Help to Know If It Ppd

Updated on December 18, 2006
L.L. asks from Tulsa, OK
13 answers

I was wondering if what I have is PPD. I felt fine after the birth of my child. but over the last month or so (she is now 5 1/2 mths) i just haven't felt like myself. I feel like i want to divorce my hubby because everything he does makes me want to go off or cry. I feel like nothing in my life is going my except my child. I love her dearly and she is the only thing I don't get mad at. I try to have a good day and it just doesn't happen. Everyday its something new. I feel like my life is going nowhere and I just am not happy. I love my husband but he's mad bc I don't want to have sex anymore at all. Im just not in the mood. I feel bad for sending my child to a babysitter so I can work. Im stressed about money and life and I want to go back to school and cant. I just don't feel like anything is ever going to work out for me. I dont' have insurance so I don't think I can afford to go to my OB, I just need to know what it could be.

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So What Happened?

I just want to say thanks to everyone who has given my advice. I am going to make a drs appt on monday. Its nice to know that I am not the only one in the world that is feeling like this. so to everyone merry christmas and again thank you sooo much. If anyone needs to talk my email address is ____@____.com

More Answers

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T.H.

answers from Bloomington on

L.,

I would definitely suggest that you seek professional help. I would skip the OB and go to a mental health facility. Find a place that has a sliding fee scale to ease the financial strain. I'm sure there would be some in your community. If you are suffering from ppd, a mental professional would be more able to help you deal with this problem than a medical professional. And, there is nothing to be ashamed of for seeking help. You've been through a major life change and a major physical change. Hopefully, your husband will be supportive and will actively participate. Some other things that I find helpful are:
1. Take some alone time when you get home from work. Even 15 minutes of quiet time to unwind can make a huge difference. It helps make the transition from work to home a bit less stressful on you.
2. Exercise. Go for a walk with your daughter and husband in the evening after supper. Exercise stimulates endorphins which lift your mood.
3. Even though you may not feel like it, try to have a special night with your husband. Plan a nice dinner for the two of you to share after your daughter has gone to bed. Pull out the candles, etc. You may be able to communicate to him that although you are not interested in sex right now, it will pass and you are interested in him and you do love him.
I hope some of this has helped, L.. All the best to you and your family.

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D.T.

answers from Tulsa on

It's okay to feel this way. Although PPD could be contributing to it but most mothers and fathers feel this way in the first year.

Basically you replace all the energy you would devote to your husband with the energy you give to your child. It's just how we are wired and it takes a lot of extra energy to adapt to focusing on both. The reality is he should be your #1 focus.

Think of it this way you may have married him hoping he would change but he married you hoping you wouldn't. Motherhood changes you, even if it's a second marriage and your 2nd+ kid.

To start reconnecting with your husband start communicating with him. Don't use the same voice you use to keep the baby out of the Christmas Presents or get her to eat her peas avoid the voice you use to get him to take out the trash. Use that smooth calm but seductive voice that would call him at 2 am just to say that you were thinking of him.

Once you have his attention start with a division of labor. For instance: My husband deals with the boys in the mornings. This started with getting our older one off to daycare at a later time than I had to be at work, now he gets him on the bus and I don't have to get up until he and the baby get back. He presses their shirts and jeans, cooks breakfast and does the dishes.

When my husband gets home from work he sets the table and I serve the food which is ready. But when I worked a different job he cooked cause I arrived home later.

After Supper we get the kids to clean up after themselves but DH wipes the table. At bed time he handles the baths books and bed while I exercise.

There's nothing sexier than a man covered in dish or bath water.

He helps with the zones in the house. He does the kitchen and works with the boys on their bedrooms. He even helps with the laundry. My zones are Monday Kitchen, Tuesday Laundry, Wednesday Bathrooms, Thursday Laundry, Friday living room, Saturday bedrooms, Sunday outside.

Other than that there should be one night a week that is just for you two. get a sitter or drop her off at Playtime + then go out for face to face time. Dinner and activities that keep your focus on each other. No Movies or clubs with the newest band or comedian. Places where you can talk about anything but work and the baby.

