do i have postnatal depression?

Question

my youngest baby is 5 months old, i only leave the house if really urgent, i'm always in a bad mood, would sleeo 23 hrs of the day if i could, i'm comfort eating, i sit n watch tv but i'm not really watching just staring,i generally just can't be bothered with life itself, i cry all day over the slightest thing. is it postnatal depression or am i just low n need a kick up the ****?

Answer 1

Hi Lisa, i think yes but you need to go to your doctor. all mums have there off days but i was like you, i didn't want to go out, when i did i had panic attacks. there wasn't a problem with mine and my sons relationship but i couldn't be arsed with anything. maybe talking to other mums who have been through this with you will help you feel better.
Good Luck

Answer 2

Opinion differs over whether there is any difference between "postnatal depression" and any other kind of depression. The symptoms are pretty much the same either way.

The amount of sleep you feel you require is a cause for concern, as sleeping too much is a classic sign of depression. Changes in appetite, lack of energy and crying a lot are also warning signals.

How long have you felt like this? If it's been longer than two weeks, you may be clinically depressed and should talk to your GP or Health Visitor.

If find you are unable to make yourself care for your baby, or if you ever start having thoughts about harming yourself, then you must seek help urgently.

Answer 3

You do sound as though you need some help with postpartum depression. A kick in the pants will not help.Nor will waiting it out help. Take my word for it -- my mother got PPD after having my sister in 1967 and in those days there was no treatment. She suffered from it in varying levels until she started to go through menopause; we all suffered from it too because she turned into a different person. What a waste of 20 years of her life because medicine had not found a cure at the time. Today, we have remedies so there is no need to suffer any longer.

So please: A trip to your doctor is necessary. Many times, PPD will be helped greatly by medications such as Prozac. I highly recommend you try this as soon as possible.

Answer 4

It sounds like it. I had same symptons. Don't feel you are failure for admitting you need help, you aren't going crazy or mad and no doctor or health visitor will laugh at you for feeling this way or threaten to take baby away... I felt all these things and left it til my baby was nine months old. I was put on antidepressants and they helped with the tiredness and tearfulness, but when I came off a year later I thought I was better then went back to docs when my little girl was 2 1/2 and was put back on them, couldn't believe it was still PND but doctor said the longer it goes undiagnosed the longer it lasts, so please get help ASAP.

Don't worry you're not alone, there are plenty of forums on the net if you want to talk to someone.

Answer 5

To me it sounds like post natal depression. You need to find someone to watch over your baby and get out of the house more often. Go to the gym and work out because that will help you physically as well. Learn that life is wonderful even though you just had a baby. I dont like recommending people go to the doctor and get meds, unless they feel suicidal or like hurting their babies..but you should defenatly get out of the house at least three times a week and take care of yourself..stop eating everything in site or at least if you do eat healthy stuff like fruits and vegetables as snacks and try to eat healthy dinners and lunces and breakfeast. Do something you enjoy, if its not televeision start to read, sew, garden, anything, also joining a church may not be a bad idea because you will find tons of supportive people there. Its not healthy for anyone to stay inside all the time, and I have to force myself to leave too but i feel one hundred times better for it.

Answer 6

Don't feel guilty about the way you feel and don't put it down to needing a kick up the behind. You need to go and see your doctor and talk and keep talking until someone listens. If the first person you talk to isn't helpful try and try again and keep trying until you get someone who understands and helps. This is not your fault. I'm not a Dr but it does sound like post-natal depression. Things will get better very soon. xx

Answer 7

... but I think that you could be on the way to recovery if you finally realise that something is wrong with you. Speak to your health visitor and doctor about it. It is their job and they are here to help. Also, I know it's sometimes hard, but try to find some mother & baby/toddler groups to go to at least once or twice a week. That will force you to meet other mum (probably trying to cope just like you), and also who know, you could make some new friends...
What also helped me, after I had my first baby was that each evening I would plan something to do the next day, just to force myself to do something.
Try to keep positive and do go and seek for some help. Good luck!

Answer 8

that sounds like you are just exsaughsted my love you need to go out the house more often parent n toddlers baby massage etc go swimming with your baby i know it s sounds hard but will lift your mood also if youve a partner get out the house at night once a week if this dosent pick up soon see your doc xxxbless you i have so been there xx

Answer 9

I does sound like you may have postpartum depression. The babyblues should have gone awa months ago. See your doctor so that you can get some help. This should be such a happy time for you, I am so sorry that you have not been able to enjoy it.

Answer 10

Hi! I've had it too. I feel scared and cry a lot. I'm feeling incapable to take care of my baby. That was during my 1st baby on my 2nd baby I still had it i had self pity it was terrible. I recommend that u see a doctor. Ur lucky-in our country I don't know where to find help. I turn to prayers and bible- I was relieved. Going back to work help me a lot.