Postpartum Depression?

Question

What's the difference between regular depression and post-partum (besides obviously that PPD is after you have a baby)? I've suffered from depression since my early teens, never used medication as treatment, and never considered myself "cured" but consider the good times to be times when my depression is in "remission" kinda like cancer. Anyway, I just had a baby boy a little over a month ago, and I'm definately experiecing more than "the baby blues." I already plan to talk to my doctor about this at my appointment next tuesday, but I want to know--how would I know (or the doctor know) whether it's PostPartum Depression or my regular depression back? What's the real difference?

Thank you.

Answer 1

PPD is brought on by a hormonal imbalance, whereas the more common depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain.

My late wife suffered from PPD, which was treatable and eventually passed as her hormones came back into balance.

Answer 2

A lot of women who suffer from regular depression experience PPD. I think that if you feel that you are suffering from any kinda of depression and have a newborn, getting treatment is the best route because let's face it. No matter how wonderful our little babies are, things can get really stressful and if you are dealing with depression on top of things it could get worse all the way around. Besides that, depression can have an affect on the baby. To care for your baby the right way, you need to care for yourself first.

Answer 3

If you suffered from depression before pregnancy, you are highly more likely to suffer PPD. That is one of the warning signs of PPD. I know this personally, as well.

Perhaps the difference is that PPD is triggered by the rapidly changing hormones that take place after delivery, combined with the stresses (wonderful as they may be) of being a new mom.

Both kinds are serious and are treated the same ways. Even if you think yours isn't that bad, please takes steps to stop it anyway. You deserve to get beyond that.

I wish you the very best.

Answer 4

Reecpeec stated all of it. =) I feel it can be in most cases a little bit of each. That Robin is overwhelmed and is partly depressed b/c she feels insufficient and that the child probably does experience that and it probably making her uncomfortable round her mommy. But, such as you mentioned, there are a lot of motives for postpartum despair, and lots of different signs, so confidently that writers will go into that as well, rather of seeking to make us suppose that Robin is depressed b/c her little one won't discontinue crying. To not sound sexist, but it's so apparent that was written by using a man.

Answer 5

Childbirth can trigger many changes in the body and mind and for someone who already suffers from depression it can have a devastating effect. When you see your doctor, please be ready to accept some treatment because you don't want to be burdened with depression as you bring up your beautiful baby!

Here's a website that has an explanation of postpartum depression which I hope you find useful.

Good luck to you.

Answer 6

Reecpeec reported all of it. =) i think of that is in all likelihood a sprint of the two. That Robin is overwhelmed and is partly depressed b/c she feels insufficient and that the toddler in all likelihood does experience that and it must be making her uncomfortable round her mommy. yet, such as you reported, there are a number of motives for postpartum melancholy, and multiple different indications, so optimistically that writers will bypass into that as properly, particularly of attempting to make us have self assurance that Robin is depressed b/c her toddler won't give up crying. to no longer sound sexist, even though it is so obtrusive that became written by utilising a guy.

Answer 7

Your hormones decrease rapidly after having a baby and people without depression then suffer by it. So don't feel so bad.
When the hormones decrease the neurotransmitters in our brains make less of certain ones like seratonin and Dopamine. These transmitters regulate our moods.

I am glad you are seeing someone soon and try not to let it overcome you!
Good Luck and Try to enjoy your little boy

Answer 8

This one is kinda tricky. With post partum depression it shows up shortly after the birth of a child. I would say they will treat you for post partum and hopefully it goes away. If not.. they will treat you for "normal" depression. Either way you need treatment. Good luck

Answer 9

If you weren't depressed in the months before you had your son, it's probably post partum. You doctor is suppost to be an expert, and will be able to help you distinguish by the types of questions he/she asks and you answer. Good luck, and good for you for getting help right on. You don't want these thoughts and feelings to last.

Answer 10

I'm not an expert, but I too have dealt with depression in my past, and definitely dealt with it after giving birth to my little girl. PPD, for me, came with feelings of fear that some sort of harm would happen to my baby. That I might drop her, or she might smother herself in her crib. Not "normal" parental fears, but to the point that I would not walk near any windows or ledges that were no on ground level, or near any stairs, etc. It was irrational fear of harm coming to her. Fear to the point that I would get into a panic about it. I also felt like I could never be good enough for her, and that I was a horrible mom. It passed after she was about 3 months old, and came back on occation until she was nearly 8 months old. I never talked to my doctor about it, but I did tell my husband, and in hind sight, I would have told my doctor from the first signs of it if I could go back and do it over again. I'm glad you are talking to your doctor about this. It is NOTHING to be ashamed of, and definetly something to get help for. Good luck!