Let's talk about it. My family has a huge history of postpartum depression and that scares the bejesus out of me. I have dealt with some situational bouts of depression in my life (and anxiety) but during pregnancy I have been okay. It scares me a lot because I watched my sister go from a happy pregnant person to a complete mess within like 30 days. And I know my mom had it (untreated) with all of us and it wasn't pretty. Anyone else have a history? My sister and I have a pact to be open and honest with each other about if we are starting to act off. And my doctor is completely aware of the family history. But it still scares the shit out of me.
Post by mrsdee1982 on Mar 26, 2015 11:43:31 GMT -5
I have pretty severe general anxiety, so PPD is something that I am genuinely afraid of. DH and I have had some real talk about this. He know the symptoms to looks for, so he can try and spot it if I cannot, and force me to get help if I need it.
I'm really concerned. I had a bout with suicidal thoughts in high school and again in college. I have anxiety and have felt the best while pregnant. I'm worried about coming down from these hormones. I'll have to talk to my midwives, husband, and maybe sister about warning signs. Thanks for this topic.
I think that I had PPA last time with DS. I didn't want to take him out of the house and was really weird about other people holding him or being in charge of him. I used to have to force myself to get in the shower when DH was home and completely micromanaged how he took care of DS. I am going to talk with the Dr. about this at my next appointment and see what she recommends. I don't think I realized there was a problem until later on when I thought about how I was acting in relation to my "normal" behavior.
I think the key is you guys know there is a history and aren't ignoring it. I have a family history as well, my sister and mom both had it. They also both deal with depression. I had a minor bought of it while DD was in the NICU but that had more to do with how sick my baby was then anything. Once she came home I was ok. Just be aware of how you are feeling.
Post by missjenniebean on Mar 26, 2015 12:17:37 GMT -5
I talked to my mom about this exact thing because I have suffered from anxiety/depression and was on a medication when I became pregnant. Through my pregnancy I have been way better, which is scary. I just told her and my sister to keep a close eye on me. They said try not to dwell on it because then I am more likely to follow that thought process. I am definitely going to ask for help when I need it and am going to talk with Dr for look out signs.
I think you are doing the right thing and tackling it head on. Don't be afraid to ask and talk with your Dr or sister if you feel overwhelmed!
I had pretty severe PPD and PPA after DD. I also had experienced depression before, so I was nervous about it happening. For me, I started out fine for the first few days. I can remember looking at her and thinking how sad it made me to think some people could be feeling so awful at such an amazing time. Then I noticed I started crying more and more and more. Where I was pretty much crying all the time. I would have what felt like panic attacks too, where the saddness and anxiety would physically hurt in my chest. I was worried about everything, mostly "how am I going to..." type things. How will I know, how will I be able to, what if....to the point where it was all I could think about. Thank God my husband was totally supportive and understanding, and when I hit rock bottom one night (2 wks PP), I called into my doc emergency line at 2:00am and demanded to be prescribed something. Long story short, and would be more than willing to share any and all details with anyone that asks, but I started taking Zofran, TALKING about it, reading books, and went to a few support groups, and I got through it. I felt like I wouldn't at one point - that I would feel like that forever - but I got through it.
Post by baytosa2013 on Mar 26, 2015 12:38:38 GMT -5
I don't have a history of depression or anxiety and I don't think my mother had PPD but I'm not 100% sure. I am still terrified of the possibility that I could slip in to PPD and it not be recognized, treated, etc. I'm going to try to take it one day at a time and have told my DH and close friends that if I'm acting weird to call me on it and not just let it go.
Post by islandgirl14 on Mar 26, 2015 12:40:17 GMT -5
I had it with DS... with no prior history (or family history) of PPD etc. I think it was a combination of a lot of things going wrong... major major BF'ing issues for the first 7 months until I switched to formula, G was colicky, had torticollis and had to do PT, plus adjusting to new motherhood in general. I was a mess, and it took me a solid year to realize that I needed to do something for myself and address the issue. Once I saw someone things got better much faster. I'm hoping things go better this time around, but I do feel more aware of the issue, and hope that if baby blues linger around for a bit too long, I can recognize it much sooner and take care of it. It put a strain on DH and I until I got the help that I needed!
Post by billyhorrible on Mar 26, 2015 12:46:38 GMT -5
Talk to your doctor about this now.
My mom had PPD with me and I have GAD so this was something I was concerned about with my first pregnancy. I talked to my doctor about it prior to delivery and she gave me some information about some post-partum support groups the hospital has. They also marked it in my chart so that I got a follow up call 1 week and 2 weeks after delivery to see how I was doing.
