Post Partum Depression?

Question

Can anyone help me or suggest to me some hints to help my post partum depression? Do anti depressants work? Which is the best kind?
My baby girl Cassidy is 5 weeks old. I am having a hard time with post partum depression and if there is anyone in my situation or has been through it will you please help me out alittle?

Answer 1

There are different types of individual and group “talk therapies” that can help a woman with perinatal depression feel better and do better as a mom and as a person. Limited research suggests that many women with perinatal depression improve when treated with anti-depressant medicine. Your doctor can help you learn more about these options and decide which approach is best for you and your baby. The next section contains more detailed information about available treatments.

Speak to your doctor or midwife if you are having symptoms of depression while you are pregnant or after you deliver your baby. Your doctor or midwife can give you a questionnaire to test for depression and can also refer you to a mental health professional who specializes in treating depression.

Here are some other helpful tips:

* Try to get as much rest as you can. Try to nap when the baby naps.
* Stop putting pressure on yourself to do everything. Do as much as you can and leave the rest!
* Ask for help with household chores and nighttime feedings. Ask your husband or partner to bring the baby to you so you can breastfeed. If you can, have a friend, family member, or professional support person help you in the home for part of the day.
* Talk to your husband, partner, family, and friends about how you are feeling.
* Do not spend a lot of time alone. Get dressed and leave the house. Run an errand or take a short walk.
* Spend time alone with your husband or partner.
* Talk with other mothers, so you can learn from their experiences.
* Join a support group for women with depression. Call a local hotline or look in your telephone book for information and services.
* Don’t make any major life changes during pregnancy. Major changes can cause unneeded stress. Sometimes big changes cannot be avoided. When that happens, try to arrange support and help in your new situation ahead of time.

How is depression treated?

There are two common types of treatment for depression.

* Talk therapy. This involves talking to a therapist, psychologist, or social worker to learn to change how depression makes you think, feel, and act.
* Medicine. Your doctor can give you an antidepressant medicine to help you. These medicines can help relieve the symptoms of depression.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should talk with their doctors about the advantages and risks of taking antidepressant medicines. Some women are concerned that taking these medicines may harm the baby. A mother’s depression can affect her baby’s development, so getting treatment is important for both mother and baby. The risks of taking medicine have to be weighed against the risks of depression. It is a decision that women need to discuss carefully with their doctors. Women who decide to take antidepressant medicines should talk to their doctors about which antidepressant medicines are safer to take while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Answer 2

I had a baby boy 1 week ago today. I had post partum depression with my 4 year old daughter very bad for about 2 months. I didn't say anything to anyone about it until after it was over. I was scared to death that I would get it this time. It hit me hard on Saturday night. My main struggle was not being able to sleep even when the baby was sleeping. I had such bad anxiety and flu like symptoms and my mind would not turn off or stop worrying about things. I broke down to my sister, which actually made me feel a lot better. She suggested I take Valium to get rid of my anxiety so I could sleep. I wanted to go on anti depressants, but I hear they can take up to 2 weeks to work and I needed help right away. I called my Dr and he called in Lorazepam. It took 10 min to kick in once I took it, and it relaxed me so well! I have been getting amazing sleep, even though I still have to wake up in the night for feedings since I am nursing. I have been feeling great since then! Most depression is caused by not getting enough sleep. Your body was just traumatized and needs all the rest it can get. Also, talking helped me A LOT! I will check my e mail often if you have anymore questions. I know exactly how you feel and I would not wish it upon my worst enemy- Tiffany

Answer 3

You got the baby blues and here are some hints talk to your doctor to find the best anti depressant that works with you you have to be careful what you take because if you are breastfeeding your daughter the medicine will get into the breat milk have the father or a family member take over the baby until you feel better.

Answer 4

Sorry for your loss. Yes, it's possible to suffer from post-partum depression. You gave birth, so your hormones are a little crazy. I imagine it's hard to separate the sadness over the loss of your baby from possible depression. Talk to your doctor. Good luck.

Answer 5

well first of all, I had it for my daughter, but it only lasted about a week, but my oldest daughter had it for a long time. It was hard for her to get through the day. It suddenly went away on its own after a few weeks. If yours doesnt go away soon, then I would call the doctor. It could be your lack of sleep too. We all know that we dont get enough sleep at the beginning. Make sure you eat well, even if you dont feel like it. Take care of yourself right along with cassidy(what a cute name). Take care and I hope you feel better very soon.

Answer 6

Over the last five years I had begun to have increasingly withdraw into a downward spiral of depression..

But now with the method I can fully focus my energy and thoughts into a decisive line on how to make my life better constantly. And it works like magic! I'm beginning to attract people to me once again and things have just been looking up since then.

Helping you eliminate depression?

Answer 7

I don't believe in it, Tom Cruise doesn't. Sorry, horrible joke and I was just kidding.

Hopefully, someone on here can help you with some relative stories, but I would highly suggest getting in touch with a doctor who is familiar with post-partem depression. Call a few doctor's offices and talk with the nurses or don't be afraid to walk into the neo-natal area of a hospital and try to get a reference from a nurse.

Answer 8

I can tell you.. I suffer from anxiety and palpitations at night and it's real bad. Unfortunately meds are not an option cause I'm breast feeding. Trying to ride it out. My baby is 8 months and it started maybe 3 months ago.
What symptoms do you have? There are breathing methods that might help you through the worst times. Get enough exercise, get out of the house and eat healthy. You'll be fine.

I forgot, yeah, it's important to see your doctor!

Answer 9

Girl, I feel for ya'. PPD is the worse, but bare in mind it's just a phase. Just like while you were pregnant you probably had hot-flashes, or cravings...Mother always said: "This too shall pass." and it will. Always check with your doctor about RX's, you sure don't want anything you might become addicted to, or slow you down. Best advice is once a week get a sitter and get away. Remember your friends are your best support, if they offer to help around the house...Let them!

Answer 10

You should see your doctor and he can prescribe something that will work for you. Certain medications cannot be taken while nursing, even over the counter remedies, so it is best to have the advice of a physician.