Postpartum depression

Tara · 01-04-2010, 11:12 PM

I think I've been hit with postpartum depression. I just don't feel happy no matter what I do. I feel even more dragged down by the fact that I still need meds for my blood pressure. Not to mention that my uterus is still enlarged(but it is slowly going down). All I seem to do is obsess over my health, and I'm just exhausted mentally. I don't really have anyone but DH to talk to, and while he tries, I just don't think he understands.

I can't see going to a therapist to talk about this. What's the point? Would it really help? All they will want to do is put me on medication. I really don't want to go on medication. Can a stupid pill really make you happy, or just suppress the problem. Blah, guess I feel hopeless about the whole situation.

LittleBit · 01-05-2010, 05:55 AM

oh Tara... HUGE HUGS girl!!

I can't speak for postpartum specific depression being helped by meds, but I can say that when I went on anti D's after I had Karah and Mom died it did really help. It didn't "make" me happy, but it helped me cope with the emotions I was having without falling apart (it wasn't pretty... deployed husband, new baby, two older kids but not that old, and losing my Mom). Pre meds, I couldn't stop crying, I was constantly snapping at Tessa mainly, and just an emotional wreck. With the meds I was able to have a little more control. I stayed on them for about 6 months and talked to a therapist some during that time as well. Then I was doing better and came off them. For me it helped... but if you are feeling hopeless it can't hurt to try seeing a therapist, and just tell them honestly that you are not interested in a med only fix.

KJBBDOLL · 01-05-2010, 09:02 AM

This weather certainly doesn't help either. I have already been hit by depression and it isn't even Feb yet! Try taking some Vitamin D or go tan a couple of times a week-it really helps me. Also, excercise should help-I just started back to the gym so I will let ya know on that one

I hope you feel better sweetie!

*Grace* · 01-05-2010, 09:41 AM

As everyone know, I was on antiDs for years. They really did help. I finally went off of them a year ago. Although, I still get down from time to time, I am in more control. When I have bad times now, I take 5 HTP which boosts seratoin levels naturally.

Shona · 01-05-2010, 10:36 AM

Dealing with PPD is horrible Tara and I am so sorry you are having to go through this. On one hand, you have this amazing new life that you love and adore and on the other hand.. you have this new little thing that is soley dependent on you. As is everyone else in the house. Hubby's help as much as they can, but they have to work, ( most of them, no one get snippy with me) We are the ones with the children 90% of the day. ALL the children and when you have as many as we do, it isn't easy. You are not alone, first and foremost. You may feel lik it, but you aren't. Go talk to a therapist. It might not help, but it certainly won't hurt. Tell them you don't want a medicine fix. But to be honest, meds can help. Not everyone and not in every situation. I had to go on stronger meds after a couple of my kids, but I came off of them fairly soon. I even went through a little bit after Marisa Jo. And if there was ever a child I thought I wouldn't go through it with, it was my only daughter. But I am better now. Still having some small issues. But my blood pressure isn't under control yet and health isn't what it could be. The problem with all of that for you, is that you are still hormonal ( as am I , I think) you are not as healthy as you want to be, your BP is up and you worry about it all. And all that does is push you BP even higher. Talk to someone. If not your family doc or a therapist make an apt with your OB. The meds can just cover the real issues sometimes. But not always. I wish you the best honey, you know I do and I will be praying for you. If you ever need to talk you are welcome to get my number from Heather.

Tara · 01-05-2010, 01:01 PM

Thank you for your replies. It means a lot. I will look up a therapist and see what happens. I guess it can't hurt.

AndreaB · 01-05-2010, 01:13 PM

i hope things start to look up for you soon!

Nikki820 · 01-07-2010, 08:41 PM

Tara- I was on Zoloft for over a year with my PPD, and it helped. It allowed me to be the mama I needed to be for Bradley, while trying to learn different coping mechanisms for everything. What I reminded myself was a) it was a temporary solution, b) I was able to find what worked for when I weaned off the meds.

*hugs* If you want to talk about it at all, please ask... as I weaned off too early, and relapsed to the point of almost not being able to care for Bradley. It is hard, but can be done. *hugs*

**Spaggie** · 01-08-2010, 07:30 AM

Tara, I've been there. After Ally was born, I slipped into PPD. I let it go on so long that it actually went into clinical depression. The longer you wait to take care of it, the worse it will get. Seeing a therapist will help, in and of itself. Basically, they will help you re-learn or learn new coping mechanisms. Meds can be a tremendous help, but alot of ladies choose not to go on them. What I found was that the meds helped me be able to help myself. They gave me that extra little boost I needed to be able to get going doing what I needed to do to get past the depression. I would recommend seeing a therapist and trying that first. If therapy alone doesn't help, you can always try meds later.

Tara · 01-08-2010, 08:46 PM

Thanks for all the support everyone!

**Elaine** · 01-09-2010, 07:25 AM

Lots and lots of

I went on anti-d's after Gracie was born and while I can't say they didn't help (because I was more able to function and do what needed to be done) I didn't like being on them. A numb mom isn't much better than a depressed mom imo. However, that was only my experience and I'm sure it is different for everybody. I think that talking to a therapist and finding out your options is probably a good idea.