Take the pills. First and foremost, do that.
Also, try to understand that it is COMPLETELY normal to feel overwhelmed or depressed. Major stressors or life changes can trigger depression, and for a woman, having a child is THE SINGLE most stressful event of her life. Physically, you've got hormones going berserk, you're probably not feeling that great, you're almost DEFINATELY not feeling well-rested. Did you know that research actually shows that the sound of a baby crying triggers more stress for adults than ANY other sound?
This is something my mother told me: the baby is not going to be hurt by crying. If it feels at times that the baby is just too much, there is nothing wrong with laying a baby (clean and fed) in the crib and opening the front door and sitting outside for a minute or two. If you leave the door open, it's a short period of time, and the baby isn't wet or dirty or hungry or otherwise actually NEEDING something, laying him or her down can sometimes be the best thing for both of you (at this point I must mention that you NEVER shake a baby... that's actually where the "lay him down and walk away" thing came from, if you don't feel in control, your baby could be safer laying down and crying for a minute or two while you collect yourself)
So, first, take your meds. They take a while to kick in, so if you've been on them for two weeks, it's normal that you're not feeling better yet.
Second, try to destress your life as much as you possibly can. For me, this meant that we had Chinese, pizza or Jason's Deli six nights a week for a solid month, because they DELIVERED. :-) Eat off paper plates so you don't have dishes to clean.
Third, have a support system. Your mom, your mother-in-law, best friends, Sunday School classmates, anyone who has been there and can provide advice when you need it and a shoulder to cry on. I would suggest also looking into MOPS (Moms of Preschoolers). I got involved with them shortly after my first child was born, and I LIVED for every other Tuesday, just so that I could go to MOPS meetings. :-) The website is in the "sources".
Third, take care of yourself. Nap when the baby naps so that you can get at least a LITTLE rest. Eat healthy. Take your meds and vitamins. SHOWER DAILY (I know that seems bad, but there were times after my second was born when all I wanted to do when I had a second to myself was crash, and I went two or three days without showering there for a little bit). Talk to the baby's father about watching her so that you can just relax, take a bubble bath, watch a chickflick, or SLEEP. Also, try to stimulate your mind. Read a book (while we're on the subject, you may want to pick up that book by Brooke Shields about postpartum depression). Find a forum on the Internet dedicated to something that you love NON-BABY. Doing these things can help you feel like you're not just being swallowed up by mommyhood.
Lastly, just know that there are SO many people out there, and this shall pass.
2007-02-08 05:34:56
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answer #1
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answered by CrazyChick 7
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Having a newborn is hard! I went through severe postpartum depression because I didn't get help soon enough..Glad you are trying some antidepressants. Enlist some help...it generally takes 3 weeks for those pills to start working. If it has been that long and you're still not feeling better go back to your Dr. right away and try something else.
Find some help in the form of friends, mom & tot groups, local parent/gov't/health groups. Make a bit of time to be seperate from your baby each day; if not at all possible then put your baby in a Snuggli or stroller and go for a long walk. The exercise and fresh air can do wonders. Also, try to eat healthy. A nice long hot bath can do wonders too.
email me if you like
2007-02-08 05:17:34
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answer #2
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answered by inventorlady 2
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Post partum depression is a real illness that can have serious outcomes. You have to get some help and support. Stay in touch with your doctor and continue on your medication. It usually takes about a month for the medication to get into your system and become effective. While you are working with that, get connected with a therapist or support group so that you are not alone. Develop a link, someone you can call if you begin to feel as if you are not thinking clearly or may hurt yourself or someone else. Also get out as much as you can. Exercise, walk, etc. All of these things will help to clear the problem. Don't think you are alone and don't let anyone minimize what you are feeling. It is very real and can be very dangerous. Take it seriously and get the help you need.
