How do I know if I have PostPartum Depression and how can I get help?
May 9th, 2010 | 
Author: i am a mother to a beautiful 3mth old babygirl. I had depression before i had her and now i think i have postpartum.
my regular family doctor diagnosed mine… if you have a regular doctor, they can tell if you are not yourself… if you dont have a regular doc, ask your ob or see about a free/reduced fee mental health clinic in your area… they have a test to check for depression and as long as you give honest answers it will diagnose it… sometimes it takes some time to find a medication that works to treat it though, so try to have some patience …. but that said, if you ever feel bad enough that you want to hurt or abandon your child, get a friend, a family member, anyone to come watch your child until you can get to feeling better… if you dont have someone to help you and you start to get frustrated – walk outside… some people might get upset by this, but if your child is screaming and you have changed her and fed her and you feel ready to explode, just walk away – put her in the crib and walk outside until you can get in a better place… yes people, its not the best solution, but if you have severe post partum and no help and no one will come watch your child, it is better to walk away outside for a few than to lose your temper and patience with a baby… alot of times i would have to just walk outside for 20 min and scream and cry and then go back in and try to take care of the kiddo… maybe alot of people dont need that and they will want to tell you all the b.s. about "mistreating a precious gift and you should be grateful you have one, ect ect " and that is all well and good if you dont have post partum depression…. and great for them… but if you have it, you have to do what you have to do to keep your child safe and you sane enough to get help
Posted in postpartum depression
Talk To Your Doctor!!!
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Ask your doctor about this. It is so important. Most women do go through a period of depression after the birth of a baby and it’s caused by hormone fluctuation, as well as the lack of sleep, feelings of inadequacy, etc. There are so many ways to help you, but first you have to see your doctor.
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post partum you dont feel very attached to your child and could really care less about its welfare. that is why men are supposed to be the caregivers after birth. women have post partum.
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my regular family doctor diagnosed mine… if you have a regular doctor, they can tell if you are not yourself… if you dont have a regular doc, ask your ob or see about a free/reduced fee mental health clinic in your area… they have a test to check for depression and as long as you give honest answers it will diagnose it… sometimes it takes some time to find a medication that works to treat it though, so try to have some patience …. but that said, if you ever feel bad enough that you want to hurt or abandon your child, get a friend, a family member, anyone to come watch your child until you can get to feeling better… if you dont have someone to help you and you start to get frustrated – walk outside… some people might get upset by this, but if your child is screaming and you have changed her and fed her and you feel ready to explode, just walk away – put her in the crib and walk outside until you can get in a better place… yes people, its not the best solution, but if you have severe post partum and no help and no one will come watch your child, it is better to walk away outside for a few than to lose your temper and patience with a baby… alot of times i would have to just walk outside for 20 min and scream and cry and then go back in and try to take care of the kiddo… maybe alot of people dont need that and they will want to tell you all the b.s. about "mistreating a precious gift and you should be grateful you have one, ect ect " and that is all well and good if you dont have post partum depression…. and great for them… but if you have it, you have to do what you have to do to keep your child safe and you sane enough to get help
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personal experience – have chronic depression that turns into severe postpartum for about a year after a child is born…
Get to a doctor fast… Or an ER if your symptoms are severe and you think you might abandon/hurt your baby… There are plenty of meds to help you. Most women respond very well with Zoloft or Paxil or almost any of the SSRI’s. Until then if you have any concerns at all don’t be alone with the baby…But don’t be ashamed it happens to many mothers
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Three months postpartum is when PPD (postpartum depression) shows up. The weeks immediately following birth are when many moms get the "baby blues" which are a reaction to hormone fluctuations, adjusting to their new role, lack of sleep and being physically tired. during that time crying and feeling happy usually occur together.
True PPD happens later, usually after the 6 week check-up and during the first year following birth. Feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, helpless, isolation, and not interacting with the baby are some signs. I’m not saying the moms don’t take care of the baby, they do tasks but don’t enjoy their baby.
Everyone is unique and can have many variables in symptoms. If you think you are depressed, there is a good chance you are right. See your doctor sooner than later.
I read a study about PPD where the participants were given some help with the baby to assist with irksome tasks and the moms were encouraged to play with the baby as much as possible. It helped the women cope. I realize that the reality of everyone getting help when the baby cries, etc. is not possible. If you can ever get an hour or so of respite, go for it. And then make time to go to the zoo or park and have some fun times with the baby. It will help along with meds and/or therapy.
I hope you feel better soon.
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