Postpartum Depression/Anxiety

I have!

I was thinking about anti-depressants too, but I was told by my doctor to start taking a liquid B Complex (B6, B12, Folate...), and it really really helped. She thinks that all women you are either on birth control or have just been through childbirth shoud. I have a lot more energy now, and just feel so much better. It takes a month or so to really start working. Good luck!

I used the generic for Prozac and it did wonders. I would also suggest seeing a therapist because they really help you deal with ALL the issues causing the anxiety and/or depression. I had several people suggest this to me and at first I thought it was crazy, but I did it anyways. Let me tell you, with the Prozac and the counseling, my depression went away and I was happy for the first time in years. Unfortunately, I had to quit both when I was laid off from my job, and I slowly have slipped back into my depression. I feel like if I could have continued a little longer I would be completely fine. I really hope this helps, and I would definately do both, the medicine and counseling. Best od luck to you!

Yes, I have dealt with this. Please, please, please talk to your doctor. Yes, you can take antidepressants, BUT please remember that antidepressants are not meant to be used alone. They are meant to be used in conjunction with behavioral therapy. If you only take the antidepressant without actually addressing the behavioral side of your depression/anxiety, then it really won't do that much good. Find a good therapist in your area. It can truly make all the difference.

You should make an appt. asap with your doctor. There are a variety of symptoms/ issues they will look at before prescribing any meds. Possible depression needs to be diagnosed by a physician, and the right med for you may or may not be Prozac, but if you think you might be depressed, you should make an appt.

i did with my first. antidepression meds are different for everyone. i was put on a temp one for about 4-6 months then i was instructed to gradualy go off of it. it really helped put everything back in order that the hormones really set off of wack. good luck.

Prozac made a HUGE difference for me! I began to feel that I couldn't handle motherhood in my very first week as a mother, and the anxiety was keeping me up during the times when my son was sleeping (making me more tired and more stressed!) After 3 weeks of motherhood, I had completely shut down, and so my husband dragged me to the doctor. What a Godsend. Prozac takes several weeks to kick in, but I could tell you within 2 days of when the medication began working. It was a tremendous help, and though the anxiety didn't go away completely, it didn't come as frequently. I was able to play with my son without breaking down, feed him, and sometimes I could even care of him when he cried! Things continued to get better, and I was able to wean off the medication by the time my son was 6 months old! Absolutely talk to your doctor about what you're experiencing and whether it could be PPD, because parenthood is stressful enough without hormones throwing everything out of wack!

My friend had PPD and was against using anti-depressants. Finally she tried some for a little while and they really helped her. Then she weaned off of them and is doing fine.

Personally, I love Chinese medicine. I suggest consulting a Chinese doctor about your diet, your emotional health, physical symptoms, etc. Chinese doctors seem to be more individualistic in their diagnoses. I have been greatly helped by acupuncture and Qi Gong in balancing out my hormone and in reducing PMS/anxiety symptoms.

I had pretty bad PPD after i had my daughter, and by the time i realized that i needed the medication i was already going off the deep end. The meds hadn't had a chance to kick in yet and i just felt crazy. Not that i wanted to hurt my baby, there is a difference in PPD and Post Partum Psychosis. I hated being a mom, felt guilty that i hated it, and wanted to scream every time someone would ask me how much i loved motherhood.

I began to behave in some pretty self destructive ways, and was lucky enough to have some women in my life that stepped in and helped until i could get it together. My medications began to work, but i also went to therapy and it helped a lot. It helped me to give myself a break and realize that despite the way i felt, i was doing all that i could to put my daughter's needs first.

I was exhausted as well, and doing the simplest task to all the effort i could put forward. I would make an appt ASAP, it takes a few weeks for the meds to fully work.

Definitely speak to your doctor ASAP. There is nothing wrong with taking prescribed meds for anxiety or depression. Motherhood is the most challenging experience of your life. Get help so you can enjoy your life.

I suffered from (what I now realize was pretty sever) post-partum anxiety. My doctor offered up Prozac, but I was drug-shy. So she also suggested a book: When Panic Attacks, by David Burns, which I read and which was extremely helpful. I recommend it any time I can.
Having said that, there's nothing wrong with going the drug. I just didn't think it was right for me. But I think the book can probably really help you too. I'm sure you can find it at your local library. It will help you pinpoint and better understand the underlying reasons behind your depression/anxiety. Which, of course, a good therapist can do too, but--as the other person posting pointed out--not everyone can afford.

M.,

Before resorting to prozac or any other prescription drugs which can harm many parts of your body. I would try essential oils. Essential oils are safer for you without any side effects. I have a coworker who suffers from depression, and I gave him some Balance by doTerra, which is a grounding blend of oils, immediately he felt joyful. These oils are certified pure therapeutic grade...with no side effects. Please email me at ____@____.com and I'll give you more information. I'll send you to different links that you can research.

Wishing you the Best,

T. O.