I've been referred to a therapist who specializes in Postpartum PTSD. My MW thinks this is what I'm struggling with. My first appointment is April 7th - I'm excited and scared all at the same time.
How is your week going?
Alright - I was exhausted last night, but was able to hold myself together when LO fought sleep until 11pm. It felt really good to hear that a lot of the things I'm feeling are normal... I just need some better coping tools.
Any struggles or accomplishments you would like to share?
I'm so emotional this week. I think admitting I have a problem has helped, but also brought up a lot of emotions I've been tucking away. I miss DS so much every day and my birth experience makes me so sad. I didn't realize I was still struggling with it so much.
Any changes in medications or recent appointments?
My first appointment yesterday with my midwife. I'm back to see her in two weeks. I see my counselor April 7th - in two weeks as well. I'm hoping these next two weeks aren't such a struggle as the last week has been.
GTKY: Describe your perfect date. Honestly, right now it would be sleep in, drop DS off, have a nap, wake up and spent time alone together in bed, take a nap, hang out more before picking up DS. At some point we would eat.
I've been referred to a therapist who specializes in Postpartum PTSD. My MW thinks this is what I'm struggling with. My first appointment is April 7th - I'm excited and scared all at the same time.
How is your week going?
Alright - I was exhausted last night, but was able to hold myself together when LO fought sleep until 11pm. It felt really good to hear that a lot of the things I'm feeling are normal... I just need some better coping tools.
Any struggles or accomplishments you would like to share?
I'm so emotional this week. I think admitting I have a problem has helped, but also brought up a lot of emotions I've been tucking away. I miss DS so much every day and my birth experience makes me so sad. I didn't realize I was still struggling with it so much.
Any changes in medications or recent appointments?
My first appointment yesterday with my midwife. I'm back to see her in two weeks. I see my counselor April 7th - in two weeks as well. I'm hoping these next two weeks aren't such a struggle as the last week has been.
GTKY: Describe your perfect date. Honestly, right now it would be sleep in, drop DS off, have a nap, wake up and spent time alone together in bed, take a nap, hang out more before picking up DS. At some point we would eat.
Hugs
I introduced after you did so I missed yours but I will go back and read it. Glad you made those appointments.
icequeen - you have to tell me secret to responding to everyone's post in one singular post. This is what's taking me so long to respond today. The GKU threads move so fast that I don't even try to address everyone.
I always have a notebook next to me and jot down the comments I want to make and to whom. It doesn't take me long! Then I just go to the quick reply box.
I always have a notebook next to me and jot down the comments I want to make and to whom. It doesn't take me long! Then I just go to the quick reply box.
I'm so unorganized.
Oh girl. Let me help you. I will organize your whole house.
cozydreams34, it seems like you've made great strides this week! I'm so glad your husband is going with you to help voice your needs at your OB appointment. So reassuring. Congratulations on meeting your goals! @rocknrollfriend, I am so sorry you and DS are sick. I know that must increase your anxiety ten fold. But, I still think that it's a huge accomplishment that even though you were in a bad mood at the event, DH and you were able to get through it together and still have a decent time instead of just giving up on the situation. I'm really proud of you! Have y'all worked out a new counseling schedule? I know you felt like you were pressed for time and couldn't get time for yourself and for couples therapy. KayVeeKay, oh my goodness. If you really feel this move will benefit you in the long run, then I would take it for sure. How far away will it be from DH and your LO? Will y'all be able to see each other? How far apart will you be? I think this is also something you should discuss at your appointment because I think it could be very easy to go downhill in a new location without a good support system. If you do move I would set all that up before you get there.
@usernameedit, I'm so glad that you are taking the right steps and getting a professional's opinion on how you are managing PP. It is never easy admitting there might be something "wrong", but in reality, SO many people go through this and you are NOT alone. Keep your head up!
snarkysparklefart, I hear you... my mom helps with LO which is great. Besides H, there isn't anyone else I trust to watch LO as much as I do my own mother. But man, there are definitely times where she can be so trying!!!
KayVeeKay, it does seem like you're backed into a corner FX that you can figure out what's going on and why you're not feeling "right". And hopefully, but the time you make the move, if you have to that is, you're feeling like you're in a much better place.
