post partum depression

[Mbrown602]

I'm wondering if anyone else on this forum is being treated for post partum depression or has suggestions to get through it. It's very hard not to get depressed when you're alone all day with a fussy baby and isolated because your husband works 11 or 12 hours a day and no one else is around to help.

I've seen a therapist twice now and I've declined taking anti depressants. I was on them for postpartum depression with my first baby 15 years ago. I thought since my situation was better now that I would avoid post partum depression but I guess not (I was 19 and unmarried when I had my first)    The midwife said it may have something to do with the sudden drop in hormones after delivery and a chemical imbalance.

[Hollyadmin]

I struggled too after Sammy was born. I wouldn't say PPD necessarily, but more due to the circumstances (a baby that is unpredictable, doesn't sleep, and freaks out all day long lol). I joined a postpartum support group when Sammy was 11 weeks, and it was a big help. Do you have anything like that in your community?

The BEST thing for me was to get out. Try to make sure you're getting outside every day, preferably being with people who are supportive and/or will let you vent. I can't emphasize how important that is. When you stay home alone with a crying baby all day, your perspective can get really messed up. You start to feel like life will always be this way, and I can assure you, it definitely WON'T!!! Being around people who you can really talk to helps you to see the other side of life, and at least for me, gave me hope.

Your PPD may very well be from hormones/chemical imbalance, but it could also be simply because your baby cries a lot. Colic and PPD are closely linked. That said, there is no shame in taking antidepressants...you need whatever help you can get right now!  I've been taking 'crazy pills' for many years now

[Mbrown602]

Yes, I agree that I need to get out more. The days I stay cooped up in the house with her crying are the worst days. Last weekend, I had a really bad day with her. We had just switched her formula and she couldn't stop spitting up, plus she had the runs. I changed her diaper in her pack n play and she started to spit up, had the runs and peed all at once. I just started crying and crying. It's hard when you're handling this stuff by yourself!

I def. will take your suggestions and look for support groups. I'm glad the weather is getting nicer so I can go outside and exercise 

[Hollyadmin]

Melissa, how are you doing these days?

[Mbrown602]

I've been doing ok. I've tried to get out of the house, even if that means taking the baby to Wal-Mart to pick up a few things. That seems to break up the day a little bit. That, and seeing my therapist and visiting this forum helps 

[MDT]

I know this is somewhat of an old topic, but I felt the need to add my two cents because I'm overcoming postpartum depression, too, and I know that any insight can always help somebody.

I ended up attending a day hospital which was about a week of day-long intensive therapy sessions with moms and their babies (as well as pregnant ladies who were dealing with depression).  Apparently these programs aren't common in the United States, but I was fortunate enough to live in an area that had one.  I thought I was down in the dumps before spending a day at this program, but after hearing the stories of the 6 or so girls in the group, I quickly realised that I had it easy.  I wasn't trivializing my problems, but just hearing about the situations other people came from allowed me to kind of snap out of my depression and realise that my situation was not AS BAD as I made it out to be.  Some of those women didn't have anybody.  I at least had a husband, even though he is gone 50% of the time (days at a time, not hours).  He is more supportive than anyone could ever be and I really don't know what I would have done without him.

I ended up leaving the program after only two days because I felt I didn't need that intense of treatment.  They like to put people on anti-depressants and I wasn't for any of that.  It was an eye-opener, though, to hear the stories of other women in the area.  It really does help to talk.  That and getting out.  Getting out is harder for me when my husband is away (it's just so much work), but any time he is here, we make a point to get out and do things together with the baby every day.  Even if the baby cries while you're out, you just have to not let it bother you and remember how many times you've heard everyone else's crying babies in the grocery store!

Also, I know I still have a problem with this, but I really try hard to take things hour by hour.  Sometimes it's the only way I can get through the day.  Cherish those few hours or minutes of your baby's quiet times.  I know when I hear my baby cooing and babbling or see him smiling ear to ear, it makes me tear up because I'm reminded of the loving bond I do have with him even though he frustrates me so much when he's fussing.

[Mbrown602]

Wow, I didn't know they had such programs. You're right though: there are people who have it much harder. At least we have supportive husbands. I've been feeling better these days. The weather is getting nicer, and even if I can't go out too much I can at least take my 11 wk old for walks or to the park. The only thing that bums me out now is going back to work at a job I hate.

[sombrabella]

I am also being treated for PPD. I take a low dosage of Zoloft, and it has helped me immensely. Also this forum, my mom's group, and family/friends help alot.  I still have low moments, but I don't stay low. Depression runs in my family so I'm not really surprised I got PPD. Actually I'm hoping it will show my dad it's good to submit to treatment. He's been severely depressed all his life and has resisted help/meds.  There's no shame in having depression--don't ever let anyone make you feel bad for having it, it's a legitimate medical condition.

[zavaldez]

I have really struggled with my mood, I do not think I would call it depression, but I would say it is an altered state of mind because I did not struggle with a fussy baby with my son 10 years ago.  I would recommend walking with your baby, it will not only do you well, but he will probably enjoy getting out of the house to get some fresh air.  My baby girl loves, loves, loves it.  I walk the dog with her in the baby carrier and she loves it because she gets a little of the morning (10 am-ish) sun  .  Plus, the exercise will make you feel better.  Exercise has been proven to help with depression, it is just a matter of you making the effort to get out there and get the exercise done. Hope this helps you.