Has Any One Gone Through a Bad Episode of Post Partum Depression ?

When I had post partum the doctor put me on meds too and I asked what was the other alternative.. and she said exercising... and I thought yeah right.. but I started walking a little each day and it really helped me a lot! I got a double jogger stroller and set off every day.

I did have a rough time of it after both of my girls were born. The second time around was worse for me as well. The depression started during my pregnancy with my second baby and my OB put me on Zoloft. I had some side-effects with it, but the benefits outweighed the complications. 6 weeks after my daughter was born, my insurance through the state ran out and I was no longer able to afford Zoloft. My doctor was willing to work with me and help me switch to a natural supplement with St. John's Wart and Griffonia Seed Extract that is patented by a U.S. company that hired scientists who studied in Germany, where St. John's Wort is the #1 prescribed medication for mild to medium depression. Here in the US, there hasn't been much research done on natural supplements and they are generally regarded as unsafe by many doctors - probably out of fear that they won't get kickbacks from the big pharmacutical companies - anyways, the difference in price was phenomenal. I could pay nearly $100 per month for Zoloft without insurance or $20 per month for Luminex. On top of that, the side effects I experienced were not as bad. I just sunburned more easilly. Your experience may be different than mine. Of course, I could just not take anything and have NO side-effects. What really counts is that I felt better. I didn't feel drugged up and wasn't quite as disinterested in bedroom activities as I was with Zoloft. I actually felt more capable of dealing with life and actually began to enjoy life again. I slowly weaned myself off of Luminex - not because I had to, but because I could. Some of the other positive side effects that I had from it were that I was able to sleep better and able to start losing some weight because I wasn't eating to comfort myself.
Having babies is hard. Mine are 3 and 17 months now. I hope this helps. Feel free to PM me if you need to talk to someone.

Hello M.:

I went through Post Partum Depression after my second and third sons were born. Luckily I was able to speak with a very wonderful therapist who told me that having the support of my husband, family and friends would be crucial to get me through it. Once they understood what it was and how it was affecting me they were able to take the kids for awhile and give me time to rest and regroup. I did take medication and it helped me tremendously. I would also suggest finding someone you can talk to, whether a therapist or trusted friend. Sometimes just having a shoulder to lean on is the best cure. I truly hope you feel better soon. Take care!

I did not get it bad but did have some bad days. I called one of my friends whos sister had it really bad and asked her what to do. She told me to get away for even a few hours. If you have anyone who could just watch them for an hour just go anywhere. You need a break from everything!! If you can't get away at least call someone who will listen whenever you need them to.
Good luck! Things will get better. It just takes time.
J.

M.,

I'm so sorry to hear that you're suffering at what should be the happiest time in your life. I didn't suffer from PPD but have suffered it later in life and hope that you can find sources that will work for you. For me, I've worked through therapy and medication, and have found that having to change my medication until it worked was important. I also found that reaching out to the people that really love me during these times and being vulnerable was critical. That way, if I'm having a really hard time, I can reach out to someone safe that can also be there for my kids.

I wish you the very best luck and know that this time will pass. Lean on those that you trust and don't give up before the miracle.

N.

Yes, I have almost 4 yrs. ago. I am a 40 years old and it took me 17 yrs. to have my son at the age of 36. Its very difficult to go through especially when the bundle of joy has finally arrived. This terrible disease affects everyone around you. What I did is seek to speak to a psychologist. Not only did it help me get through it but through other things that were challenging me in life. My psychologist referred me to a psychiatrist for medicines. The meds help a little but not much. Then I put it off until my mother died unexpectedly 1 1/2 yrs. ago then my husband wanted to move out of state and I still had to worry about my dad and son and how they felt. Till this day its very difficult however, I finally got to see a doctor again (now live in New Mexico) and my primary dr. prescribed me "Prozac" Well I didn't know what it was until I went to the pharmacy because the dr. wrote the generic brand name on the prescription. I was sceptical because I had read some things about it in the past and a friends on it but the dr. and the pharmacist clarified things and I thought I would try it. So far its helped me. Don't get me wrong its not a miracle pill and sometimes we get a little upset but its controlled. At first the pill did make me dizzy and sleepy but its more managable now. Find out from your doctor if that pill is right for you. If not keep at it until the dr. gives you the right prescription. I also highly recommend you talk to a psychologist, it really helps and find it does after a few sesions. If you don't find that he's helping find another psychologist. After having a great one my insurance changed (plus I was doing well he released me) went to see another one after my mom passed away and he was terrible. But don't give up get the right meds and see a psychologist because those precious little ones are also affected by your illness..M. L.