It's a lot of hard work but it will build a better relationship in the long run. You just have to avoid the trap that says, "I can do this without him so why should I even listen to his complaints". The reality is Children are a product of the relationship therefore they should not come first. Older couples know this. It took me 2 other marriages to learn it but it really does help.

Now don't worry if this occassionally happens again. It's going on in my house right now because his work hours have changed and he's doing Santa Appearances on the side. But a strong marriage can survive a SHORT drought.

1 mom found this helpful
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A.L.

answers from Kansas City on

L.:

It does sound like PPD however, you need to see someone to make a proper diagnosis. Check out the mental health center in your county, and make an appointment.If left untreated, symptoms may worsen.

A. L

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C.N.

answers from Lawrence on

I just wanted to say that you are not alone and at least your are concerned with how you are feeling. I remember right after the birth of my child I was not right and it took me probably 7 months or so and with the help of zoloft to understand what I was going through and get through my ppd. I still can get down but I think that is just what happens with everything that goes on in our lives. It took me awhile to get help and admit to my family that I wasn't doing alright. It will get better I am sure that everyone that has had it can tell you that.

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R.U.

answers from Oklahoma City on

I've been there! I've found a couple resources for you. Email me if you need anything else. This website has a really easy checklist to see if you have symptoms of PPD - MILLS DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY SYMPTOM-FEELING CHECKLIST http://www.pndsa.co.za/ms-fc.htm

TREATMENT INFORMATION


NATURAL CHOICES FOR HELP
http://www.kellymom.com/ppd/ppd.html

THERAPY!
Exercise
Taking a little break from the baby every day
Omega-3 supplements (affects brain chemistry) or fish oil.
Light therapy (30 min /day sunlight gives vitamin D
and improves mood)
B6, B12,(Solaray brand has a time release B complex)
folic acid, calcium & magnesium

St. John's Wort, only if an anti-depressant is NOT prescribed. Once an anti-depressant is prescribed, one must completely stop taking St. John's Wart, it presents a contra indicative chemial compound to anti-depressants

LOW COST TREATMENT
Sliding Scale Fees - Some providers may have sliding-scale fees. Based on your income, the provider will reduce his or her fees.

Negotiate a Lower Fee with Your Doctor - Other providers, if they are aware of your financial limitations, may be willing to negotiate a payment plan that you can afford or to lower their rates according to what your insurance plan pays.

Community Mental Health Centers - Many communities have community mental health centers (CMHCs). These centers offer a range of mental health treatment and counseling services, usually at a reduced rate for low-income people. CMHCs generally require that you have a private insurance plan or be a recipient of public assistance.

MEDICATION
Free Samples - Often pharmaceutical companies provide physicians with free samples of medicines. Ask your doctor if he/she has any samples on hand of your medication.

Pill Splitting - An article in the September 1999 issue of Clinical Psychiatry News reports that you may be able to purchase a higher dose pill at a cost only slightly more than the dose you're currently on and split them in half. In a presentation to the APA, it was reported that patients can save an average of 37% off their current medication costs by pill splitting. A list of the medications surveyed included popular antidepressants.
Note--The preceding information is cited directly from http://depression.about.com/cs/findadoc/a/freelowcosttx.htm.

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J.L.

answers from Kansas City on

Hi L.! Im starting to go through these fealing also. My baby just turned 7 months yesterday and the past few weeks or even months all i do is nag my husband about everything and i know he hates even coming home. I have no sex drive whats so ever it makes me cringe almost. I decided to be a SAHM and i wouldnt change it for the world. Like you said my son is the only thing i dont get mad at. I dont have my own money anymore and i hate having to ask if i can go shopping (I really dont have to ask but i feel like i have to have permission) Im origionally from NY so i have zilch help out here, and im waiting to get onto my husbands insurance. I have know energy to clean the house i gained a lot of weight and the list goes on and on. So let me know what you find out because i think we are in the same boat.
Feel Better & happy
Hollidays!
J.

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T.P.

answers from Kansas City on

It very well could be PPD. You really should try to get in to see the doctor. I have heard that it can occur even at later times like this. Good luck.