@usernameedit, I may have missed your intro but will go back and try to find you. welcome. It sounds like you're taking the right steps to get back to a better place. The beginning is so hard and everything is 1000x worse when you're sleep deprived. Hang in there, things do eventually get better. Best of luck with your appointment!
flcl, It's this Saturday. I think it will be fun. His friends are hilarious. PLUS CUPCAKES!!!
Tell us about it! How old is he? Is there a theme? Are you having it at your house? Are a lot of people coming? I'm nosy
there are 10 children coming to my house. I prefer to have out of home birthday parties but I dropped the ball a lot this year haha.
I will feed them pizza, chips, juice and cake.
I will try to invent some fun games to entertain them. Last time we had a home birthday party Freeze dance was a hit. Then I will give them candy and send them back to their parents
The invites had Lego batman on them, and the cake/cupcake thing is Superman (they line up 24 cupcakes and make the icing look like a slab cake)
Tell us about it! How old is he? Is there a theme? Are you having it at your house? Are a lot of people coming? I'm nosy
there are 10 children coming to my house. I prefer to have out of home birthday parties but I dropped the ball a lot this year haha.
I will feed them pizza, chips, juice and cake.
I will try to invent some fun games to entertain them. Last time we had a home birthday party Freeze dance was a hit. Then I will give them candy and send them back to their parents
The invites had Lego batman on them, and the cake/cupcake thing is Superman (they line up 24 cupcakes and make the icing look like a slab cake)
So DC universe theme?
Julia, that sounds like a blast! I'm sure you will pull it off. Maybe if you have a big yard, you could do a treasure hunt outside or get a piñata!
there are 10 children coming to my house. I prefer to have out of home birthday parties but I dropped the ball a lot this year haha.
I will feed them pizza, chips, juice and cake.
I will try to invent some fun games to entertain them. Last time we had a home birthday party Freeze dance was a hit. Then I will give them candy and send them back to their parents
The invites had Lego batman on them, and the cake/cupcake thing is Superman (they line up 24 cupcakes and make the icing look like a slab cake)
So DC universe theme?
Julia, that sounds like a blast! I'm sure you will pull it off. Maybe if you have a big yard, you could do a treasure hunt outside or get a piñata!
Ya... I would love love love to do that so much! but there is a foot of snow out there.
Post by helloamanda on Mar 25, 2015 21:28:35 GMT -5
Late here too! I'll be back tomorrow to catch up on everyone
Please briefly list your diagnosis/status: Depression and Anxiety
How is your week going? Not too bad. Work was SO busy this past weekend and I was so sore and my legs were swollen. I've gotten a lot better at not getting overwhelmed when I'm busy too. Still need to get firmer with people though. Trying to work on self-confidence too, but I've been feeling down about my looks. Feel like I'm icky and ugly.
Any struggles or accomplishments you would like to share? Hm.. I was proud of myself for not getting overwhelmed at work this weekend. Okay, I know this is going to sound stupid but I spent my entire Friday night bawling about Glee ending lol It was like a show that DH and I watched together when we first started dating and he would always get me to come to his apt to watch it so it just had a special meaning to me.
Any changes in medications or recent appointments? Nope. Still going to weekly therapy.
GTKY: Describe your perfect date. I feel like I need some romance! IF really takes the romance out of your relationship I feel. I would like to go have an intimate dinner, share a bottle of wine, and come home and cuddle
icequeen That's just it. I'm not sure it will anymore. I'll be halfway across the country from them, so it'll be so hard for both of us to take off to see each other or even just one of us. My stupid appointment got canceled because of power outages. I swear, the lights go out and everyone loses their minds. I do agree that it seems like such a bad idea to move before this is resolved. If it ever resolves.
Please briefly list your diagnosis/status: Nothing official, but this week has been a fun mix of anxiety and depression symptoms.
