PostPardum Depression????

Updated on June 09, 2008
K. asks from Tampa, FL
14 answers

I am looking for some advice. I am a 33 year old with a 4.5 month old daughter a 3 year old son and 15 year old step son(who lives with us) In the past few weeks I have just been in a rut. Tired all the time, uninterested in things, feeling down. I dont want to be burdened with making plans. I initially thought it was my normal PMS mood, but that time frame has come and gone and I still feel the same. I cant say anything is bothering me and although my 3 year old is going through some challenging tempers, he is overall a good boy and my daughter is a very laid back happy baby who sleeps 11 hours a night. There is nothing for me to be "sad" about. Could this be postpardum depression at 4.5 months later?? Does anyone have any expereince with this. I have even made some conscious decisions to not be so h*** o* myself with housework and chores to decrease any anxiety I may be having with the overwhelming task of keeping a home clean with three children, but that hasn't helped either. I am considering going to the doctor, but am unsure of if I should see my OB or primary care doctor. Any suggestions??

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So What Happened?

I just wanted to thank everyone for their response. It was all very helpful. I did end up seeing my OB who prescribed a low dose anti-depressant and it made a world of difference. I felt like myself in 3 days. I am glad that I went. Thank you.
K.

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B.S.

answers from Tampa on

Don't wait- get help now. When my daughter was 9 weeks I experienced major depression with anxiety. I was in the mental hospital for 5 days and I'm still medicated. I went to 100 lbs b/c I could not eat or sleep. I feel wonderful now. It was a tough road but don't be afraid to ask for help from a dr. It saved my life.

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L.F.

answers from Los Angeles on

Dear K.,
Greetings!!!

I truly understand how you are feeling as a MAMA myself. Being in a rut is downright depressing and definitely not fun, especially when you want to be the best MAMA you can be and everything becomes an effort. I was wondering if you've thought about researching homeopathic and natural remedies for how you are feeling? There are many natural solutions that can actually help with what you are going through.

I highly recommend contacting Dr. Susan Player who is truly an incredible Nutritionist.

Here's her data:

1433 Gulf-To-Bay Blvd., Suite E
Clearwater, Florida 33755
PHONE: ###-###-####
Toll-free: (888) 449-0121
http://drplayer.com/

If she is too far, Dr. Scott Damanti, D.C., C.C.N.A is also amazing!

Here's his data:

5553 West Waters Ave, Suite 302, (off Veterans Expressway)
Tampa, FL 33634
PHONE: (813) 880~7117
http://naturalhealthtampa.com/wp/index.php/about/

I also recommend checking out 4 organizations validating why going the natural route is best for you and your family:

http://www.uniteforlife.org/
http://www.cchr.org/
http://www.cchr.org/mothers_act.html
http://www.labelmesane.com/

You'll also find some amazing data regarding alternatives at: http://www.cchr.org/solutions_and_alternatives/

And, K., please watch:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=LQW23XCmOCw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qble_vQEC7M
http://www.psychconflicts.org/

Please free to reach me anytime at: (323) 906~2784 or via e~mail me at ____@____.com. I'd love to help you however I can.

LOL,
L. (Mama to 36 week old Dylan Orion).

_______________________________________________________

PS: My friend, Fraser, created this amazing poem:

What to Know When Feeling Low

If you're down and feeling low,
Here's some things for you to know,

If it's so bad you want to quit,
Something CAN be done about it,

If in you're in the depths of depression,
Make sure you get the right nutrition,

If you're angry as your heads always sore,
Get a physical check up from a non psychiatric doctor,

If you're always ill or for mistakes are reknown,
Disconnect from or handle whoever's keeping you down,

If you're overwhelmed by everything you have to do,
Take a walk, look around, it doesn't matter where to,

If you see disaster wherever you look,
It's time for you to clean and tidy the place up,

If you feel awful as you don't do as you should,
Know you may feel bad but basically you are good,

If you're out of energy and collapse in a heap,
Drink enough water and get enough sleep,

If you feel no one cares and you are totally alone,
Remember a long lost friend and pick up the phone,

If you are on the edge and live in fear,
Go somewhere safe with no trouble near,

If you feel useless and worth nothing to no one,
Spend your time doing things you CAN get done,

If you feel 'everything' is wrong and you just can't cope,
The last thing to know, there always is hope.


copyright Fraser Kee Scott 07

1 mom found this helpful
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S.S.

answers from Tampa on

Talk to a counselor about your feelings. And if need be, try a medication. If you are in a bad place and can't seem to move forward, you are digging yourself a very bad hole that will get deeper and deeper and you can't get out. It's ok to ask for help and if it makes you feel better, that's all that matters. Everything is confidential so no one has to know. It's none of their business anyway. Wouldn't you like to start really enjoying your children? I've been in your shoes. I know about the super high expectations you are putting on yourself with the household chores. You deserve better than this. Dull women have immaculate houses.

Three weeks after my son was born, my father died. I didn't know which part was post pardum and which was greiving for my father. It didn't matter. I was in a terrible place and it took me years to get out. Don't wait and miss out on your children. Good luck.

