Serious Postpartum Depression question?

Question

Here's the facts: baby #1-had a few suicidal thoughts, saw a counselor, was perscribed Zoloft, took it for a year then quit.

baby #2-got pregnant a few years later. After her birth I had major hallucinations and paranoia. I hid myself from the world and just wanted to die. Saw many people about it, they all said it was Severe Postpartum Depression. I didn't take any drugs for it, just counseled my way into sanity. It took about 4 months for the paranoia and hallucinations to stop.

baby #3-I'm pregnant with baby #3 now. 26 weeks pregnant. By the request of my midwife and counselors I have notified everyone close to me that I should not be left alone for more than a day after baby comes.

My question- Is there any way to prevent this from happening again? If you went through it, what did you do to calm it?

My life has changed tremendously since the last baby. Any advice and experience would be helpful. Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

You need to talk to a Dr that will LISTEN to you, there is no way to prevent it, if you had it after the first 2 then it can and will happen again. I had it with my first for almost 2 years I was miserable and could not function. After my 2nd I had it but it wasn't as bad, a few days here and there of crying and then it was over within weeks. My 3rd is almost 2 months old and there are some days I do not want to get dressed, leave the house or do anything. My Dr is well aware and taking steps to help me. You have taken the first step yourself recognizing there is a problem. It is a serious problem that cannot be ignored or counselled away. You need all the help and support you can find, best of luck.

Answer 2

I have zero first-hand experience to offer. I concur that this might not be something to rely on the above-mentioned clowns on Yahoo about...

But it does sound like you're doing all the right things, viz: talking to your midwife and counsellors.

From the Wikipedia blurb about postpartum psychosis

"When correctly diagnosed at the earliest signs and immediately treated with anti-psychotic medication, the illness is recoverable within a few weeks."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postpartum_psychosis#Post-partum_psychosis

It also says it "involves a complete break with reality," and being paranoid and hallucinating is, I think, one thing; being unaware that it's paranoia and hallucinations is another.

Keeping those close to you very close is probably an excellent idea. I used to be prone to the worst sort of depression; I'm fine now, but worry that it pre-disposes me to PPD. Mostly, I plan on the father-to-be staying home from work for quite a while, and relying on family and friends to pitch in if the need arises. I don't know that either of us should really think past experience is all that much of a guarantee of future problems, though, especially given the "my life has changed tremendously" aspect.

I just read 'Late Bloomer' -- see http://www.bloomerland.com/comics.htm -- and it has a brief but interesting interlude in which she goes nuts with her new baby. You're clearly not alone. It might be an interesting read; like I said, it's brief, but it's nicely presented.

Answer 3

pay attention hun he won't be able to call CPS, you have PPD and those are each and all the indicators and he's dealt with it a great sort of circumstances! it fairly is great which you have desperate to get help, each and everything gets plenty greater advantageous from then on, I promise! once you experience greater advantageous, you will no longer be thinking terrible thoughts or be under pressure and your courting with your husband will heavily advance! MY pal had twins a year in the past and already had a 8 and 6 year old! I regarded each and all the PPD warning signs in her and made her bypass to the well being practitioner and now she's a distinctive lady! She's so happy, she will handle her teenagers greater advantageous and pulled her marriage back mutually! genuinely, you will no longer have self assurance hoe greater advantageous you experience as quickly as you get help to recover from this! good success

Answer 4

when I had my daughter I had completely lost my mind!! I would sit on the couch with a pillow on my head waiting for something to crash through the ceiling and kill me. I was also terrified of lightning, and I would have these horrible thoughts about my baby being killed. To tell you the truth I never got over it, Im still seriously depressed. My advice to you would be take medication and seek a counselor again if it worked for you in the beginning. best of luck to you.

Answer 5

honestly, i would seek the opinon of another doctor. it doesn't sound like it's just post partum depression and if everyone is that concerned about your well being you should do everything in your power to make yourself better.

i thought i had PPD after my first son, but it turned out that after my second i found out that i am bi-polar. and since then i have been on medication and have therapy and things have gotten better. i would seek the advice of a very qualified psychiatrist in your area and start working with him/her ASAP since you are obviously concerned about yourself and the well being of your children. good luck!!

Answer 6

You need to see another doctor. It probably is something totally different than depression. I would at least get someone else's opinion. At least see what options are out there for you.

Answer 7

That sounds bigger than PPD.

I'd talk to a counselor about it..not us clowns on yahoo...

this is serious stuff.