Postpartum Depression - How Long?

My son is 3 years and 3 months and I'm still dealing with it. I had mild depression symptoms for many years prior to the pregnancy with definite worsening after it, so it's not 100% PPD.

If you aren't already, I would recommend seeing a therapist first. If that alone isn't enough, you should see a psychiatrist who can prescribe medication.

K.
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My understanding is ppd lasts the 1st year- then if you are still depressed, it is considered situational depression or just normal depression. If you are still experiencing the symptoms, I would see a dr about it and check into some medications. They can be really helpful! Good luck to you! You are not alone.

Molly

I had it for a total of one year, although there were certain points over that year that I made much progress. At 3 months, I got marginally better. At 6 months, I got a little bit better. Then again at 9 months... and then at a year I was back to myself. I swear that for me, every 3 months it seemed to ease a little bit. It happened overnight too. I went to bed a very depressed Mom, and would wake up and spend the next 3 months still depressed, but just a little better.

It is wonderful that you have spoken up here on the boards. Looking back, I wish I would have done that. Please go see the doctor about your depression. You have certainly taken the first step- you are ready to take the next!

everyone is different but post partum doesn't last for 4 yrs. i say go to your dr and get some bloodwork done to check your hormone levels and your thyroid. i had no idea i had a low thyroid until we were tryin to get pregnant the second time. and now thankfully i am synthroid 50mcg and am pregnant.

if they find it's not a chemical reason, then try talk therapy and if needed anti-depressants. good luck to you! remember mental illness is a disease and you shouldn't be ashamed, it is very common...=)

I wouldn't think it should last THIS long. If I were you, I would check with your doctor. Being a mom is hard work, and often you are tired, which doesn't help matters. I think it's time to get the opinion of a health professional.

It's possible that you have a hormone imbalance now. I had one before getting pregnant but didn't know it...just depressed, anxious, mood swings. Turned out I needed Progresterone. I was so much better when I was prego. I have been using bio-identical progesterone for the past 4 years since my daughters was born and I am a totally different person and didn't get the PPD either. PPD happens b/c of the dramatic drop in progesterone. Most women can use it for just that first month and taper off and are okay to go back to the norm. Then there are people like me that need it always since my ovaries cannot make enough. Eating a lot of soy or heating food in plastic containers also makes your estrogen go too high and your progesterone can't keep up. PM me if you want more info.

BTW, I've done the medication and therapy thing for a long time and different times in my life, but none of them worked as good as the BI Progesterone for me. If you are on the birth control pill it messes it up too.

Please DO tell your doctor. It is important to get help in the form of talk therapy and medication. Your body went through hormonal changes with pregnancy. There may be other issues (thyroid?), lack of sleep? family history? that your doctor can privately address with you. Depression impacts 10% and this is an illness. You are not alone. Please write back and let us know the steps you take. Exercise can help provide you with endorphins (chemicals that make your brain feel better) - this is not a substitute for seeing your doctor.

Are you in therapy? Are you on any drugs like Prozac to help you cope? If not, PPD can last indefinitely because you haven't addressed the problems yet. I was lucky in that, with the help of medication, I was able to recover within the first 7 months of my son's birth, which is actually earlier than many women recover (but I have been in treatment for depression before and I'm familiar with the treatment and the mood swings). Depending on when you begin treatment, PPD treatment can take up to a year. However, if you are on medication and in therapy and have not recovered, I recommend you see your doctor about changing your medications - and possibly your therapist too. PPD should not last 4 years. Good luck.

My BFF suffered from postpartum after her 3rd child. It turned out it wasn't just postpartum. That was 19 years ago and she's still be treated for depression (and going great). Talk to your doctor.