How is your week going? Up to Tuesday night was actually pretty good. But then I had a breakdown about the wedding when FI asked me AGAIN to talk to people about RSVPs. Basically I told him about how none of it was like I expected and I'm overwhelmed by the things we have left to do and I really wish I could be Bridezilla and make people do what I want, but I'm too much of a people pleaser to do so. I remembered how I struggled when we got engaged that my MOH's are far enough away and indisposed so that I've seen them once TMI perhaps but on Wednesday morning I got my period and thus I've been under the weather for the past two days.
Any struggles or accomplishments you would like to share? Struggles: Apparently planning this wedding is mentally draining me. I've kind of known in the back of mind for a while that it was problem, but I had everything planned out. Unfortunately I didn't communicate the importance of the timeline to my sanity and force others to comply so now a lot is compressed into a small time frame.
GTKY: Describe your perfect date. FI and I are going to the East Coast for our honeymoon. The ocean, fresh seafood, hiking trails, and cute cabins... close to perfect as I'll get.
icequeen That's just it. I'm not sure it will anymore. I'll be halfway across the country from them, so it'll be so hard for both of us to take off to see each other or even just one of us. My stupid appointment got canceled because of power outages. I swear, the lights go out and everyone loses their minds. I do agree that it seems like such a bad idea to move before this is resolved. If it ever resolves.
This is just me, but I would not move if I were you. If it means quitting your current job, then so be it. I would start looking for other work options now, even if it is part time or a short term job until you find something better. I strongly encourage you to stay with your support system. Being alone in a foreign city with a debilitating mental illness and less than satisfactory job AND being away from your family is a recipe for disaster. Please don't do it.
@rocknrollfriend, I am so sorry you and DS are sick. I know that must increase your anxiety ten fold. But, I still think that it's a huge accomplishment that even though you were in a bad mood at the event, DH and you were able to get through it together and still have a decent time instead of just giving up on the situation. I'm really proud of you! Have y'all worked out a new counseling schedule? I know you felt like you were pressed for time and couldn't get time for yourself and for couples therapy.
Thanks. We are both on the mend, and DH stayed home with DS today so I could go to work (woohoo adult interaction!). You're right, the event with DH did probably go better than it may have previously. At least we were communicating and were able to have some fun. We still haven't set up a new schedule yet, but DH is starting a new job in a couple of weeks which I think will spur a broader schedule discussion, so I think the time will be right. We've been so busy with his job transition and planning DS's birthday party. Thanks for the reply, you are so good about checking in with everyone.
icequeen That's just it. I'm not sure it will anymore. I'll be halfway across the country from them, so it'll be so hard for both of us to take off to see each other or even just one of us. My stupid appointment got canceled because of power outages. I swear, the lights go out and everyone loses their minds. I do agree that it seems like such a bad idea to move before this is resolved. If it ever resolves.
This is just me, but I would not move if I were you. If it means quitting your current job, then so be it. I would start looking for other work options now, even if it is part time or a short term job until you find something better. I strongly encourage you to stay with your support system. Being alone in a foreign city with a debilitating mental illness and less than satisfactory job AND being away from your family is a recipe for disaster. Please don't do it.
KayVeeKay, I'm also thinking it's probably a bad idea. Is finding another job an option?
helloamanda, you are NOT ugly or icky. You may be feeling like that on the inside because some of the foods you have been eating over the last few weeks aren't the healthiest and they may be affecting your energy and mood levels. You are doing the right thing by cutting down to once a week so you can at least treat yourself after working so hard, because you deserve it! You can even put that in the goals thread! Also, wonderful job in staying under control at work. I'm so happy that you were able to manage you workload amidst all the additional stressors going on. @ordinaryamy, are you saying you and your MOH are not very close and she is not willing to help you with the wedding as much as you would like? I probably would remove her from my wedding party, unless she was family. How about another trusted friend or family member, or even your fiancé? I know planning the wedding is a nightmare, but if all of this is making you sick, then maybe a smaller low key celebration would be easier to manage for everyone. Otherwise, I would figure out exactly how much time is left, make a complete task list of everything that still needs to be done, and have a get together with anyone you think would be trustworthy enough to help you tie up these loose ends. Reward them with some champagne and a light lunch at your place if that's where you will have the meeting. You shouldn't have to tackle this on your own. @rocknrollfriend, I completely understand about the job situation. MH is in the middle of a very lengthy job hiring process and that's pretty much all he eats and breathes all day and night. I know you both know how important the counseling is, so just get back into it when the timing is right. I think y'all are doing a great job, honestly.
