How can I handle postpartum depression on my own, without having to see someone about it?

Question

I had my first baby almost 10 months ago & I have been depressed for several months now. I am to scared to see my Dr. because I use to work with him at the hospital and my husband still does. I also know all the other Dr.'s in the area from the hospital, so I feel very awkward about asking any of them about this. I have always been a very strong woman, and have always been able to hide any problems, so I am not good at asking for help from anyone. I don't know how my family would react to something like this and they have enough on their plates anyway. I am sure they would be supportive, but I don't want to put the focus on myself. I really don't know what to do to get over this, I have been trying, but it just seems like I can't accomplish anything. I have a very difficult time even getting out of bed in the mornings. I try to get out of the house, but it seems to take a miracle to get the baby in and out of the car. Does anyone know of something that can help?

Answer 1

You need to put your pride aside and realize that these people are doctors. They are not going to judge you. Post partum depression is something they deal with and are able to help you get through. There are two people that you are hurting - Yourself, and your baby. You're not going to bond as well with your baby while you are struggling with depression. You are not going to be able to take care of your baby as well while struggling with depression. If not for yourself, at least for your baby, seek the guidance of a doctor. Your baby doesn't deserve a depressed, inattentive mommy. You don't deserve to suffer. There's help out there and available that is going to work much better than you trying to go at it alone. Isolating yourself is not the answer.

Answer 2

After my second pregnancy I used a homeopathic remedy for ppd called Sepia. It seemed to help.

However, having said that... I can tell by the way you talk that, well, how should I put this. I had severe ppd too, and I wasn't thinking straight, and you aren't quite either.

Your body has been through a lot, and you are having a common malady.

Here is where your thinking is skewed: you are sure that this doctor you used to work with would think badly of you if you go to him and tell him you need something for ppd. Sweetie, he has seen this before, and he knows it happens to intelligent, competent women, and he will help you get over it and he will NOT think ill of you. This is not a sign of weakness. If it were, you are so strong that you would have already overcome it. Chances are, since it's been 10 mos since the birth of your baby, you'd not have to be on medication too long and you'd feel fine.

Please go to see your doctor or another one, and take it from a concerned outsider, you are not weak and it is okay to take something for awhile. GIve yourself a break; no one will be judging you. This is 2007, not the 1950's.

Answer 3

I needed help after my second child was born and I waited about a year to get it. In the mean time, I wasn't a good mother to my baby or especially to my four year old. Your child needs you to get better so you can be happy to see him and feel grateful to have him. I told my Dr. and began taking Prozac, which worked very well for me. The clouds lifted and I suddenly valued all I had. Don't listen to the "Tom Cruise" types that tell you PPD isn't real. It most definitely is real and can harm the relationships you have with others. I heard that the show "The View" is doing their whole show on Friday, March 9th about depression. It couldn't hurt to watch it. I know you too will find the light at the end of the tunnel!

Answer 4

i read women on here asking about post partum and i feel so strongly about this...... i had a baby 4 months ago. and i came home a wreck.. i hating being alive i hated the fact i had a baby.. i thought my husband was gonna leave me. i was so depressed to a point to where i almost regreted it.. well guess i kinda did... i cryed constantly and my husband saw me and looked at me like i must be crazy... i didnt feel like a good mom and i didnt think i could care for a child. i knew i should go to the doctor ccause im body was telling me this isnt right....... i took walks outside... and i talked to friedns constantly....it really helped.... my friends knew i needed it and they did it without any questions... you need ppl around you. mine depression went away in about a month. but they say if u are depreeseed for longet than 2 months you should see a doctor.. this is a SERISOUSE illness and not something that should be taken lightly... u need to see a doctor so you can get back on ur feet with your little miracle... weather u know the drs or not... do it. i garanteee they will be glad u do. from one woman to another... seek help. its all you can do after so long. and dont be ashamed. your a mommy and it hard...if u ever need anyone to talk to u can contact me through messenger... my name is robdeezyfosheezy and im morgan :)

Answer 5

Joseph C is a classic bore who has not quite attended all of his basic mental health classes- his is the type of response you need to avoid.
On the other hand - you are a real person with a real medical issue that needs to attended to before it gets worst. You are a smart, intelligent and caring women, and if this problem was a lump in your breast, or a postive result on a pap- you would have no problem seeking help- you would take care of it.
Just because it is a problem with depression resulting from a 9 month bout of bouncing hormones, the stress of learning to deal with a new born and balance the rest of your day to day life out doesn't mean you are weak, or can't handled problems. You know that smart people go to professionals to help them take care of issues. So do it - you don't want to be the next woman on the late night news who drowned her kid.

Answer 6

That you dont wish to seek help in itself is a symptom of the disease. PPD is a horribly lonely place to be in. And you've suffered it for 10 months! Why, why? And its so easy to treat. Go to a doctor. Most doctors can seperate the personal from the proffesional. They are trained and paid to do it.
What you can do on your part to get better sooner, is to start working out. Get out for an early morning run for atleast 20-30 mins. Once the endorphins start pumping, you will find the depression easing. But you have to do both things simultaneously. Infact seek help first.

Answer 7

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 8

The only answer to this is that you can't handle this on your own.
Illness is not a sign of weakness and going to the Dr will be the strongest thing you can possibly do. He will not judge you, he is there to help you.
If you are determined to beat this alone I would suggest an intense counselling course, St Johns Wort and Evening Primrose Oil.
Please go and see your GP, your baby needs you to.

Answer 9

Talk to your OB. Whether you used to work there or not, your medical records are private and they cannot discuss your treatment with anyone....not even your husband. You do need to talk to your husband though. He needs to know how you feel. I went through this when I lost my baby girl at 21 weeks and I was put on Zoloft. Before I started taking it I could barely function and I have a 2 year-old to take care of. My OB told me also to take Vitamin B-6. I also starting walking and exercising. Exercise boosts endorphins, which boost your mood.

Answer 10

my dear, if you were sitting at home bleeding would you be reluctant to seek help? If you don;t want to see area doctors [ I know what you mean there] go to a city an hour away, but GO! This is not just for you but for your baby and family. Your family does not even have to know unless you tell them. Or if you be right up front about it you may be surprised that they support you. They should! Please go, from a mom who cares.