I had a baby 3 1/2 weeks ago and i'm feeling extrmely depressred, overwhelmed and anxiety. what should i do?

Question

should i go to counseling? i know it is the baby blues...but i dont want to feel like this anymore. its changing how i do normal things.

Answer 1

There is nothing wrong with going to see a doctor about this. Many women suffer from depression/anxiety after pregnancy. Your body has been through 9 months of extreme hormonal changes which can lead to this. I dealt with this as well. I didn't get treated for it until almost a year after having my daughter, b/c I kept telling myself it would go away or I wasn't really having any problems. But it really helped me to go and get help. I was put on Lexapro which helps deal with depression and anxiety. I was on that for 6 months, and since then I feel like my old self again and I feel like I can be a better mother. Just go talk to your doctor and they can decide what's right for you. Good luck

Answer 2

You are past the "baby blues" stage now- that should only last up to 2 wks. You are right in thinking that you should talk to your dr and that's a courageous first step to take in getting better.

It can be scary to talk to the dr, I know. I recommend calling now and leaving a message. That way you've "committed" yourself to having to talk about it and won't get scared and decide not to call on Mon. I would just leave a message saying that you want to see the dr. on Monday for postpartum depression. Don't let them make you wait any longer, you've already waited this long.

I think it's also helpful to go in prepared. Check out this site:
http://www.postpartumstress.com/could_i_have_ppd.html. I recommend printing off the first page and the two attachments and answering the questions. Then bring all the pages into your dr. It will give you a good "starting off" point.

Also, if you have a partner who can come w/ you to the appt, that would probably be a great source of support to you. If you haven't already shared w/ your partner or someone close to you about what you're feeling, ask that person to surf that site a bit and then tell them what's going on.

Know that you can and will feel better but it could take time. Don't hesitate to consider meds. If you're breastfeeding, many are well-known to be safe. Finally, find another dr if this one doesn't take you seriously. You are going thru something very real and you deserve to be better again! Best of luck to you.

Answer 3

I had a baby 2 1/2 weeks ago. I have moments where I feel really overwhelmed too. You just have to take it a day at a time. Find something to do that makes you happy and make your hubby watch your baby for a few hours. You need to take care of yourself. If you can't take care of yourself you'll have a hard time taking care of that baby. Get plenty of sleep...which I'm really trying to focus on right now. My hubby has been extra nice and when he comes home from work he watches the baby for a few hours for me while I take a nap. It's very nice. If it gets really bad talk to your doctor. They may recommend something to help.

Something else that also helped is my baby's doctor said that she is old enough to be left to cry it out. I thought I had to go running to her everytime she cried...but she said this is bad for the baby...and bad for me. If you go running everytime they cry they start to get the idea that they are the center of the family. So sometimes I just let her cry when I know she's fed and changed and she's okay. This has lowered my stress level just a bit.

I hope this helps you a little. Just remember you are not alone in your feelings.

Answer 4

I would go to your doctor and tell him or her. You don't want to leave this untreated, because then it interferes with you doing your normal stuffs. The doctor can recommend things that will help. If things are getting to be too much I would ask a family member or friend to come and help you to take the load off of you. Don't feel bad for asking, because I am sure they would want to do it for you. That way you can get a little rest, and take care of yourself. Might help some. I read that this happens to alot of people so don't be embarrassed to go to the doct for help. It is the best thing to getting yourself back together. And always remember that it could be worse, no matter what. Take care of yourself and think about your new little one. Just think when he or she gets bigger all the stuff you are going to teach him or her and how awesome it is to be a mom. That little one is always going to look up to you. Think about the positives not the negatives and alot of what is getting you down is that you are probally sleep deprived. So take care and good luck to you. And Congrats on your new baby! :)

Answer 5

Well, the most important thing is that you've realized and accepted that you are depressed.

You could talk to your doctor, minister/preacher, pyschologist, etc.

It's very hard having a baby, no matter if it is your first or eighth. So many changes in your life that you need to deal with.

The main thing to do is carve out some time for yourself, whether it be in the morning, midday or evening. Just a few minutes where you can catnap, read, relax, anything to rejuvenate yourself if possible.

Personally, I would speak to my doctor about possibly trying medication if it were affecting my normal behavior.

You can get through this. Good luck!

Answer 6

Okay, I think you should reach out to someone. It may just be a fase but it is harder for some women than others. I remember crying for no apparent reason after my second child. I thought post partum was in people's minds but it is a real thing and really does affect people. Also, search the internet. You may find support groups. Don't listen to anyone who makes you feel stupid or crazy. You are neither. It will pass, just try to enjoy your baby and reach out for help.

Answer 7

Go see a doctor!!!! This is probably postpardum depression, but you need to see a doctor. The doctor maybe able to prescribe something for you. He or she will suggest whether or not you need counseling. Don't for get to ask loved ones for help, you body and emotions have been through alot.

Answer 8

I would call your OBGYN and set up an appointment to go in. They can help you determine if its just the "baby blues" or if you could have post partum depression. Your doc will have good resources to connect you with to help you through this rough time. Either way - its okay to ask for help! Make that appointment and hang in there mama!

Answer 9

If it's making you overwhelmed then yes go see someone you dont want to potetially harm your child...im a mom of 1 and one one the way and it is a huge change when you bring a newborn into your life nothing can prepare you....

Answer 10

Call your Dr. right away! There is a diffrence between baby blues and post partum depression. The longer the depression goes untreated the harder it is to get under control.