This is just me, but I would not move if I were you. If it means quitting your current job, then so be it. I would start looking for other work options now, even if it is part time or a short term job until you find something better. I strongly encourage you to stay with your support system. Being alone in a foreign city with a debilitating mental illness and less than satisfactory job AND being away from your family is a recipe for disaster. Please don't do it.
KayVeeKay, I'm also thinking it's probably a bad idea. Is finding another job an option?
I don't know right now. I guess I'll have to wait and see what I can find. I feel so much dread over this right now. If I had another job ready to go and I could quit, I'd do it right now.
Please briefly list your diagnosis/status: GAD, depression
How is your week going?This week has been pretty rough, especially the last 2 days. My emotions are all over the place. I just want to sit and cry by myself.
Any struggles or accomplishments you would like to share?
Struggles: I have so many I'm not sure where to start. I've barely been home this month because of work, and prior engagements on the weekends. This is my last busy weekend so I'm looking forward to it being done, and I can spend time with my family. I'm also trying to open myself up more on the boards, and try to relax about what I post more. It's hard because there are so many different opinions. I take things to heart pretty badly. I just had a bad experience this morning with an individual, and all I wanted to do was cry. I get incredibly worked up, panic and break down. I'm trying to not be so sensitive but when I feel like I'm being attacked I have a very hard time handling it.
GTKY: Describe your perfect date.A picnic! I Love the idea of sitting on a beach with a basket of snack and just relaxing!
Please briefly list your diagnosis/status: GAD, depression
How is your week going?This week has been pretty rough, especially the last 2 days. My emotions are all over the place. I just want to sit and cry by myself.
Any struggles or accomplishments you would like to share?
Struggles: I have so many I'm not sure where to start. I've barely been home this month because of work, and prior engagements on the weekends. This is my last busy weekend so I'm looking forward to it being done, and I can spend time with my family. I'm also trying to open myself up more on the boards, and try to relax about what I post more. It's hard because there are so many different opinions. I take things to heart pretty badly. I just had a bad experience this morning with an individual, and all I wanted to do was cry. I get incredibly worked up, panic and break down. I'm trying to not be so sensitive but when I feel like I'm being attacked I have a very hard time handling it.
GTKY: Describe your perfect date.A picnic! I Love the idea of sitting on a beach with a basket of snack and just relaxing!
@erin2021, I'm so sorry you are having such a hard week. My heart really goes out to you because I get really affected by what other people say to me both in real life and on the boards, too. I take everything so personally and automatically think the worst about myself, even when I did nothing wrong. You are a very friendly, supportive, and funny addition to the boards and there will always be people who come across as harsh on the internet. Sometimes it is intentional and sometimes it is not. You just have to take a deep breath and remember that you are a great mom and wife, and have WAY more friends than enemies.
Is your husband a good support to you? I know you said you feel like being alone a lot but it's important to be able to talk out your feelings, too. Do you think you would benefit from a therapist or a support group? It wouldn't have to be frequent, maybe twice a month or something since I know you're busy at work.
@erin2021, I'm so sorry you are having such a hard week. My heart really goes out to you because I get really affected by what other people say to me both in real life and on the boards, too. I take everything so personally and automatically think the worst about myself, even when I did nothing wrong. You are a very friendly, supportive, and funny addition to the boards and there will always be people who come across as harsh on the internet. Sometimes it is intentional and sometimes it is not. You just have to take a deep breath and remember that you are a great mom and wife, and have WAY more friends than enemies.
Is your husband a good support to you? I know you said you feel like being alone a lot but it's important to be able to talk out your feelings, too. Do you think you would benefit from a therapist or a support group? It wouldn't have to be frequent, maybe twice a month or something since I know you're busy at work.
Thank you for this! I needed to hear that.
