Could it be postpardum depression or something more serious?

Question

My daughter is 17 months old, and I know its normal for moms to worry, but I feel like mine is way out of control. I'm always worried about my daughter. Everything horrilbe that could happen to her, goes through my head. I work, so i'm not able to watch her, and it upsets me so bad that I can't eat, I cry, my stomach starts cramping, and my chest starts hurting. Even when i'm at home with her, when she falls asleep I look at her and think about how she has her whole life ahead of her, how am I going to protect her? I just feel so scared..so so scared ALL THE TIME. We're going on a plane trip to visit her family at the end of April and I am so terrified to get her on that plane. Please somebody help me with some advice or support. I just took a Klonopin to help me calm down ( They were prescribed to me after I passed out at work the first time)

I do need to see another doctor, but it seems like none of the doctors around here really care, or even know anything. I've seen so many doctors, I can't take most of the medicines they give me and hold a job at the same time lol you know?
Thanks so much everyone for responding, I'm starting to feel a little bit better, the Klonopin is helping.

Answer 1

Postpartum depression IS very serious...it can make the whole world disappear and everything in it dark and terrible. Let me ask, is there something traumatic that has happened to you in the past? It is very normal to pass fears onto your children (I mean a rape victim may have very generalized but very serious fear about the safety of their children, or someone with PTSD may have uncontrollable urges concerning protecting their children, and feel that things are too out of control). My husband tells me that no one is ever truly safe and that a sense of security is really an illusion. But I have learned that there is such a thing as acceptable risk. Weigh the odds in your head, (I mean, leaving your child with a known sexual abuser in a crack house vs leaving her in the care of a licensed caregiver in a suburban neighborhood) and then try to control your fear knowing that you have used your very best judgement. That is the best you can, or can be expected to, do. And irrational fear must then be considered just that: irrational. It is VERY natural to fear for your child's well being in such a world as this. But there are much, much worse situations in which you might place your child. Just do your best, and have faith. Everything will be all right. (Repeat this mantra).

Answer 2

Another word for "worry" is anxiety. And that sounds like what you are doing. Your symptoms also support this.
You ask if it is postpartum depression. Unless you recently stopped nursing your child, the answer would be "no", because that particular kind of depression is caused by a sudden hormone change within your body. However, if you were seriously depressed within the first month after your baby was born - and - the sadness and upsettings has continued within you for this entire time, then there might be a link.

The kind of Dr. you need to see now is a Psychiatrist (Dr of the mind and brain and emotions) What you are dealing with is his specialty. You might be surprised at how quickly you feel some relief and resolve in your life, once you begin. It will still take work on your part, but it can really help.

Other things can be of great help to you.
First, you need to have a friend to meet with and talk with regularly.
Second, If you can join a young mother's group, like MOPS (mothers of pre-schoolers), meeting every other week. and/or
find a Christian Church where you will learn to pray and calm yourself with faith in God, you can find some inner peace and feel more in control of your mind. Within the church you can also, usually, find courses in parenting where the very concerns you speak of are addressed.
Spending time each week, for a while, with a counselor can be helpful to you, discussing your particular concerns.

Answer 3

Post-partum depression can occur up to a year after delivery. Did you just recently begin to feel this way? It could be a number of things. You could have an anxiety disorder with secondary depression, a reactive depression due to the stress of raising a child, a primary major depression or a physical disorder such as hypothyroidism. You really should see another doctor who can get to the bottom of this. If everything checks out OK physically and it turns out to be something such as a depressive or anxiety disorder then medication can help. Also, don't be afraid to try psychotherapy. This can help you cope more efficiently with stress.

Answer 4

It sounds to me as if you are suffering more from anxiety than depression. Though your worry could be a sign of depression. I understand what you mean about doctors not really caring much. Is there a therapist you could speak with. I am sure you don't need to be "in therapy," but many therapists seem to care and you would be able to get a good diagnosis as to what is really bothering you.

It is depressing to have to "doctor shop," but you can't go on this way. You are going to exhaust yourself and won't be able to work or take care of your baby. Please find the time to find someone who will give you a decent diagnosis.

Good luck, I will be thinking of you.

Answer 5

See your gynie or doc as soon as you can. No one here can give you medical advice, but as your docs know you far better than we do they would be the place to start.
Yes, some anxiety is normal, but the anxiety you are experiencing is affecting your life - ie; your appetite and health, therefore you need to seek medical attention. The anxiety could be a hormonal imbalance from the birth -it takes approx 2 years for your hormones to return to normal after a baby - and if so the doc or the gynie can help you through it with various treatments.

Good luck, HTH

Answer 6

you definately need to talk to a therapist and get your emotions under control...it could be postpartum depression, only you and your Dr. can figure that out. in the meantime, its very natural to worry about your daughter. anything can happend to anyone at anytime, thats just the facts. but knowing you are taking the best care possible of her, she will be fine, and so will you.

Answer 7

17 months is long for postpartum depression and what you describe is anxiety more than depression. I suggest that you look into getting some professional help. It doesn't mean you're crazy and there are a lot of ways of treating it.

Answer 8

It really does seem very normal to me. It is a scary thought that they are so vunerable and have only us to protect them. With a caring Mum like you she will do fine. Maybe you could see if you have a Mothers supporting Mothers in your community. It helps to talk with other people.

Answer 9

See your doctor. A different one, since you seem to have seen one already.

Answer 10

It sounds like you need both medical care and also some good counseling. to get past some of your phobias and anxities. You don't want your child to be as frantic as you are when she grows up.

Please get some help