post natal depression?

Question

i have severe PND and was wondering if there are anyone else suffering from it too?my twins are 15 months old now and the general attitude of people i know is that i shouldnt have it anymore and i should be fine! i dont have any family or friends and i think this is what makes me worse.

Answer 1

firstly P.ND is very common and more so without proper help and support.Looking after twins or any babies,children wahatever age is the biggest job you will ever do.What about local toddler groups?

Get out and walk once a day at least,i had this and being inside the house too much made it worse.What about vitamin b6 which helps reduce depresssion..as the lack of this and other vits and cause depression..so look into your diet.

What was the birth like.a traumantic birth can triigaar this too.Also when we have our own children it may make us think of our own childhood..and not all of us were lucky enough to come from brilliant famillies.
The other thing here is your partner,does he help out?
perhaps a day to yourself would be a good thing..a father should offer some support..weather it be bathing babaies,or taking them out for walk.This is not your falt by the way.I would also see a doctor..your hormones might be unbalanced too..it takes a while for your body to get over childbirth.Anyway if you wish to talk further then please e-mail me.

Answer 2

I had PND after my son was born and it was 2 years before it was diagnosed so don't listen to people who think it should be better by now! You must, must, MUST get to your doctor and tell them what is going on for you. You will probably need some medication to deal with the short term and perhaps counseling for the longer term.
Bringing up a baby without a good support network is very hard and with twins it must be even harder and my heart goes out to you.
I know it's going to need energy that you probably don;t feel you have, but it will help if you can get into some sort of network of other mums. Some of them will have had PND too so will understand. A Baby and Toddler Group? Story time at the local library? Even down at the swings mothers meet and talk. A local National Childbirth Trust group may have a coffee morning you could go to? Or the LaLeche League (similar to the NCT).
I wish all the very best of luck, hang on in there it WILL improve.

Answer 3

Sweetheart, take no notice of the general attitude of people, unless someone has experienced something similar how can they possible have a valid opinion. Admittedly, most people are well meaning, but what you need right now is support. Are you taking any medication? Have you been in contact with any support groups? TAMBA (twins and multiple births) are good and you are bound to meet others you have felt the same way you do, speaking to others who have been through it and have come out of the other side always helps. Look on the net and in your local telephone directory for some support groups. I suffered from PND after my 2nd child and it was terrible, so I can sympathise with you, I eventually went on medication, and when I did eventually tell people about it (I hid it for a long time because I was frightened to admit I couldn't cope), I received some support. I also know where you're coming from in respect of other peoples ideas because I lost my son four months ago in an accident and people, including those closest to me tell me I should be feeling 'back to normal now'. For me professional counselling by someone who doesn't cast judgement has helped.

Answer 4

Lack of sleep doesn't help things, either.

If you are not passed the depression within 2 months of the birth, it is NOW time to get yourself in to the Dr. Do not delay.
This can truly be dangerous to you or your babies.

Been there. DON'T DELAY getting help.

As small as it sounds, putting each of these pieces into your DAILY life and routine can help you to move through this depression and prepare you for health ahead.

Eat - get enough sleep, nap when necessary - exercise outside in the fresh air complete with smells and views and sunshine .... (good for the little guys too.) Do your very best
to spend 30minutes every day just on yourself...read, journal, music, or just daydreaming or being creative. Every day talk with an adult.
Participate in a group where there is childcare weekly (church is great, so is MOPS mothers of preschoolers)

Answer 5

It can last for a long time. Raising twins without the help of family or friends can be exhausting and the lack of sleep can add to the depression. Do talk to your doctor. I had PPD after losing my daughter last Aug. at 21 weeks and my OB put me on Zoloft and it made a world of difference. It has been almost a year and I still get depressed if I don't take it.