Postpartum Depression

Updated on January 12, 2008
J.D. asks from Canyon, TX
13 answers

Have you (anyone) dealt with postpartum depression? Any advice. I'm really struggling.

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So What Happened?

THANK YOU ALL so very much for your caring and thoughtful responses. My obgyn has put me on Fluoxitine and it seems to be helping. Also, I've started getting more active. I stopped breastfeeding last week (my milk dried up.... a whole other topic!!) and so I've started drinking coffee some and the increased energy levels along with the anti-depressant and the exercise seems to be helping greatly. I don't feel 100%, but I do see the light at the end of the tunnel.... and now I don't feel like that light is just an oncoming train!
Thanks again.
Jen

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T.W.

answers from Dallas on

I had it after I had my youngest. It was hard but my husand was very helpful and understanding and got me through it. It helped to get the little things occasional nails, toes done. I even would hit up tanning beds. Just to make myself feel better. Dinner with girlfriends is always helpful... Those are just a few things that would make me feel better. Hope this helps..

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G.M.

answers from San Antonio on

Talk to your doctor, if he gives you a mild antidepressant, take it. You don't have to suffer!

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M.W.

answers from Houston on

Hang in there!! Seek medical advice and if they don't listen find a nutritionist, and a support group, if your having scary thoughts.
but a little sadness, weariness-take a day for your self, find a friend or family member who'll watch your children for an hour or 2, then do what you like...sleep, soak in a bubble bath, window shop,(no money required) at least once a month, at the most, once a week. if you have a little money, go to lunch with a friend or by your self. get a manicure. It is okay to take time for yourself...we as mom's give out all the time... give yourself something to look forward to.

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N.J.

answers from Dallas on

Ditto on talking to your doctor. Mild antidepressants really do help and you DON'T have to take them forever.

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A.A.

answers from Houston on

talk to your doctor, you are not alone. it is hormones, and lack of sleep too, i'm sure!

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J.D.

answers from Dallas on

J.,

it's sounds like you're getting lots of good advice. i struggled w/postpartum depression after my 1st son was born and it was miserable. also something that i did not expect. as someone else advised-contact your md right away so that she/he can determine the severity of your depression and decide what the best course of treatment would be for you. there is no reason to suffer when there is help out there.

good luck-email me back if you have any questions.

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D.P.

answers from San Antonio on

J. D,

Hello. The following products, all aloe-vera based, 100% natural and completely safe are going to help you. Please give them a chance. For the hormonal, metabolic and nutritional changes your body is currently going through these aloe products will help. Go to www.foreverliving.com, and see:

1) Forever Royal Jelly
2) Gin-Chia
3) Forever Lite Shake
4) Nature-Min

Please feel free to contact me with questions. Thank you!

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G.F.

answers from Houston on

I didn't have it but I hope everything works out for you. Talk to your ob/gyn and see if they can recommend someone to help you. Do you have any ladies at church like a MOPS group? I got a lot of great advice from my group.

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P.R.

answers from Dallas on

J.,
It is such a common thing, talk to your OB about your options, even the antidepressants are so mild (Lexapro for example) and only temporary, it makes a big difference and you really get to enjoy you baby much more.
Good luck.

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H.B.

answers from Dallas on

I had it with my second. I went to the Feme Centre in Colleyville. They test your hormones and find the ones that are out of balance and give you supplenments for those individualized hormones to balance you out. I just did not want to take antideppresents!!!! I know they have a web site you can google it. There are a couple of locations.

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L.M.

answers from Dallas on

J., I don't have any advice but I just said a prayer for you.

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D.J.

answers from Dallas on

Call your primary care physician asap and they can give you different ways to deal with this. You can do such things as yoga, meditation, or maybe medication. However your PCP needs to determine the level of severity of the post partum depression.

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T.

answers from Dallas on

Just hang in there and know it's only temporary. I think I had it to some degree after my first and was feeling really bad that I didn't have that instantaneous bond. My case was mild, but certainly would suggest (as others have) that you talk to your OB regarding your options. No need to suffer through when there are treatments out there to help you. And it's very common, so don't be intimidated/embarrased. Just get yourself help and do what you need to do to be healthy for you and your children! Take care, it WILL get better.

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