I don't ever recall be warned or even talked to about PPD and only recently have I edjucated myself enough to realize that my family was destroyed by it. We totally fell apart and all along...I just thought that the major depression I had before my pregnancy had gotten worse after I gave birth to my twins. I lost years with my babies, my 7 year old and went through a divorce, but couldn't figure out what was wrong with me.
It's been so frustrating to think that I lost so much time and although I was taking antidepressants (which were constantly changing until a few years ago) I had no idea I had PPD therfor I didn't know I needed therapy. I wish my x-husband and I couldv'e gotten some help so our childn't wouldn't have gone through all the pain/suffering they went through, especially each night I'd say goodnight/good-bye because it was just too overwelming/frightening to be with them over a long period of time.
It was only about 3 months ago that I started to reseach PPD on my own and I discovered that it's actually different then depression.
If I could just help one person out there avoid what I went through...wow. If only someone had pulled my husband and I aside back in 1997/1998 and got our attention to let us know what was "really happening" to our family (before it was too late). If Only-
Patti, Battle Creek MI
[edited by empowHer to remove personal contact information]