I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder when I was 16-17 years old. I have been fine my whole pregnancy, but now that I know that I will be having the baby soon, I am worried about postpartum depression. I have horrible anxiety attacks and feel like I am running out of time until the baby comes. Instead of being excited like I was, I am kind of depressed about how my life is going to change. I know it sounds bad, but I cannot control it. I know deep down that I am excited, but I just cant seem to get over these bad feelings. I dont feel like I would ever hurt my child, just worried that I am not going to be close to him like I want to be. Anyone else been through this and have any advice for me? Serious answers only. I really dont want to hear anyones rude opinions, I feel bad the way it is. Thanks for the help!
2007-03-12 17:22:24 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
Tell your ob/gyn pronto and get started on antidepressants asap. I was treated for pp depression for three of my four kids and Paxil worked best for me. Also, until the pills kick in, try not to be alone with the baby. Have someone help you if possible, that way you can get a break when you need it. Trust me, you'll be fine! Good luck!!
2007-03-12 17:26:49 · answer #1 · answered by lexiann721 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Just talk to your doctor. Be 100% honest . . .tell him/her about the bipolar. They may want to prescribe something like Prozac (a low dose) right now, given your history. However, even if they don't, at least they know it's a possibility that it might happen and will be ready to help. Do not just let it go!!! Postpartum Depression is very, very common and nothing to be ashamed of--but it is also very, very dangerous if you do nothing about it. Make sure you are open about it with your healthcare providers and your partner and possibly other family members or friends, so that help is always available when you need it. If it gets REALLY bad, it could be postpartum psychosis, which is more rare, and VERY dangerous . . .so seek help immediately!! Just don't let anything stop you from asking. Good luck!!!
Oh, and btw, don't feel bad. I saw where you said you didn't want to hear any rude opinions because you feel bad as it is. You shouldn't. This happens to many women. If anyone answers with rude comments, they are just displaying their own ignorance. You will be fine no matter what, and you are NOT at all a "bad mother" if you do experience depression.
2007-03-12 17:36:25 · answer #2 · answered by Amy R 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
This is a very scary time for you, I know. I too have been there, I couldn't get up, even when the baby cried for me, I felt alone, you cant really have a conversation with a 4 day old baby. Alot of the problems start as soon as the baby is born, everyone thinks they will automatically love there baby when they come out, this is not always the case, you may need to "fall in love" with your baby. Its hard to love a new person, as we all know, but even harder when that person needs you to do everything for them and they have no way of showing you how they love you. I agree that breastfeeding is one way of insuring that you bond with your baby and staff off depression, and I also agree that if at all possible you should have some with you at all times for awhile, until you adjust to being a mother. Its hard for everyone, don't let anyone fool you, its a BIG life change. You will be ok though talk to your doctor let him/her know what your fears are and they will help you pull through, before you know it you'll wonder how you ever lived life without your child, good luck.
2007-03-12 17:40:25 · answer #3 · answered by LesHug 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, the good thing is you are aware of
your condition and you are concerned enough to want to make sure things do not get out of control.
Another good thing, you have a doctor who is already attending to you. Tell your doctor your concerns about your bipolar disorder and discuss with the doctor the worries you have about the postpartum depression.
Here is another good thing. You are about to have a beautiful little baby to hold and love. I know you want to keep him/her safe and see that he/she has a mommy he/she can love in return. So if you were taking meds for your bipolar before you got pregnant, talk to your doctor about your meds and how soon you need to begin taking them again. If you were not, it might be a good idea to discuss this with your doctor and begin taking meds.
You are right this should be a happy and exciting time for you. So talk to your doctor and then begin enjoying the blessing you are about to have.
Take full advantage of the hospital staff's help, and your family and friends during the first few months after having the baby. They can help relieve some of the stress and you will be able to relax and rest so you can recuperate and fully enjoy all your time with your new little bundle of joy.
If you feel yourself getting stressed, ask for help. Raising a little one is hard work and no one should feel ashamed to ask for help.
GOOD LUCK AND CONGRATULATIONS!!!
2007-03-12 18:37:00 · answer #4 · answered by Mee-Maw 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know how you feel. I was never diagnosed with anything, but I did suffer from severe depression and had suicidal tendencies as a teenager. I was on anti-depressants for about a year, but they only mask the problem. Jesus Christ is the only one that can fill the void in our lives and He gives us hope and a reason to live. I have two beautiful babies myself, and am pregnant with my third, and have not had any feelings of depressions since. If this is your first child, you don't have to worry about not feeling close to him. Once you lay eyes on that precious little blessing, then nothing else in the whole world will matter. Breastfeeding also helps create an amazing mother/child bond! I nursed both of my children and will be nursing my new arrival as well. I wish you the best and my prayers will be with you as you welcome this new little one into the world. Take Care and God Bless!
2007-03-12 17:40:47 · answer #5 · answered by madisons_mommy520 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to talk to your doctor. I was way to busy for postpartum depression, to tell the truth. I developed such a deep bond immediately. I recommend breastfeeding if possible. I haven't always been the sanist person either. I love my son more than anything and I have been through a lot. I went through a divorce when he was 1 and now I'm in college and wait tables five nights a week. He's 3 and I'm 27. But it's a great adventure. What else better could I be doing!
2007-03-12 17:35:27 · answer #6 · answered by MJ 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You seriously need to speak to your doctor about this. There is help, both pharmaceutically and therapy wise for postpartum depression. Your OBGYN would be the one to talk to because you are not the only one in the world to have these feelings. Having a baby is a life changing situation. I suffered (mildly) after my first but not with the other 3 but your doctor could help you out here. The anxiety attacks can't be good for you or for your baby because if nothing else they increase your heart rate. Talk to your doctor. And good luck.
2007-03-12 17:30:24 · answer #7 · answered by mental 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I suffer from bi-polar disorder and after my kids were born i did view them as somewhat of a burden because of all the ways my life was going to change, more so b/c I quit all meds during preg. But I didnt have a problem after i had my kids I went right back on my meds and didn't have much baby blues ( but if you are breastfeeding that wont work at all for you. All of my kids were bottle fed and thrived very normally and I was healthy too b/c you cant control it on your own I also have Generalized Anxiety Disorder and the meds I take for it make me a functional person who serves three young children well..6,2,19months
2007-03-12 17:33:07 · answer #8 · answered by stacie_collins2001 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I really feel for you, it is hard raising a baby, your life does change. It seems from reading from above that you have addressed the problem and you know that you have the fear. I would consult with your doctor and maybe a counsler just to have some ease with everything that is going on right now in your life. I 'll bet you'll be the best mommy!! Just consult with a professional so you don't have all the strain on you! Good Luck!
2007-03-12 17:29:27 · answer #9 · answered by Mamaof4 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
i've felt that way before also. i'm 19 and just had my second baby 13 months apart the 1st. babies will change your life. but when you take what life gives you, you will enjoy every second of motherhood. they are a great joy. many people talk about post partum depression and many new moms to be always think that they will have it also with out a doubt. don't always beleive eveything you read. think positive. i'm sure you'll make it through. just have friends or relatives help you out the first couple of week's. good luck and god bless.
2007-03-12 17:39:55 · answer #10 · answered by ROMASHKA 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