Hi Gavinsmommy,
Thank you for your post, and for finding EmpowHER. Symptoms of PPD could include: feelings of aloneness, sadness, tiredness, unable to concentrate (remember?), being overwhelmed, uncomfortable with baby, disinterested in everything I used to love, worried, irritable, guilt, and detachment. If left untreated, PPD can endure and worsen. It is up to you to decide if being treated will help your condition. Most times, doctors and therapists recommend a three-sided approach to treatment: medication (antidepressants, which could help improve ability to focus), talk therapy, and group support. I personally went through it within the first year of my son being born. Through the course of treatment, I learned ways to deal with all the symptoms I was having. Some things you can do to try and get a handle on it are (in addition to the lists you make):
- exercise daily (preferably in the mornings to get the “feel good” hormones pumping).
- eat a nutritionally-sound diet (cut back on or eliminate caffeine, alcohol and sugar).
- drink more water (ramp back up to the 60oz./day you were drinking when pregnant).
- try to get enough sleep nightly, or allowed yourself a nap during the day.
• ask for help from your partner or those close to you, and let them do things their way (not always the easiest thing to do, but let some things go until you start to feel better).
Those are just some ideas in case you find it is PPD. It's not a bad place to start to try and get yourself on the right track.
Do you still get migraines? Any other conditions, or medications you're taking? Did you say if you're on birth control or not?
Please come back and let me know what you think of this, and how you're doing.
-Christine
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Hi Gavinsmommy,
November 9, 2010 - 2:08pmThank you for your post, and for finding EmpowHER. Symptoms of PPD could include: feelings of aloneness, sadness, tiredness, unable to concentrate (remember?), being overwhelmed, uncomfortable with baby, disinterested in everything I used to love, worried, irritable, guilt, and detachment. If left untreated, PPD can endure and worsen. It is up to you to decide if being treated will help your condition. Most times, doctors and therapists recommend a three-sided approach to treatment: medication (antidepressants, which could help improve ability to focus), talk therapy, and group support. I personally went through it within the first year of my son being born. Through the course of treatment, I learned ways to deal with all the symptoms I was having. Some things you can do to try and get a handle on it are (in addition to the lists you make):
- exercise daily (preferably in the mornings to get the “feel good” hormones pumping).
- eat a nutritionally-sound diet (cut back on or eliminate caffeine, alcohol and sugar).
- drink more water (ramp back up to the 60oz./day you were drinking when pregnant).
- try to get enough sleep nightly, or allowed yourself a nap during the day.
• ask for help from your partner or those close to you, and let them do things their way (not always the easiest thing to do, but let some things go until you start to feel better).
Those are just some ideas in case you find it is PPD. It's not a bad place to start to try and get yourself on the right track.
Do you still get migraines? Any other conditions, or medications you're taking? Did you say if you're on birth control or not?
Please come back and let me know what you think of this, and how you're doing.
-Christine
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