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A.B.

answers from Kansas City on

L., I don't think this sounds like ppd exactly, although someone might diagnose it as such. I think you are over stressed because you have a young baby and you are working. You should consider quitting your job. The guilt you feel over leaving her with a babysitter while you work is valid. If you did not work, you would probably have more time to relax and then could be nicer to your husband. Who would want to have sex when they are so overburdened? But I would not keep turning him down because it means a lot to men and you could end up divorced with a young baby. That is much worse, believe me.

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L.T.

answers from Springfield on

I have a suggestion for getting OB care. I have what is called the Illinois Healthy women Card and all OB services and birth control are free. I suggest you trying to apply if you live in IL. The number is 1-800-226-0768. It helps out so much! Also, if you type in Illinois Healthy women Card you can find the website which is very helpful too.
God Bless.

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C.O.

answers from Clarksville on

A lot of people think that when they develop these feelings past a couple weeks after giving birth that it isn't PPD...but that isn't the case. It can devleop for up to 2 years but usually the 1st year. HOWEVER, I think ALL women who have given birth feel like this for the 1st year. We are tired, have a new identity, never have any time for our selves...Either way I think going to see a psychologist is a good idea. Even if it isn't PPD you can talk to them about what is going on with you. Also it is easy to get mad at the men. I know I get madder at my husband than ever before. We are expected to be the main caretaker. My husband helps an hour or so a day but I have her the other 23 hours. So it is easy to get fed up. I'm not as interested in sex either. I gained a lot of weight, have a c-section scar, and stretch marks. So I just don't feel very sexy. I think this is pretty normal too.

I feel like nothing in my life is going my except my child. I love her dearly and she is the only thing I don't get mad at. I try to have a good day and it just doesn't happen. Everyday its something new. I feel like my life is going nowhere and I just am not happy. I love my husband but he's mad bc I don't want to have sex anymore at all. Im just not in the mood. I feel bad for sending my child to a babysitter so I can work. Im stressed about money and life and I want to go back to school and cant. I just don't feel like anything is ever going to work out for me. I dont' have insurance so I don't think I can afford to go to my OB, I just need to know what it could be.

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L.F.

answers from Oklahoma City on

i don't know if what i say can help you at all, but i want you to know that you aren't alone. i think part of what you feel is guilt all around from the babysitter to not being "in the mood". i feel the same way quite often. i think we may just be programmed for the guilt being born women though. i found that if i can just get a minute or two alone with my husband to actually get started i remember that i used to enjoy sex and just talk my self into thinking that everything else can wait for a few minutes then things aren't so bad. your little bundle of joy is a major accomplishment even if she isn't a diploma she is 100% better in the long run. remember not everyone is lucky enough to create life and you made it happen. just try and be proud for what you do have and try to remember that butterfly feeling you had when you first met your husband and love him and your girl for better and for worse. good luck to you in the future.
-L.

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M.M.

answers from Oklahoma City on

L. it sounds like that is what you have is ppd but you need to take time for your self and think , i am going through the same thing but i sit and cry and wonder about things as well im not married and my girls dad is barely in their lives and i do work outside the home but on days off i sit at home and take care of my girls ages 3 mo and 19 mo its kinda hard to get out when you little ones like that and also i just started them in daycare and my 19mo would cry when i left her she went to grandparents house for over a year and now they have to go to daycare which i cried the first few times i left her but i tell her that i have to work to pay the bills its a choice we have to do hang in there and keep your chin up , just remember since your married take a walk or get out by yourself he can watch the baby. it may help to get a breather or get somone to watch her and you and your husband go out together it might help you.M.

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S.S.

answers from Enid on

Hi L.,
Well Im no doctor but I think it is PPD! I have it also! my son is 9 months and I never realized I had changed until he was about 7 months. I couldnt get any meds for the same reason u cant but I will say that taking Vitamins like a multivitamin Is what I do and I see an improvment! and ur husband always doing everything wrong never goes away!! I hope Ive helped a lil and if u ever need any one just to vent to Ill listen TRUST ME it HELPS!!!!!!

well take care and God Bless!

Merry Christmas,
S.

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