Comments on: An Update On How Postpartum Depression Changed My Life

By: KT

KT — Sat, 20 May 2023 03:57:58 +0000

So thankful for your original post! Also the “Aha” book that helped me understand what I was experiencing (so wish I had it sooner after my baby was born) was “Ordinary Insanity: Fear and the Silent Crisis of Motherhood in America” – it normalized and de-shamed so much, especially about the more neurotic anxious (“should I be hospitalized”!?) feelings

By: B

Tue, 16 May 2023 00:37:22 +0000

Thank you for this incredibly honest post. I felt extremely ashamed that I had Post Natal Depression when my son, now 8, was born. It took until my second was born (and he was 18 months) to speak up. It is sold to us as women that having a baby is such. sacred time (and it is), but with it comes a huge change in hormones and sleep deprivation and this can be extra difficult for those pre-disposed to anxiety/depression. I am now seeing a regular psychologist and am on medication for life. Thank you for sharing, it has a huge positive effect so thank you.

By: isa

isa — Mon, 15 May 2023 16:31:38 +0000

In reply to Sharon. ''' I can easily divide my life into two categories..BM/AM. Before meds/after meds. I thought feeling the way I did was normal. So sad.''' Yes, yes, yes!!

By: isabelle

isabelle — Mon, 15 May 2023 16:21:25 +0000

In reply to Kate. same

By: Isabelle

Isabelle — Mon, 15 May 2023 16:13:42 +0000

In reply to Rebecca Cutler. This book (this is not what I was expecting) helped me a lot not feeling so alone, and also ''Down came the rain'' by Brooke Shields.

By: Isabelle

Isabelle — Mon, 15 May 2023 16:02:41 +0000

Are we twin?? Reading you is like reading my personal journal. I had PPD in 2010, I had to be hospitalized, and back then Effexor and a low dose anti-psychotic SAVED my life. Yes, I was in a good place in my life (wanted this baby, had a husband, house, support, etc) but it didn`t matter : I felt utterly broken after the birth of my first daughter. I eventually stopped the meds and were ok for many years (or so I thought – always carrying low grade depression that I though was MY normal, and anxiety). About 3 years ago I went to the dark place once more and, like you said, was not able to see this. I was crying every day, told my husband it would not matter if I disappeared, etc… But, hey, I was FINE! Hubby urged me to consult my doctor and I got put on Wellbutrin. This medication not only saved my life one more, but changed it as well. I tried lots of different anti-depressant throughout the years and this one is like gold for me. I will never ever stop it if I can avoid it. The low-grade depression lifted, the anxiety went down, and my ADHD symptoms (that I did not know I had) got much better, namely the aggressivity and impulse control. I tried everything else before, but turns out I needed those meds. I am not ashamed one bit.

By: Rebecca Cutler

Rebecca Cutler — Mon, 15 May 2023 13:16:08 +0000

In reply to Mrs. Frugalwoods. Mrs. FW, it is was out of print but you might be able to find a copy.

By: Rebecca Cutler

Rebecca Cutler — Mon, 15 May 2023 13:15:05 +0000

In reply to Emily. Emily, I am so glad! The standard of care really needed to be changed from “if you don’t tell them about it, they might not experience it” to a more proactive approach.

By: Meyli

Meyli — Sun, 14 May 2023 20:37:09 +0000

Thank you thank you thank you! Finally, someone else out there who unashamedly proclaims that medication is the answer (for them). Depression and anxiety don’t care what your life circumstances are or what you do about them. You can exercise and eat well and a million other ‘healthy’ things…and still have depression and anxiety. Medication is ok. And you don’t have to try everg non-medication fix before trying meds – you can first try the meds and that’s ok.
Thank you, thank you.

By: Tamar

Tamar — Sun, 14 May 2023 16:23:32 +0000

In reply to Rose.

Anxiety and unexplained secondary infertility here too.
I’ve been charting my cycles for a long time for fertility reasons, including my moods. I’ve found out that during certain times in my cycle I tend to be more anxious / negative / angry / happy / relaxed / etc.
This helps me notice whether certain feelings are in my normal pattern and resolve themselves or something I need to actively take care of.