2007-02-08 05:13:51
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answer #3
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answered by Nancy N 2
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Congratulations on your new baby! Emotions are very powerful. (especially after having a baby.) The best thing to do when you have negative feelings like guilt, anxiety, and sorrow mount up within you for extended periods of time is to get a proper perspective and remain active and social. Don't get caught in loops of introspection. Often depression comes because of regret. A proper perspective here is too really know you can't change the past, but you can with some careful planning along with good council have hope for the future. If you are anxious about the future, no matter how immediate or distant, the answer runs along the same vein. There are things you can change, and things you can't. You need to be thoughtfully and actively involved in the things you can change THAT FALL UNDER THE CATAGORY OF YOUR RESPONSIBILITY. If you can overvome the initial drag of the negative feelings you are experiencing (usually takes about 30 days of consistent positive behavior and thought) and MAKE YOURSELF MOVE OUT TO FULFILL THESE RESPONSIBILITIES you will most likely not need drugs. Once your basic life's responsibilties are on track you can then plan to move on from just existing to conquering this life by implementing plans to fulfill dreams you may now think are impossible. I like to write plans down on paper. catagories like "things i can/can't change. goals, long term short term, blessings in your life like friends and family and health etc.
I think it is also important to say that sometimes certain miserable people want company. Keep yourself away if possible or develop a good solid view about who your truly are so you can't be fooled into feeling wrongly negative about yourself. (not all the above mentioned miserable people are hopeless, they may be looking to change, YOU CAN'T HELP THEM NOW, not until you regain your own footing.
Much more could be said obviously, just remember there is hope. Many people have felt just as you do, they weren't alone, they overcame, you can too! You are loved and you are valuable.
2007-02-08 05:37:59
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answer #4
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answered by Rod Steele 1
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My baby is 4 months and I still feel depress sometimes. I understand that this feeling will disappear by time and when I become healthier.
One time I cried almost the night and falled to sleep. In the morning, I waked up, brushed my tooth and looked my self in the mirror and though that oh, my God, I was so ugly with red eyes and became too old. I told to myself, I was crazy to cry with no reason. Now i do not want to cry anymore because i want to be a beautiful young mother
2007-02-08 06:12:50
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answer #5
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answered by Anonymous
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It is not uncommon to feel depressed after having a baby. You need to stay in touch with your doctor about how you are feeling, especially if you are feeling down to the point that you aren't taking care of the baby or yourself. Also, I would recommend finding a new mom's group to join for support and/or finding a therpist to talk with while you figure out whether this is post-partum depression or baby blues. Either way, find support and communicate with your doctor. If you doctor isn't sympathetic and responsive, find a new one.
2007-02-08 05:11:59
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answer #6
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answered by numinous 2
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put your baby in a stroller and go for a walk. I dont believe pills for everything is the answer. I think if most people were given a sugar pill they would believe they feel better it is just a mental thing. Get up and out go do things and focus on the baby and stop feeling sorry for yourself. Good luck!
2007-02-08 05:08:00
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answer #7
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answered by Sassy 3
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i think it's your hormones adjusting after the pregnancy. it's completely normal to feel that way. i went through some sad (i don't like the term depressing...especially if it's not for a real good reason...like death of your spouse) times during my pregnancy. I think the best cure for that kind of feeling is some outside air and observe the wonders of what we call life (another term is step outside and smell the roses). i did just that and i'm very happy and appreciative of the wonderful things life can offer me and i'm very happy i can share it with someone (like my son).
when you start considering death is the only way out, please go to a doctor immediately! and always remember, your baby needs you right now. you don't want your kid to be the one in school making mother day cards for someone else (check out the question about banning mother day cards at school...).
2007-02-08 06:16:54
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answer #8
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answered by mymymissmai 3
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If you feel worse after the pills, you need to go see the doctor again immediately. And you also need to go see a psychologist. Anti-depressants can sometimes make depression worse. PPD is normal but must be treated quickly.
2007-02-08 05:19:38
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answer #9
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answered by Waiting and Wishing 6
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Whats making u sense depressed?? Is it relatives or in guidelines or lack of sleep or how ur body looks?? Is all of it the time or purely particular cases of the day?? Are u ingesting ideal and ingesting enuf fluids?? Have u talked to someone about how u sense and alos are u on my own with the toddler?? i understand a good number of questions regardless of the indisputable fact that it should be somethin lil thats causing it...after my toddler i didnt sense depressed yet lack of sleep made me snappy and my in guidelines extremely bugged me a lot that i hated them and nonetheless do yet after I were given right into a recurring with dozing and feeding and able to flow for walks in wonderful climate i got here upon myself chilling out better and the in hardship-free words issues that et to me are my in guidelines...do talk with ur record thou at ur 6wks verify and dont conceal it away
2016-12-03 21:55:30
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answer #10
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answered by ? 4
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