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C.E.

answers from Lakeland on

Hi, K.,
Sorry to hear that you are experiencing depression. I don't know if it is postpartum depression or not but I do know that depression is the pits. I suffered with it for years. After my mother passed away from breast cancer, I finally went to the doctor and got some help. I was on various anti-depressant meds for 10 years which were a big help so I would encourage you to see your doc. OB or primary will do. If you have to be put on anti-depressants, you may have to go to a psychiatrist. I did and I found that very depressing ( just the thought of having to go to a psychiatrist). But he was a great doc and very helpful. About 3 years ago I was at our church and was prayed for for healing for depression and have since weaned myself off of all meds and am doing great without them. I highly recommend the good docs who can treat you and of course the Great Physician who can completely heal you.
God bless you,
Connie

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S.D.

answers from Lakeland on

It cou;d be postpartim or another inbalance kickeds up by your pregnancy,burthing and your considerable heavy load of reponsibility.
Your idea of a checkup sounds like a good one to me. I think that I would start with my OB, If those effeorts don't do it then an general checkup & hormone test is something to consider.

S.

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A.B.

answers from Tampa on

HI K....See your doctor. My daughter has argued with me for 4 years since her first son was born. She has had the same symptoms as you but every time I said "post partum" she got hostile. About 2 weeks ago, she had a mini breakdown and has been diagnosed with severe post partum depression. Her doc says it has been going on since her first son! She is in therapy now but that all could have been avoided if she had told her doc right away and gotten meds for it.

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T.C.

answers from Tampa on

I would go see a counciler. I also felt that same way even after my son was almost a year old. They didnt determine for me if it was still postpardom, but I was definetly going threw a depression. Where ever you do I hope you get the help you are needing. Good luck!

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T.H.

answers from Tampa on

pospartum depression can last for up to a year while your hormones are getting back in line. Have your husband and step son do some house work to help you. Have a me day where it is only about you and SEEK MEDICAL HELP IMMEDIATELY. there is nothing wrong with asking for help remember Andrea Yates. if someone would have addresssed her issues her 5 kids would still be alive. Now you are not at that point but the point I am making is everybody goes thru it just at differnt degrees

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H.K.

answers from Tampa on

I agree - get some blood work done. I ended up with postpartum thyroidism

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L.C.

answers from Tampa on

K., Go to your doctor. This may help you see whether you may not be eating or sleeping enough; it could help you figure out whether there is something physical or mental going on, or there is a family history of depression and you don't know about. I felt like this for years and found out I had fibromyalgia and leukopenia (a blood disorder) and had been functioning like you. Your health is number one so you must dedicate your energy on you. Your family needs a healthy mom and wife-you need you. Take care and let me know how you do. God Bless.
LeonorC

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K.G.

answers from Tampa on

it is normal...first and foremost. Many Mom's go thru this and you are not alone. Its almost like living in a twilight zone or something...but if you feel you cannot shake it, you definitely need to let your doctor know. Either one would work. Your family and you -- yourself deserve so much more and to be happy. :-) so don't wait. Let someone help you for a change! we will have you in our thoughts!!

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M.S.

answers from Tampa on

Hi K.!
I am a mother of four and experienced post-partum depression with my twins and my last child. It can be very lonely if you don't quite understand what's going on. I don't know what the time period is but 4 1/2 months doesn't sound like it's out of the question for you to be affected. I would just play it safe and talk to your OB about it and he/she will determine who you should speak to next. I, unfortunately, did not speak to anyone about it because at the time it was relatively unheard of (my twins are 21). By the time my last child was born (11 years ago), I was able to overcome it very quickly. Thankfully it was short-lived and everyone made it through unscathed. Play it safe, talk to someone. All the best! M. S.

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R.G.

answers from Tampa on

Go see your primary care...after having a miscarriage I thought I was depressed. Tired all the time, felt in a rut. Turned out I have hypothyroidism that was triggered by the pregnancy. Get a blood test to at least rule this option out. No one in my family has a thyroid problem, so they didn't think to check until after my second miscarriage. Feeling that way isn't normal and the sooner you can get it under control, the better you will feel.

Good luck!

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L.C.

answers from Tampa on

K.,

I would talk to your OB first. I developed PPD about 12 weeks (3mo.) after I delivered. It was severe. Not to the point of hurting my child, but I had so much anxiety regarding raising her & her over all care. Lots of other things happened too to contribute to it I think in my case (My truck was totalled 3 weeks post delivery, husband lost his job, extremely sick pets, breastfeeding didn't work out etc. etc). Anyhow in speaking with my neurologist (post car accident) she said that PPD often starts long after the 6 wk check up.

Even if it is mild PPD you may not need drugs. I did, it took about 3 months for me to feel normal again. I am still on them (I am afraid to come off of them).

I never knew it until after I delivered that my mom had severe PPD after delivering me. Of course then (in the 60's) the didn't know about PPD or the drugs & causes etc. So my Mom was instrumental in getting me to see my OB about my problem.

Hope this helps

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