Did anyone have peripartum depression?

[Deleted]

I can't really decipher if I'm having unusual symptoms or just reaction to being overtired and having a difficult toddler (DS hasn't slept past 5:30 AM in the last month and is going through a particularly challenging phase).

I've been feeling especially irritable, having trouble staying asleep, the thought of sex is physically repulsive, and basically just want to run away from my life. I have zero connection to the baby although I had trouble connecting with DS as a fetus also. DH left for the day on Saturday at 11 am and knowing that I would be on my own with DS for the next 9 hours made me cry. In fact, it's only 9 am and I'm already dreading 5-8 pm solo. Normal or something I should get checked out?

[Deleted]

I'd say the fact that you're asking is enough to bring it up with your doc.

(hugs) Sorry you're feeling rough. It is hard.

[water*drop]

Hugs. Get it checked out. PM me if you want to chat about my experience.

[redheadbaker]

Yeah, I had it. Just talking about it with my OB helped immensely. Because of my past history with depression, I had an Rx for ADs on file to fill if I felt I needed it, though I never did.

[Deleted]

Yes. Every day after work walking to daycare to pick up B I wanted to run away. It got better. I'm in therapy and on meds already. I just talked about it with all my caretakers and husband and acknowledged it was just some shit I was dealing with. It still pops up from time to time. Hugs

[rugbywife]

I had Perinatal/Peripartum Anxiety with my first pregnancy. I sought help from a regional nurse. I never went on meds but I did eventually stop working early and just knowing that what I was feeling was 'norma'l' helped.

[Deleted]

May 26, 2015 10:33:29 GMT -5 rugbywife said:

I had Perinatal/Peripartum Anxiety with my first pregnancy. I sought help from a regional nurse. I never went on meds but I did eventually stop working early and just knowing that what I was feeling was 'norma'l' helped.

Yes, I find this really helpful with mental health issues in general.  Don't be ashamed or embarassed about how you're feeling or think you "should" be feeling any particular way.  When I feel depressed or anxious I just think "oh that's my depression acting up again" like allergies or any other physical health problem. Acknowledge it and it is less scary.

[Deleted]

Thanks everyone for your feedback. I'm going to call today and see what to do next.

I hesitate because when I had PPD with DS I was already on ADs so my OB was like...uh, what do you want me to do? (In a nice way of course.)

[gibbinator]

Seeing as you had ppd, I think that generally increases your risk of suffering depression and anxiety related to pregnancy hormone stuff. I'd definitely bring it up.

This seems like the wrong place to say this but I'm going to do it anyway. congrats! I must have missed your announcement.

[DarcyLongfellow]

I'm so glad you're going to call your doctor. Feeling that way is miserable, and you shouldn't have to feel that way.

May 26, 2015 11:34:08 GMT -5 @republicrat said:

Thanks everyone for your feedback. I'm going to call today and see what to do next.

I hesitate because when I had PPD with DS I was already on ADs so my OB was like...uh, what do you want me to do? (In a nice way of course.)

I know this isn't what you asked, but it makes me so sad that your doctor responded that way. There are a LOT of other things you can do. But an OB isn't really qualified.

If you go back on an AD and it doesn't seem to work for you, please get a rec for a GOOD psychiatrist and see him or her. I had been seeing a psychiatrist for a few years, and I didn't know he wasn't a good one. I just assumed all of them were like he is. Then I changed (on the recommendation of my GP), and I'm amazed at how much better care my new psychiatrist takes of me. She actually listens to what I tell her and she has creative solutions -- not just "well, do you want to change to a new AD? Which one do you want to try next?"

Hugs to you -- I hope your doctor can help you!!!

[suzubell]

Yes and anxiety. It was really hard and I struggled a lot. Hugs to you. I'm happy to talk if you want.

[rupertpenny]

@republicrat, I just saw that @tambcat tagged me here. I did have peripartum depression and it was awful feeling so bad during what is supposed to be a happy time. I ended up going back on an AD (psych made me quit cold turkey when I told her I was pregnant  :^) ) and upping my dose until I was at a good level. It was higher than what I was on prepregnancy. I also went to therapy weekly. I finally started feeling relatively ok by about week 32.