Hi M.! My name is H.. I think you need to see a health professional. I have also been through a espisodes of depression, but before my daughter was born and I know that seeking professional help is the best a person can do. Here maybe you can receive a lot of nice replies and advises, but when it comes to depression, especially when your kids need you so much, things are different. I hope you have someone helping you at home with your kids. The support of your husband, family and friends is also essential!

Good luck and take care!

First, let me say, I feel for you. Help is good to seek out, but not all help, really helps. I tried several different meds for PPD. They all seemed to become more of problem that a solution. In fact, it too a friend to point out that it had become a problem, within only a couple of months. I dropped the meds, and changed my diet. I researched Menapause diets, I figured it's a hormone thing, right, so I treated it as such. Within a a couple of weeks I felt a difference, and in a month and a half, I was feeling much much better. I'm not saying stop your meds, but talk to your doctor about diet changes and getting off meds. If your Dr doesn't have info for you, find another, you do have that right.I wish the best, but again, please don't just stop your meds, this can hurt you. Let the doctor do it for you.

Find a chapter of Postpartum Support International - you can do a search on the internet. They can help get you to great resources in your area and be a sympathetic ear.

Take care,
N.

Have you tried aromatherapy? It would not be as aggressive a treatment but it would not be medication. I have not used them for that but have heard of certain blends that are supposed to really help. Also, flaxseed is great for leveling out hormones. I took that with my son (almost 3 years old) when I had post partm depression. You can find Flax at health food stores or even the Super Targets here in Arizona carry one brand now. Good luck!

T.

M.,

I had PPD after both of my kids were born. It was worse with the first because I knew to expect it with my second and started taking meds. before she was born. (Zoloft worked well for me.) I understand that kind of numb feeling you are talking about- but I only had to take the medicine for about 8-10 months and knew it was worth the numbness to avoid the horrible anxiety and depression. I owed it to my kids to suffer a little in that way myself so that I could actually function to take care of them. But with an allergy, that changes things a bit.

I also took progesterone troches after my son was born. These were natural (NOT synthetic!) progesterone and I put them between my cheek and my gums until they dissolved (I had to buy them from a special compounding pharmacy and they were not so cheap, but they really helped me.) I know they helped me- perhaps you can discuss that with your doctor as an alternative to the AD's (or to use along with the AD which is what I did.) The psychiatrist I saw prescribed them and said there was plenty of research to show that at least part of the cause of PPD is the tremendous crash in progesterone levels in the body after delivery. And this research also showed that supplementing with NATURAL progesterone can help treat the symptoms of PPD. Perhaps your doctor can look into this for you. Also, seeing a counselor or psychiatrist who specializes in PPD could be very helpful. Maybe your OB could refer you to one.

I hope this is helpful for you. I know this is a difficult time for you but there is help available. I don't know what your financial situation is, but if you can't afford a psychiatrist/counselor or the medication- you can contact your local social services office to inquire about what they have available too. Take care.

P.

M.,

I would go on www.DONA.org and check your area for a local postpartum doula. They are both an amazing home support as well as an emotional relief. I am a birth Doula with DONA and can tell you their training is good. Feel free to e-mail me if you need some contacts.

Hi M.,

I would really try acupuncture. I used it through my pregnancy and after and it really made a difference. Acupuncture helps regulate the hormones and balance out the body. I know there is an acupuncture college in Colorado and and the school clinic should have a discounted price. Hope this helps.

M. :)

Hi M. - I am so sorry you're going through this. I had a depression after my first baby...It was actually after I weaned him (he was around 9 months old) - - - anyway, I would try to find a therapist that fits you...it may take some looking but you really need to have someone to talk to (even if the meds don't work...talking helps a great deal). Also - exercise really helped me through it, even if it's just a walk a day. Don't try to go through it alone - get help from a professional, and loved ones...let everyone know you need a little extra support right now. Best wishes~

Hi M.,

Yes, I had depession durring my pregnancy some then bad afterward. I took Zoloft after two of my children were born because I too had no idea what was wrong with me after my first child! I found that the medicine helped some but not completely! Mostly I just made myself go out in public, socialize etc. even when I just wanted to stay home in my pj's etc. I had good support from my husband too. Not that he understood mind you what was wrong with me but he encouraged me to keep going. Usually for most women I think it starts to taper off around your babies third month. It seemed to for me but everyones different. Also if you're meds are makin you feel numb to everything talk to your doctor! He probably just needs to lower the dosage. It's what mine did for me and it helped greatly to feel alive again ya know. Just remember that this is completely normal and you have beautiful children who love and adore you!