The one word of comfort I can pass on is that I didn't end up having a single issue with PPD, not even baby blues. So predisposition does not mean it's inevitable.
It's definitely comforting to see that others think about this. Maybe once babies are here we can have a regular check in on this as well, both to normalize our feelings and keep tabs a little on one another.
It is a concern of mine. I don't have history of depression but I read that having PCOS puts me at higher risk. My body hormones are a mess to begin with, so I am not sure how they will be post partum. As a pp mentioned, I think being aware and comfortable discussing it is a huge way to deal and be prepared.
It's good to not only be aware of symptoms yourself but talk to your SO or other family members so they know what to look for.
When my MIL was 4 months old her mother was suffering from ppd and commited suicide. Because of the family history my MIL was really worried about her daughter possibly suffering from it as well but she was fine. I was the one who had it after my DD was born.
Post by Girlymama79 on Mar 26, 2015 19:30:59 GMT -5
I had it with both my girls. My dr asked me if I wanted anti-depressants right after delivery. Which I declined for a few reasons but she said that if I change my mind to NOT wait til my 6 week checkup and to call her anytime.
I was just worrying about this a bit last night. Like many of you have mentioned, there's a history of depression in my family. Although I was never diagnosed, I know I had many of the symptoms when I was younger. I'm also super sensitive to fluctuations in my hormones - I feel a huge difference in my moods on / off the pill, when I was in first trimester, etc. I'm so glad a PP mentioned sharing some of the signs with those closest to her. I hadn't thought of that, but will definitely do so now.
I thought this article was pretty good. Even as a therapist sometimes it's hard to categorize symptoms when they are super jargony. I like that this gives examples. I should add that most moms feel a lot of these things. What is important to look for is it being consuming and pervasive.
Post by periwinkledaydreams on Mar 26, 2015 19:49:24 GMT -5
Thanks for getting this topic started. I just the other day started going over to the PPD/PPA board and finally got a referral from my OB to start seeing a therapist. I mostly feel like I know exactly what my anxiety and depression is stemming from right now, and for that reason I put off seeking help. It's like I rationalized to myself that because I had a very logical explanation for being really sad and stressed and withdrawn, that it was completely okay to sit in my room alone weeping every day for the rest of my pregnancy. I think ending up in the hospital changed it for me. I need to accept help from people. I can't do this alone anymore. I am sad and stressed and withdrawn and in too much pain to bear both physically and emotionally now, and THAT has made me depressed, and that needs to be taken care of!
Thanks for starting this thread. I'd be up for figuring out checking in weekly with other ladies who are struggling with this kind of thing now.
Post by leenziepops on Mar 26, 2015 19:49:40 GMT -5
PPD is something I am fully aware of. Personally, I'm choosing not to think about it in advance. It's an illness that may or may not happen and I'd rather not think about whether or not I will get it. I do know that my DH and my family will look out for me so I think that helps in being able to not worry about it.
Post by periwinkledaydreams on Mar 26, 2015 20:02:49 GMT -5
I think we so frequently talk and hear about post partum depression that there is not nearly as much awareness of the full spectrum of perinatal depression issues including depression and anxiety with onset during pregnancy. There is beginning to be more of a conversation about it nowadays, and our doctors are definitely our first line advocates. I'm so glad I finally broke down and told mine that I needed more support. Here's just one link. There's more info on the mental health board too.
Just wanted to add I think weekly check ins or whatever we decide to do is a fantastic idea. PPD feels extremely isolating. I used to get on FB, staring at the screen through blurry tear covered eyes, at all the pictures of other mom friends and acquaintances looking so happy with their kids. It was a trap. It always made me feel worse, but I couldn't stop doing it. Once I started working through it, I became much more vocal about it and I spoke with a lot of mom friends that told me they also had issues. It made me so sad to think about all of us going through this alone, too afraid to talk about it, when talking about it is one of the best things you can do. I don't know that I would say it was tough on my marriage - but it definitely showed me how strong it was. While my husband was truly at a loss for what to say and do, he was 100% there for me. And now he goes out of his way to check in on his male friends and be there for them after they have a child. In fact, a few weeks ago he texted me during the day asking for the name of the support group I went to, and the book I liked, to tell his one coworker. He had brought it up to him before they had the baby, just kind of a "if you ever need to talk about it if your wife seems really upset, let me know" kind of thing. So his coworker did. I typed a big email with all this info and sent it to him and he sent it to his friend. We never ended up hearing anything more about it; I think it could've just been baby blues, but I was so so so proud of him and so in love with him for reaching out to others because of our experience. So bottom line, communication is a GREAT thing, and yes we should definitely check in with each other.