My husband is fantastic! I just get in moods where I don't want anyone around me or touching me. I don't take anything out on him, but he can tell when it's "one of those days". Today is definitely one of them. I haven't thought about a support group, but I think it would be a good idea. I used to have a therapist but since moving and having my boys I haven't had one. I know I should look into it, but life has been chaotic!
Thank you ladies for listening to me I needed this today
@erin2021, I'm so sorry you are having such a hard week. My heart really goes out to you because I get really affected by what other people say to me both in real life and on the boards, too. I take everything so personally and automatically think the worst about myself, even when I did nothing wrong. You are a very friendly, supportive, and funny addition to the boards and there will always be people who come across as harsh on the internet. Sometimes it is intentional and sometimes it is not. You just have to take a deep breath and remember that you are a great mom and wife, and have WAY more friends than enemies.
Is your husband a good support to you? I know you said you feel like being alone a lot but it's important to be able to talk out your feelings, too. Do you think you would benefit from a therapist or a support group? It wouldn't have to be frequent, maybe twice a month or something since I know you're busy at work.
Thank you for this! I needed to hear that.
My husband is fantastic! I just get in moods where I don't want anyone around me or touching me. I don't take anything out on him, but he can tell when it's "one of those days". Today is definitely one of them. I haven't thought about a support group, but I think it would be a good idea. I used to have a therapist but since moving and having my boys I haven't had one. I know I should look into it, but life has been chaotic!
Thank you ladies for listening to me I needed this today
Good, I'm happy! Your husband sounds wonderful and it's so much easier to go through this when he is encouraging. Some cities have drop in support groups that are part of a community center, church, outpatient counseling center or hospital. I think getting another therapist would be great, too, but I completely understand the time restrictions you have. I am a SAHM and I barely have time for the 2 appointments a week that I've limited myself to, that are for my own health. But you need to do this for yourself, and I bet your husband would agree. ((HUGS))
Please briefly list your diagnosis/status: Panic Disorder and Anxiety
How is your week going? Good for the most part. I had a great review at work which was very good. Great appointments this past week as well. But I've been having some random anxiety here and there.
Any struggles or accomplishments you would like to share? Right now we are starting the search for day care and it is so overwhelming. I'm so scared that we won't be able to afford it. We weren't planning on the cost, but DH just got a new job and will be moving from part time to full time. It means a higher pay, but now we need day care. We'll be splitting time with my mom which is nice, but it's still expensive. I think that is paralyzing me and not allowing me to move forward and really look at our options. However, I was able to find a local non for profit that helps parents through the process of finding child care. They of course can't make recommendations, but they will help you feel comfortable with the process which does help a little. I also feel like DH is avoiding this because he's also worried about the cost and it's stressing him out. It's so hard because he's my rock that I can count on to talk me off a ledge and reason with me that things will be ok and will work out. So, having him worried makes me even more scared.
Any changes in medications or recent appointments? I had two great appointments this past week. Friday I had my usual 4 week appointment with my OB and got to hear the HB for the first time which was amazing. Then Wed. we saw the Perinatologist my OB recommended as I have preexisting conditions and they wanted to make sure that everything would be ok for a regular delivery or if I needed to have a special plan in place. He basically said he doesn't see any reason I can't deliver vaginally and doesn't think I need any special precautions. It was basically the best news and a huge weight off my shoulders.
GTKY: Describe your perfect date. I would love a couples massage, then a nice dinner and a fun evening activity. Something that would get us out of the house and be nice and relaxing.
Please briefly list your diagnosis/status: Panic Disorder and Anxiety
How is your week going? Good for the most part. I had a great review at work which was very good. Great appointments this past week as well. But I've been having some random anxiety here and there.
Any struggles or accomplishments you would like to share? Right now we are starting the search for day care and it is so overwhelming. I'm so scared that we won't be able to afford it. We weren't planning on the cost, but DH just got a new job and will be moving from part time to full time. It means a higher pay, but now we need day care. We'll be splitting time with my mom which is nice, but it's still expensive. I think that is paralyzing me and not allowing me to move forward and really look at our options. However, I was able to find a local non for profit that helps parents through the process of finding child care. They of course can't make recommendations, but they will help you feel comfortable with the process which does help a little. I also feel like DH is avoiding this because he's also worried about the cost and it's stressing him out. It's so hard because he's my rock that I can count on to talk me off a ledge and reason with me that things will be ok and will work out. So, having him worried makes me even more scared.
