PPD After 7 Months?

Yes, call your doc. Did you breastfeed and are you still? A good friend was fine for about 9 months (when she was breastfeeding a lot) and then as her son ate more solids and she breastfed less, her hormones got all out of whack and she spiraled very quickly into severe PPD. All's well that ends well, but it was a very scary two years for her and she lost everything dear to her (her job, marriage, custody of her child, etc.). Anyway...her case was very rare and I don't say that to frighten you, but we all thought she was out of the woods (she had a prior history of depression so she was at risk for PPD) because she sailed through the first nine months without any issues and we were caught totally off guard by the late onset, but it certainly does happen.

Do talk to your doc - no one knows you like you do, and no one understands feeling "off" like you do. There is no shame in seeking out help and if PPD is the culprit (it can be triggered by a stressful event like death or even changing seasons), there are many proven treatments that will have you feeling back to yourself soon.

Hugs and best wishes to you - listen to your gut!

PPD can set in at any time. I've had three children and have had it twice. Please see your doctor. This is not a question of will power or needing a break. This is a treatable disorder if you get the help you need as soon as possible. If you do that, life will get back to normal, I promise.

You may have been suffering from PPD all this time. Depression, like any illness, can get worse if it's left untreated. It's an imbalance in the chemicals in your brain, so ignoring it doesn't make it better. Definitely speak with your doctor. Depression is easily treated, for the most part, and your doctor can prescribe medication that is okay to take while breastfeeding, if you are. This is something that is really, really common, and you will be astonished at how quickly you'll start to feel better after you start treatment. I remember feeling so sad, hopeless and lethargic before my doctor put me on Zoloft for PPD.

The other thing you should request at your doctor visit is to be tested for thyroid problems. Depression, lethargy, and irritability are symptoms of thyroid problems (along with many others, google thyroid symptoms and see if any of them sound familiar). That's also extremely common, and pregnancy can affect your thyroid. With my second pregnancy, my thyroid problems started, and they weren't diagnosed until 6 years later! So... it's worth checking into. It's just a simple blood test to diagnose it, and is also easily treated.

Anyhow, definitely go see your doctor. There is no reason to suffer like you are! You can and will feel better. Hang in there!

See your doctor! I was diagnosed with PPD when my youngest (of 3) was 10 months old. My doc prescribed paxil and I've felt like a different person since then. I'm a happier, more patient, kinder, more energetic mommy and wife. I feel like a thick dark fog has been lifted and I can be my BEST self possible.

A vacation may be a short-term fix, but the depression and anxiety will return. See your doctor.

Good for you for reaching out for help with this! :-)

My doc told me that PPD can set in anytime. Even up to 1 year AFTER you are done breastfeeding.
After baby #2, I felt a bit more stressed/overwhelmed than usual, but I thought this was normal. I didn't feel 'depressed', just stressed. My doctor had me take the quiz and the results showed I was borderline PPD. I was shocked! She prescribed a very low dose prescription for me (10mg or 25mg) and it made a huge difference.
Definitely speak with your doctor. Only good things can come of it, so why not?
Good Luck!

Yes, talk to your doctor. Whether it is PPD (possible for up to a year at least) or something else triggering your depression it is very treatable. I wouldn't be surprised if being exhausted from caring for your baby plus older kids is contributing to feeling more down than usual. Can you work something out with your husband or another relative or friend to catch up on your rest? It may not solve everything but it may help a bit.

Call your doctor. Let him/her do the diagnosing, just describe your symptoms and be honest, don't minimize or sugar coat.

It's ok to ask for help, and it will get better.

Good luck!

I never wanted to be away from my children and never felt I needed away either but as I look back maybe it would have been good for all of us to have some time to unwind or whatever. I would think maybe you should get someone to just come and let you go out for short periods of the day or maybe just one day a week would be better for you. What about a mother's day out at a church or somewhere you would trust or maybe a friend or relative could come to your house for a bit. When it gets really bad though you need more than a few hours to get back on track. Maybe you could spend some time reading or doing something unrelated to kids while they nap or play or whatever. I hope you get something to help soon though. Don't let it keep getting worse. Your children need you to feel your best.

I was showing undeniable signs of PPD when my twins were 9 months old and got treated for it when they were 13 months old. Truthfully, I was probably exhibiting this earlier on, but it really got bad after I stopped nursing when they were 6 months old. You can show signs up to the time the child is 2.

I hope you get to feeling better, mama!

Yes, my OB warned me at my 6 week check up that it is very common for it to hit around 6 months post partum.

YES! It progressively got worse for me especially after I went back to work with #1. By the time she was 6-7 months old the panic and anxiety and dark thoughts were bad that I needed help. I went and got counseling and medication. With #2 and #3 I knew the signs. With #3. I started an anti-depressant right in the hospital after delivery at my OB's suggestion given my history. Made a huge difference and kept me sane. I feel for you but don't keep it in. Make sure you are seeking counseling and talking about your feelings. You are not alone. Hugs

I am not sure if its ppd i think it may just be depression. Caused by a tramatic loss so close to a birthday or someother occasion. I always feel that somoeone should talk to a professional about how they feel about it all to help them out. I suggest calling your health insurance and seeing what they cover or who.

My mother had it with my youngest brother. She sleep so soundly at night she did not hear him. She was exhausted all the time. He was more than 8 months old when she began to climb out of it. There was no help for it in those days.
You can go to an accupuncturist, take 15000 units of vitamin D every day and get into an exercise group that you go to every day. These things work you out of depression of all kinds.

By all means, see a doctor. Even if it's not a major long-term situation, you may be suffering needlessly. A simple evaluation with appropriate treatment can make a world of difference. We are very lucky to be living in a time that recognizes the complexity and spectrum of emotional imbalance that can be effectively treated for a better quality of life. See a professional.

It's not good (and not true) to think you're a horrible mother. It's affecting you and the quality of your life. You are entitled to enjoy your life and your motherhood. You're doing the right thing - reach out and get help. You are most definitely not alone! PPD often does not occur with the first child; each postpartum experience is unique.

Good luck!