I have family history of depression, as does DH. I've talked to DH, and my mom and sister about keeping tabs on me (we're an open family, so I'm pretty comfortable knowing that they'll be watching out for me) but I'm worried about DH. Has anyone dealt with a husband or partner dealing with postpartum depression or something like it?
I think that I had PPA last time with DS. I didn't want to take him out of the house and was really weird about other people holding him or being in charge of him. I used to have to force myself to get in the shower when DH was home and completely micromanaged how he took care of DS. I am going to talk with the Dr. about this at my next appointment and see what she recommends. I don't think I realized there was a problem until later on when I thought about how I was acting in relation to my "normal" behavior.
It's interesting you brought this up. I went through the same experience for the first few months w DS. I have always seen it as normal protective mom instincts and maybe related to him being my first baby so it never concerned me and my behavior went back to normal so I just haven't given that time in my life much thought. I'm curious to see if it happens again w DD
I had PPA with DS. Our pediatrician was the one who figured it out based on our conversations. I was essentially panicked about everything-- not talking to or stimulating DS enough, his super short daytime naps, that he screamed for 2h every afternoon, feeding him too much or little-- I wasn't sleeping (DS slept pretty well at night from a month on)
She was very aware of the resources available to me and referred me to a free counseling service offered by my husband's EAP. I went twice and felt better but likely should've continued, but I was one of those 'how can I do this with a baby?'.
Anyway, I feel more relaxed this time, having successfully made it through those first four awful months once. But, both H and I will be on alert for it's return.
Came across this article today and it was all too familiar. I totally felt exactly the way she described things. The torture of seeing other people interact with your baby the way YOU wanted to. The anxiety I felt during her naps, just waiting for her to start crying and needing me again. Just wanted to share. Spoke with my OB about it at my appointment this week. She wrote me a script for Zoloft since I had a good experience with it last time. I won't get it filled until I need it, but I find comfort in knowing I'm that much more prepared. Also wanted to bump this up to the top since we have a few outside babies already and I hope all the new mamas are doing well. www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/parenting/a32182/what-postpartum-depression-feels-like/
I was dealing with prenatal depression in January and they put me on meds. It helped tremendously but now, with baby threatening to show up early, I have weaned off of them until he arrives, just to reduce the already small risk he may have respiratory issues at birth. We'll see how I do without them the next month and a half, but I don't expect it will get as bad as it was. (Meds frequently jump start me again and then in a few months I'm ok) That said, as soon as he's born, I'll be going back on it again as a preventative measure because the thought of PPD scares the crap out of me.
I was put on an anti anxiety medication about a month ago and it's made a lot of difference. I'm also seeing a therapist to help with anxiety and hopefully prevent PPD - or at least help it.
I wanted to bump this up since we are all getting closer and closer to d-day! Obviously, it is best to keep in contact with our medical practitioners if we are starting to feel off (even before your first post-partum appt-do not hesitate to call and get in sooner!) but I came across this article earlier today that seems like good things to implement sooner rather than later even before baby/babies are here. www.marasworld.com/natural-postpartum-depression-remedies/
I'm glad this got bumped up! It's good to know I'm not alone dealing with these emotions. I have adjustment disorder/stress response syndrome which happens every so often and usually lands me in therapy. I've just been keeping an eye on my moods; I wouldn't want to have to deal with it while the baby is here.
I'm glad this got bumped because I missed it the first time around.
I've been diagnosed & struggled with severe anxiety & depression since I was 15. I had PPD after having DS & then was diagnosed with PTSD after losing our twins. Soooo I'd say this is all familiar territory for me. I've been dealing with it all un-medicated for the past year or so & have been fine but my Dr just prescribed me something to start taking so that it's "in my system" when DD is born. It makes me nervous that it might not work & I'll have to change my dosage or even take something completely different....
I have a history of depression and anxiety but was doing well off medication before my first pregnancy. I have talked to my doctor about this several times, because I waited way too long to get treated when I had DD. For me, I suffered a lot with PPA and never really got the perfect treatment plan until I got pregnant with this LO. My doctor has agreed that we will go back to antidepressants immediately after this baby is born. The crappy thing is that the med that works best for me (Effexor) is not recommended during breastfeeding. I am going to have to try Zoloft, which was not very effective for me when I tried it many years ago. I know that it's ridiculous to beat yourself up over not breastfeeding, but it is so important to me and I really hope that I can find the balance of treating my anxiety and BFing. Does anyone else struggle with this?
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