. My biggest concern right now is just maintaining a happy persona for my kids so that they don't have to feed off my negative energy. That's all I can hope for right now.
This discussion has been closed.
Re: OBGYN or Psychiatrist/Psychologist?
My OB prescribed me my meds but that was when my DD was 2 weeks old. I would just tell your OB what is going on and he/she can tell you what to do.
Also, you said you went on birth control for your acne when you were younger.. did that work for you? I started the pill when DD was a week old not because I needed protection because I definately wasn't planning on having sex for a long time but I wanted my face to clear up because it got horrible when I was pregnant. Now I've been on it for 5 months and haven't really seen much improvement.
It actually worked pretty well. I had to stop taking it because I have severe anxiety attacks and they were really bad when I was getting in to high school, and at the time most birth controls counteracted anxiety meds and basically if you took both medications, one or the other would cancel the other out, so due to how bad my disorder was I opted for the anxiety meds at the time.
And thank you for your input, I'm calling my OB tomorrow.
First let me say how sorry I am that you are having to deal with you DH/FI's issues. I really think he needs to get into some sort of treatment program if he truly wants to kick this habit. If he doesn't there is not much you can do about it. This is coming from someone who's father is a non-functioning alcoholic have been since I was about the age of 10 & I'm now 36. He went into inpatient rehab 5 times when my mom was still married to him but really didn't want to kick the habit. He's been on probation & even in prison due to his 3rd & felony DWI & it still didn't change him at all. He came out of prison & started drinking right away somehow hiding it from his PO!
On to your depression, call your OB they can prescribe you meds. My OB did when DD was 5 months old. I also think you need to see a Therapist to help you sort out all this info regarding your DH & being a mom of a 1 month old with no support & afraid your family life is crumbling. I've also been seeing a Therapist since I've been on meds & she really make all the difference. See if you OB can recommend one. That is how I got my Therapist. Good Luck!
Thanks for the kind words, JCM. I am sorry you had to deal with that growing up, but thank you for that advice. These issues aren't seeming to let up, and I know financially he will never be able to provide anything because of both this habit & his lying habit.
I completely forgot to call my OB - yup, genuinely forgot, because it's just been the worst time over here for me, trying to sort things through and think clearly.
I am lucky to have my friend and her boyfriend staying with me, they help pick up DH's slack around the house since he's become increasingly lazy since the habit started as well. I'm just so depressed that he could do this to us and doesn't seem to even care, I can't get past all the lying and the effort he's put into lying all this time. I've read a million articles about how it becomes a disease and they 'can't help it' after it's gotten past a point but I'm sorry, when you have two innocent babies fully reliant on your financial support - you should have SOME incentive to at least WANT to stop.
Sorry, had to vent really quickly, but thank you again, I will post after I talk to my OB/get an appointment ..hopefully things go smoothly with that.