Postpartum depression can strike anytime in the first year after giving birth.
And boy, when it hits, it hits hard. I've always been a sort of easy going sort, but over the past few months, I've found myself becoming increasingly anxious and withdrawn. I found myself crying over small things, obsessing over finances (to the point of spending several hours out of every day worrying about money, doing calculations in my head), and most recently, obsessing over ways in which I might accidentally die. Drowning in the bathtub recurred frequently, as did falling down the stairs and breaking my neck. The bathtub was the one that really got me though, and its the one that finally alerted me to the suspicion that I might be depressed.
So, of course, I took an online quiz. And every single "symptom" applied to me. Some I had chalked up to fatigue, but in all likelihood I've been depressed longer than I thought. SO I called my doctor and I am going to see her on Monday, and we'll talk about medication, and I'm going to get better.
Thursday, May 08, 2008
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14 comments:
You will definitely get better Aimee. I'm glad you're taking the steps to see a doctor about how you're feeling and open to various treatment options. We're with you girl!!
-- Katherine Stone, Postpartum Progress
You can make it through this. Many of us have or are continuing to do so. On top of medication, I encourage you to either journal (in a safe place which isn't always the blogosphere) or seek out a qualified therapist. Or both! Both help me greatly.
A combination of meds and therapy is doing wonders for me. I got slammed by PPD after my second - looking back I probably had a more mild case after my first that I just, like you said, chalked up to exhaustion. Hang in there and good for you for paying attention to the signs.
Taking the steps to get better is a huge step! So give yourself credit for recognizing that you need help. I would also suggest, on top of firemom's suggestion to write a journal, to get some mild exercise if you're not already and verbalize your fears, especially about things like finances. And remember - you will get better.
Hi Aimee,
I've spoken with many moms who get better quickly while using nutritional supplements. Many of them take 1500mg of calcium, 1000mg of magnesium (best form is with vitamin D), omega-3 fatty acids, and sublingual b-complex. If they are anxious, they respond well to natural progesterone cream. Check with your doctor and always purchase supplements from a health food store.
You are not alone, you are not to blame; you will get better.
Warmly,
Cheryl Jazzar
Know that life will be happy again. It won't always be so hard. Meds with therapy really helped me crawl out of that hole. Keep talking and pushing through with the help of a doctor who is experienced working with women who have ppd. So many have walked where you are!
I totally agree with Camahdavi that you've already soared over the biggest hurdle -- recognizing PPD and reaching out for help. The rest is downhill from here -- you go, girl! Those of us who've been where you are are pulling for you and here when you need support, ideas, a shoulder to cry on, etc.
Warmest regards,
Kristin
PPD Survivor
So many people are pulling for you and your health. The fact that you've recognized your condition, have been open about it and are taking action prove your strength. Women who share their stories in the way you do provide such a needed resource for other women who feel like they are alone. You are an inspiration to other women.
Warmly,
Tina
Congratulation for taking this most important step - recognizing the problem and seeking help!
Wishing you the best in health and congratulations on your baby!
PPD is tough, but us mothers are tougher.
You're doing an excellent thing going to get help. It took me 6 months to realize I needed help. It was the best thing I ever did for myself.
We're all here to support you as mothers who have been there.
Be well!
Was going to comment then decided not to then considered email and finally came back to comment.
I had a new baby 3 weeks ago and have been posting some on my blog about feelings I've been having and have been assuming this was not postpartum depression but..other things and now I think I am realizing that I am indeed smack dab in the middle of it. Katherine left a comment on my blog so I went to her site where I found a link to your blog.
It made me laugh to see that we have the same name, spelled the same even and I felt some goofy sense of "I was supposed to find this."
SO.
I'm glad I did and I'm now going to catch myself up on your blog.
Sending you good things...vibes? thoughts? peace? yes.
I have gone through PPD and I know it feels hopeless. I never thought I would be back to myself. Try the medication and make sure you get counseling, that's the the most important part. Take care of yourself, love yourself and nuture yourself. I have walked in your shoes. Trust me you will eventually soon feel better. Make sure to get rest. Have friends and neighbors help out. This is a medical disease. My thoughts are with you.
Post partum depression has taken such dangerous proportions that, it is leading women to suicides even. Suicides resulting from post partum depression is increasing all over the world and especially among the working women and the single mothers. The rate is also high in the USA as against the other parts of the world. http://www.xanax-effects.com/
The anti-anxiety medicine xanax is wholly capable of facilitating your war against anxiety as it is the most widely recognized medication to treat anxiety disorders, especially generalized anxiety disorders and altogether Xanax can treat a whole lot of anxieties related to panic disorders and depression. Before you move on to administer Xanax and treat your anxiety, get hold of Xanax tidbits from the site http://www.pill-care.com
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