Any changes in medications or recent appointments? I had two great appointments this past week. Friday I had my usual 4 week appointment with my OB and got to hear the HB for the first time which was amazing. Then Wed. we saw the Perinatologist my OB recommended as I have preexisting conditions and they wanted to make sure that everything would be ok for a regular delivery or if I needed to have a special plan in place. He basically said he doesn't see any reason I can't deliver vaginally and doesn't think I need any special precautions. It was basically the best news and a huge weight off my shoulders.
GTKY: Describe your perfect date. I would love a couples massage, then a nice dinner and a fun evening activity. Something that would get us out of the house and be nice and relaxing.
Wow, it must be such a huge relief to hear that the perinatologist thinks you are in good shape for a healthy and successful vaginal delivery! I'm so happy you got that good news. I know you were so anxious about it. So at least that is all in place. With the day care, I completely understand as well. Finding childcare and paying for it was by far the most stressful part of having our first baby. It sounds like the non for profit organization is a great place for you to get some ideas and get additional support. Do you have any friends or additional family that wouldn't mind helping you out for a lower fee than you would pay a nanny? Maybe they would even help you out for free, I'm not sure. We used care.com and sittercity.com to find our nanny and I even got some daycare providers emailing me about their home daycare centers, so that might be an option for you to look into also. It's great that you are looking into this early. You have lots of time to prepare!
icequeen: Thank you for the support! I think my shame and stress lies in that although it is a small low-key affair, it's still overwhelming for me. It's been particularly overwhelming sincee I only see FI once a month due to our work/living situations and my family lives elsewhere as well. As for my girls, it's just been the realities of life getting in the way. There's the distance, moves, and one is dealing with the damage from a house fire while the other has their first LO. While I completely understand the situations, I still hold a selfish wish that they could be here for me, you know? I'm pretty excited that both of them have made plans to come in several days before the wedding to help out. I do need to learn to reach out to people. If I can't do something, I just assume it won't get done. I don't consider that people will make time for it like my girls are to come early, or like my Mom, who's taking a week off to help with my move and wedding stuff.
icequeen: Thank you for the support! I think my shame and stress lies in that although it is a small low-key affair, it's still overwhelming for me. It's been particularly overwhelming sincee I only see FI once a month due to our work/living situations and my family lives elsewhere as well. As for my girls, it's just been the realities of life getting in the way. There's the distance, moves, and one is dealing with the damage from a house fire while the other has their first LO. While I completely understand the situations, I still hold a selfish wish that they could be here for me, you know? I'm pretty excited that both of them have made plans to come in several days before the wedding to help out. I do need to learn to reach out to people. If I can't do something, I just assume it won't get done. I don't consider that people will make time for it like my girls are to come early, or like my Mom, who's taking a week off to help with my move and wedding stuff.
Amy, I don't think you are being selfish at all. I'm sure people are aware of the difficult situation you are in planning this all by yourself and being away from your family and fiancé. I really think you should have a small get together with a group of friends to see if you can divide up the labor somehow. You can still do the majority of the work, but if they can help with the loose ends, it would help a lot.
Post by olivegoose on Mar 29, 2015 21:21:02 GMT -5
Please briefly list your diagnosis/status: ADHD, SAD, GAD. I go to therapy and medication management. How is your week going? Pretty good now. I had a rough couple of weeks with some stressful situations coming up. Any struggles or accomplishments you would like to share? Surviving an insane amount of stress and drama over 2 weeks without losing it. Any changes in medications or recent appointments? I finally get to switch to my new therapist and I'm so excited! She did my group therapy and I love her. GTKY: Describe your perfect date- It would be going to a new city (or even the one we live close to!) with DH, cash in hand, and exploring. Stop and have some good food and drinks, ask locals for favorite spots, shop, whatever. Then have a hotel room with a big squishy bed waiting for us and no kids to wake up to in the morning. And a giant bathtub for me to soak in (alone!).
Then Comes Family, LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising
program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.