Hang in there Hon,

J.

M.,
Hi I can relate to your problem. I have 4 kids ranging in age from 15 to 21 months. With my last baby I went through the most difficult time with PPD. I knew something wsn't right but couldn't put my finger on it. My doctor asked a few questions and of course I answered them all the right way so not to seem as though I wasn't ok. Inside though I was a mess. I was on a roller coaster that was full of huge valleys and peeks.I didn't want to hurt myself or the baby but I found it extreamly hard to focus on anything. I found that talking with other mom's I wasn't alone. Find yourself someone you can talk with, a pastor, therapist, friend or even mom. My mom left work and helped me through the first year. Thank God! If it wasn't for her I'd probablly be in the same pair of cut off sweats. LOL The best advice I got was to take one day at a time and with time you will get through this. Best wishes.

Hi M.,

My name is A. and I have a five month old, Sam. I started struggling with post-partum depression when he was about a month old. I felt very unstable and sad. I am currently on Zoloft (25 mg/day) which has definitely helped matters. I plan to wean myself off over the next several months. I also found that several other things help immensely:

1. More sleep. Now that Sam is sleeping through the night I feel so much better. I wish I had taken more naps when he was waking frequently.

2. Me time. Find some time to get away and do something you enjoy. Have your husband or a friend help with the kids. Hire a babysitter if you have to. I have found that taking time for myself makes all the difference.

3. Exercise and diet. They really do make a difference even though it can be exceptionally hard to get going. I found a few exercise classes that I really enjoy and the gym I go to has a nursery.

4. Friends, family, and support networks. Our society has headed away from community. I think, in part, because we are all so busy. Being able to share my pain with other moms who have or are going through the same thing is so reassuring.

Please write me if you'd like to talk more. I am 27 and live in Boulder. Warm thoughts and wishes for you!

A.

Thankyou for the courage to write, first of all. I think mothers are expected to suck it up and enjoy parenting all the time. I have a seven year old and I struggled with depression as a teenager and currently deal with it. But when my seven year old was 8 months old, I really fell apart. My husband was a radio talk show host and I pulled him off the air to come home and help me. He never lets me forget it :)

I realized with my second I also had it. She is two now but it came on later. So the timing is not really important. Everyone is different. But I realized that because I grew up in a lot of violent behavior from my father, I was always outer directed, waiting to see what kind of a mood he was in when we got home from school, tiptoeing not to make him angry. It was all about him. And when my children were born, I felt outer directed again. Certainly not the same circumstances as growing up, but outer directed nonetheless. Once again I was in this trap of pleasing them first before myself. I still have trouble with taking care of myself because then the guilt kicks in, somehow I'm not this perfect person. I'm always rushing to get things done before the baby wakes up and that puts me into symptoms of depression.

I would highly suggest going to a Recovery Inc. meeting if you can find one. Google it to find their website and meeting locations. I don't like meds but I started taking rhodiola rosea, saint johns wort and then 5HTP at night. I got them at Wild Oats. They seem to work a little. But mostly support groups. I have spent many a time in Recovery Inc. balling my eyes out about struggling with what they call lowered feelings, which is depression and the recovery method is so profound.

I hope that helps. Just don't do it alone. Love has nothing to do with this. I know you love your kids. I do too. Also maybe some therapy. I was told early on that if I suffered from depression before kids, chances are it would rear its ugly head after kids.

Lots of love and support to you from me!

I haven't personally, but I frequent an online site called Babyfit where there are moms who have been through PPD who are very supportive and helpful I think. I love it there. Especially being able to talk to people in your like position. The fitness aspect of it is geared toward those who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, but the post pregnancy section is nice. www.babyfit.com Alot of moms in my birth month got help for PPD. (That's why I'm bringing it up. We are the July Moms thread.)

Hi M.
I had PPD with both my children. I took Zoloft as well and it really helped. There is a lot of medication out there so you might have to try a few to find one that works for you. Try to get out a do things with the kids and around other moms, may be join a play group, or make a point to go to a story time. I know this is hard and then on top of it you feel guilty for being depresses. Don't! PPD have no weight on how much you love your children or how well you care for them. Your a great mother and just need some help getting over this hump. Also see if someone in your family can help so you have some time to yourself to sleep, nap, read a book, or just veg. I hope this helps. Remember you are not alone many, many moms go through this.