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| First Time Moms |
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| My son is 8 mo. old and all of a sudden I've started to feel terribly depressed. I've had insomnia and need to take Ambien to sleep at night. I don't feel like I can function normally and have a hard time doing things that used to be easy. I get heart palpatations and bad muscle ache and stress. I've began taking anti-depressants but they haven't kicked in yet and I'm in the midst of finding a professional therapist. anyone out there been through something similar please let me know so Idon't feel so alone...Thanks. |
| Posted by Lisa on 03/21/2008 01:45 PM
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Are you sure it's PPD and not just a stressful time? My doctor told me that it can happen up to six months but after that it was unusual. My son is six months. I also have trouble sleeping with the same items you describe however I realize that most of it is work pressures and home life with an infant is extremely frustrating at times but I try to get my husband more involved and it seems to help some. I would see if you can get your in-laws or husband or other family members to take your son for a couple of hours each weekend and see if that helps you. Good luck. But no I don't think your alone.
Dr. Caitlin Smith |
| posted by Dr. Cai... on 03/21/2008 02:18 PM
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Hi Lisa,
I havent had PPD but after I gave birth I was stressed out because I wasnt able to produce milk. I felt like the one thing that was suppose to be able to do I wasnt able to do which really stressed me out. My aunt however did have really bad PPD and she did have to see a therapist and get a prescription. Trust me you are not alone. Being a mother is not a easy thing to do and I'm sure you are trying your best. |
| posted by Holly on 03/21/2008 02:53 PM
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Hi Lisa,
Sounds to me like you are on the right path. I think you should definitely pursue a therapist. Whether or not what you have is labeled PPD, you sound like you are depressed, and no one should go through that alone. This website is a wonderful place for you to vent. There are so many people here who are not only in the same boat, but are very caring. Check out the other groups and find ones that suit you. Sometimes it is therapeutic to just vent to a bunch of strangers! Hang in there. I remember how hard those first months with baby are. People who aren't moms could never possibly understand! You will make it through. |
| posted by Jade on 03/21/2008 04:19 PM
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| Thanks Ladies. I appreciate your quick responses. Thankfully my husband is really supportive and he does take very good care of the baby and helps clean the house, do the grocery shopping and nuture my poor sappy self right now. Unfortunately the nearest family I have is two hours away so it makes it a little tough to have them help out as often as I'd like. My job is very stressful right now. I used to teach kindergarten full time and I thought choosing a part time teaching position would be easier with the baby to minimize the need for day care but turns out its like a whole new position so I'm having to try things out brand new and its so stressful. I can't wait til the school year is over so I can just focus on one thing - being a mom and that's it. Thanks again. |
| posted by Lisa on 03/21/2008 04:31 PM
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Lisa, I am a social worker and have helped a lot of women with PPD. I saw on your page that you like exercise. Try to exercise at least 30 minutes/day (especialy cardio work). I know that may seem impossible, but there is a lot of research that shows exercise is very effective at reducing symptoms of depression AND from my personal experience, I know I feel a lot better when I get exercise. You don't have to do anything fancy, just through that little one in a stroller and hit the pavement.
Also, if you want to email, fell free to send me a private message. You are doing the right thing being honest with yourself and addressing it head on.
Good luck, I'll be thinking about you.
Celeste |
| posted by Celeste on 03/21/2008 05:27 PM
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| Whenever I feel depressed or stressed-out, I load the baby up in the stroller and take a long walk. It helps every time! I hope things get better for you! |
| posted by Heather on 03/22/2008 08:54 AM
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Hi lisa,
I totally understand what you are going through. I had PPD after katie was born and it can hang around for a very long time. THere is no time limit on when it starts or stops. Katie will be a year next month and i'm still have my really bad days. From birth to about 3 months it was really really bad, then it was good for a while and then when she hit about 7 months it started coming back again. PPD is a chemical imbalance, and therapy helps tremendously. It's wonderful you have a hubby who is so supportive, that is about 50% of the battle. Walking really helps because exercise releases endorfins (sp) and being out in the sunshine and not cooped up in the house helps alot too. I really hope your feeling better, if you have any ?'s e-mail me! |
| posted by Amanda on 03/22/2008 02:46 PM
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Hi Lisa,
Job changes, new mom, stress, lack of sleep, it is no wonder you are having a bit of a hard time right now. Hang in there. You are not alone in any way. Any one of those things could be overwhelming. Take care of yourself and know that it will get better. It sounds like you are doing all of the right things to care for yourself. I don't know where you live and if you can get out this time of year for some fresh air, but if you can't, I'd even hit the mall for a walk. Just get out and around other people. A change of scenery is really helpful sometimes. All my best.
Charlene |
| posted by Charlene on 03/22/2008 04:09 PM
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Hi Lisa- I hope things are getting better for you. I didn't really suffer from PPD, but I do suffer from depression. My OBGYN put me on the generic of Zoloft during my pregnancy because I had to go off of my other depression medicine. My daughter is now almost 3 months, and I am still on the Zoloft. I am breastfeeding and was told that they were safe for me to breastfeed with as well. I don't know if you have health insurance, but I was able to call the number on the back of my insurance card and they were able to get me an appointment with a therapist through the EAP program. That may be a place to start until you are able to find a more regular therapist. Hang in there. It will get better. Once your medication kicks in, if you still don't feel right, let your doctor know. There are a lot of different types of meds out there, and one will work for you.
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| posted by Cypress on 03/22/2008 04:15 PM
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Hi Lisa,
I have to tell you that I too understand. There have been times in my life that I've gone to a therapist when things get hectic, and it really really helps. I hope that you find one that you like, and that things get easier for you really soon.
Take care honey,
Lauren |
| posted by on 03/22/2008 05:56 PM
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Have you ever had your thyroid hormone levels checked? I went through (starting at about 5 mo. post partum) sleeplessness, exhaustion during the day, heart racing, back aches, headaches, feeling warm, and at times just an overwhelming feeling of depression. I had some routine bloodwork done and then my doctor suggested getting my thyroid levels checked since I had just had a baby...and come to find out, I had Post Partum Thyroiditis. It's common, but can go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.
Anyway, that's under control now and I've started addressing the stress levels and my diet and exercise as well.
I really hope you can find some peace in all of this...and Lisa, have faith...not fear. It'll be okay....it really will. |
| posted by Kelly on 03/22/2008 10:22 PM
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