Depression - Lowell, MA

I was also diagnosed with ppd a week ago. My daughter is 5 and a half mos. and I thought I was in the clear. The first six weeks after delivery all I could do was cry. I cried about everything and then the weepiness went away. I still didn't feel right though. I want to get out and meet other people but I also don't feel right about it. I can't explain the feeling. It is just like somethings missing. I started bringing my daughter to a mommy and mee class and I look forward to it every week. I can interact with her in the company of other moms without having to do much socialization. I'm going to try a mom's group next. I'm not taking any meds because I'm still breastfeeding. I also don't have any hobbies or career aspirations. I enjoy being a mom and it is now my entire life. I don't want to go out without my daughter so these mom and baby groups have been wonderful for me. They make me feel like I've accomplished something. I hope everything works out for you. -kelli

Hi S.....my heart goes out to you!!!
At the risk of sounding like I am promoting my businesses I will try not to...I really could not help to see a couple of things that hit a chord for me... something missing....no hobbies and the aspire part....as you I have been in the situation you have been in, I too was on meds, but I have found another outlet for myself....something for me...that is just mine! It is normal to feel the way you do if you do not have something that you own for the you within it is hard to see that, but you mentioned it so I think deep down you know what is missing! I have never felt as liberated in my life as I do today and it is because I found something that is just mine! I had "severe" post partum with my first, I can relate! If you would like to know more about me and what I do please let me know, otherwise I do hope you find your way! My advice is to find what you already said....something to aspire too, (whether a hobbie, maybe work..something you can do at home, a certain exercise, like walking)... it does make a world of diffrence! Best of Luck! :)

Get on a different kind of antidepressant.The one your on is"nt working. Try CYMBALTA.Maybe it is not PPD anymore.

Hi S.,

Maybe people are right and you do need to get out more. I know from personal experience that getting out with depression is hard, and you kind of have to force yourself to do it. Depression is often times something you really have to make an effort to fight against, and if you do, you can pull yourself out of it. It's kind of like the person that feels physically weak and weary and knows they should excersize regularly to keep them feeling energized and healthy, but they don't because that would require self-discipline. It can be hard, but if you work at it, I'm sure you could get yourself out of it, and even be able to get off the meds.

The second possibility is that oftentimes people feel they are missing something in their life when they are missing God. I don't know if you're religious or anything, but you might find that you would feel better if you started going to church regularly or made an effort to increase your spiritual life and growth. I too was given meds for post-partum depression, but soon realized after I started taking them, that the pills were replacing God in my life. I'm not taking them anymore, and now that I'm making my relationship with God a priority in my life, and trying to live a life of obediance to Christ. I don't feel I need the anti-depressants anymore.

Anyway, just sharing my thoughts. I'm sure you'll find a solution that works for you! Good luck and take care!

-A.

Hi S.,

I had the same thing when my fourth baby was born she is now 10 lol... I also was on medicine I had panic attacks and anxiety it was terrible i got to where i didnt even want to leave my house cause i thought something was going to happen. the best thing i did was get a job and get out of the house and be with adults..even if its not a job join some kind of club or something so you can be out there with other adults..It helped me....Hope i helped you...
P.

S., I can totally relate to you. I had two children back to back. They are less than a year apart. I didn't experience post depression after my first son. But after having my second son, I was diagnosed when he was about 10 months old (and I am still struggling with it). They just turned 4 & 5 last week. Try to find yourself a good support system. Have you tried therapy? Make sure you are completely honest with your doctor. Maybe you are not on the right medication. Discuss the possiblity of changing your medication. I recently change mine and it seems to help. In addition, try to find a good book to read. There are tons out there that can help you deal with your depression. Take care! C.

Hi S.,

I read your note and wanted to let you know you are not alone. I too suffered for many years with the same problem and finally discovered something that works for me. When my youngest was 9 yrs old I had been on several meds that just didn't cut it. I then discoved natural progesterone cream from Arbonne (Phytoprolief) that has worked wonders. I have been using that alone for 4 years now. I would like to refer you to www.johnleemd.com to find out more about this issue.
There are also his books that you can get to learn more about what causes depression/anxiety. I used to think I had lost my mind and it has put a strain on my marriage also. Feel free to email me and I would be happy to talk more about my experience. I just want you to know you are really not alone and there are great hollistic ways of helping those issues.
I can be reached at ____@____.com
Hang in there and spend sometime for you, you deserve it. I never used to go out but I realized that my girlfriends were the best medicine.

Hi S..
I was diagnosed with PPD after I had my daughter, by my OB/GYN. However he discovered something I hadn't considered: if your depression lasts longer than 3 months, it might be that you were depressed before the baby's birth.
I know what its like to have well days - and days you just don't want to get out of bed. You really do need to get out - we ALL do. You have to take it one day at a time and take baby steps to do it.

I have to agree you have to get out and try to do things for yourself. But if you feel you absolutely cannot then you need to see your doctor. I have been on several antidepressants and some have stopped working in about a year - others never started working. It could be that the ones you were given were not right for you and not knowing any better you may have just accepted that this was how it was going to be. I always just assumed I'd be worse w/o them and that they must be working. I have battled with depression for as long as I can remember and know what it's like. If you just need someone to vent to feel free - I am always up to making new computer buddies. Hang in there and take care.

I also suffered from the same after having my second child and never had it diagnosed until after my third was a yr and 1/2. I stay home with all three and also felt like I had no other interests. I never wanted to go out w/o my husband and/or children. I felt like I didn't know myself at all. I started seeing a counselor and it has helped tremendously. I am able to leave the issues in the Dr.s office and be less stressed and insecure at home. I am in school and still don't feel like I definately know what I want for sure but I'm exploring to find my interests. I have come to find that my children are my biggest interest and have found new ways to engage with them. Try to get involved with other moms with kids if you can. This site is a great way to contact some and enrolling your kids in an activity is also a good way. Being with other people is really important and it will build your confidence even though it's really tough and I always felt guilty at first. Over time it gets easier and you are a better mother for it. Good luck!

Don't say that dirty word..."normal." There is nothing wrong with you. People get depressed and you cannot simply "snap out of it." If you are taking medication, but aren't seeing any improvement, you should try a different medication. All anti-depressants are not the same...different ones work for different brain impulses and sometimes it takes a lot of "tinkering" to figure out what will work for you. However, medication may not be the answer for you. Have you considered talk therapy? Seeing a counselor and talking out your problems may be what you need. Of course, I don't know how you feel or what would work best, because I'm not you. Stick with those people who are supportive and avoid the ones who drag you down.