Delayed PPD/PPA

melissa0726 · February 2014

Did any of you deal with any sort of delayed postpartum depression or anxiety?

I was fine after DD1 was born. Some hormone-related mood swings through the newborn stage, then some ups and downs for about two weeks when she weaned at age 1, but I felt like everything was pretty much in the normal range. I dealt with depression when I was younger, so I knew what signs to look for.

After DD2 was born, I was a little stressed with both kids, but again, nothing I couldn't handle.

However, for the past two months, my stress level has just been gradually getting worse and worse. At first I attributed it to not getting enough sleep for so many months, but I have been getting better sleep this past month. The tiniest things are setting me off on a daily basis. I'm feeling like I can't take the stress of handling the kids on my own. I've been having irrational worries about my own health, and last night I had panic attack for the first time in almost a decade.

I'm calling my OB first thing Monday morning to get some advice. But, I'm just curious if anyone else had any symptoms of anxiety or depression that manifested so many months after your LO was born.

BnchaNums · February 2014

I've been going through the exact same thing!! I think for me it's the stage that dd2 is now in. She's suddenly so needy, between the seperation anxiety and getting into things she's not supposed to. Dd1 is also irritated because her toys are getting stolen and she's had less than friendly moments with baby. For me my meltdowns are usually trying to wrangle them both in public or at 5:30 when I'm trying to make dinner - dd2 is usually screaming at me, dd1 is doing naughty things - i had a full blown panic attack the other day. I've also been debating going to see my ob, but I remember this same period was really rough for me with dd1, so I'm giving it a little while to pass.

melissa0726 · February 2014

BnchaNums said:

I've been going through the exact same thing!! I think for me it's the stage that dd2 is now in. She's suddenly so needy, between the seperation anxiety and getting into things she's not supposed to. Dd1 is also irritated because her toys are getting stolen and she's had less than friendly moments with baby. For me my meltdowns are usually trying to wrangle them both in public or at 5:30 when I'm trying to make dinner - dd2 is usually screaming at me, dd1 is doing naughty things - i had a full blown panic attack the other day. I've also been debating going to see my ob, but I remember this same period was really rough for me with dd1, so I'm giving it a little while to pass.

I'm sorry you're going through this, too. We are in the EXACT same situation at dinnertime, and it's worse now because my husband has night classes three times a week this semester. It's awful. But I was feeling stressed before he started classes, so I think his being going at a rough time a day is just compounding the issue

ETA I do agree that DD2 has been a lot more demanding lately, and that has been really tough. I know this stage isn't forever, but I am just NOT handling it well at all

melissa0726 · February 2014

Kimbus22 said:

Yep. I was fine the first 4-5 months after Joey was born. Happy, not stressed. Then it all went to shit. He was still happy and healthy and sleeping fine and all of a sudden I was an absolute disaster. I cried coming home from work every morning because I was convinced someone broke in and killed him or took him while I was gone. DH had to start texting me at 6am to tell me that he checked and the baby was fine so I could drive home without sobbing. I flipped out about everything. I didn't want to be alone ever. I was always upset and snapping and freaking out about things that were not at all concerning.

I got back into therapy because I didn't want to go on meds again and it helped. It took a while to get it under control again but it did help. By the time he was a year or so old I was back to normal but I had a rough 6-7 months in there.

Thank you so much for sharing, I have suddenly been feeling like a crazy person...I had been fine for so long, and suddenly I'm a basket case. I'm suddenly having all of these irrational fears about my health, and I feel like it is consuming me. And then on top of that, now I'm afraid of having a panic attack or breaking down in front of the kids when DH is at class, so that's adding to my worry.

I am considering therapy. I don't really want to go on meds full time. I was for about 8 years before I started thinking about getting pregnant, and I don't want to go that route that again if I can learn some other types of coping methods. I'm going to start with my OB tomorrow and try to get a referral from them. This stinks, I hate feeling this way

MrsCase1 · February 2014

Totally normal. I read an article that said it can occur up to 18 months post-partum.

Monsieur_et_Madame_Ha · February 2014

Chiming in with Mrs Case - I think PPD 7 months PP is pretty normal. With that said, I am really sorry you are going through this (whether it actually be PPD or something else). I hope you are able to find the help you need and get back to your old self soon. Big hugs to you mama.

melissa0726 · February 2014

Thanks for the advice and kind words, ladies. I feel good that I'm going to make some calls tomorrow and try to get moving, take some action. DH has been so very supportive, which is a huge help.

amywalt1684 · February 2014

Also chiming in about being in the same boat for the god awful dreaded dinner time. 5-6pm I'm fteaking out every day, it is very stressful and overwhelming, I'm right there with you sister. I'm not much of an anxious person but I could certainly see if you were how quickly it could spiral. I also think talking with a therapist, assuming they're are good fit, would be a great positive step.

Keep us updated, hang in there Melissa and Bncha, I'll be thinking of you both tomorrow right around 5:30....
Xo

BnchaNums · February 2014

There was this one day when both kids were screaming while I was trying to cut up raw chicken and the cat kept jumping onto the counter top and i had very dark thoughts about what I could do to her with the knife in my hand. Now my first line of defense is to prop both kids in front of the tv and to do all of my prep on the weekend.

amywalt1684 · February 2014

OMG... Bncha... The F*ing cat!!! I get it, oh I get it! I forgot about the added stress of the cat. Our cat is 23lbs and is also in the middle of all this, tripping me and ripping his claws in my legs begging for food all while prepping dinner. I refuse to stop what I'm doing and tend to the damn cat while I have screaming kids and food going. He has been getting locked in the laundry room!!!

Really, that poor cat.. he used to be our one and only pride and joy... and now I'm ready to get rid of him most days.

melissa0726 · February 2014

Me, the cat, the dog, the kids....the kitchen is not big enough for all of the nonsense when I'm trying to cook!

And, I'm sad to say, my tried and true babysitter - the TV - is failing me. I start off with the kids in the living room with a show on, and I sneak to the kitchen. The second DD1 realizes I'm gone, she comes running to try to help. And then the second that DD2 realizes DD1 has left her behind, she high tails it to the gate where she hangs and screams and cries for someone to give her attention.

I can't let them play in the kitchen because that's where the dog comes in from our fenced backyard with his muddy paws, so i can't have a crawling baby in there. And DD2 has decided she is too good for puffs, and will only sit in the high chair if she's being given actual pieces of food. I can't win.

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