Post-Partum Depression/Anxiety

[MomHenry918]

Ladies, this is something that can happen to anyone...and while it's not a pleasant topic, I can't help but talk about it here.

After Annie was born, I was diagnosed with post-partum anxiety. I wasn't depressed, I was just scared to DEATH of EVERYTHING...even Annie. I just sat in a corner and shook and cried...I had constant panic attacks and couldn't even walk out onto my front porch without hyperventilating. Car rides made me pass out. I couldn't bond with Annie...if someone brought her near me, I would literally pass out from fear. I had the support system from Heaven, and, while I'm thankful they were there to do what I could not, I was even scared of them!! I ended up finally working up the strength to call my OB and have him make a special house call to put me on Lexapro. It worked like a dream. I'm finally over my feelings of guilt now, because I know that I had nothing to do with it...I wasn't a bad person, I wasn't unfit to be a mother...I just had some chemical imbalances that were holding me back.

If you have symptoms like mine...or any of these:

* Trouble concentrating and remembering things
* Difficulties finishing everyday tasks
* Trouble making decisions
* Difficulty relaxing
* Insomnia
* Exhaustion
* Feelings of extreme uneasiness for prolonged periods of time
* Loss of appetite
* Possible suicidal thoughts
* Anxiety/panic attacks

Signs of a panic attack include:

* Shortness of breath
* Feeling of being choked or smothered
* Chest pain or discomfort
* Heart palpitations or increased heart rate
* Hot flashes or chills
* Sweating
* Trembling or shaking
* Tingling sensation
* Feeling faint, dizzy, lightheaded or unsteady
* Nausea or stomach upset
* Depersonalization (feeling removed or disoriented from the world)
* Fear of going crazy or doing something uncontrolled
* Sense of impending doom or death

PLEASE seek help. You can overcome this...but it can be crippling if not treated promptly. Trust me, I know. You can talk to a doctor, or call Post-Partum Support International at 1-800-944-4PPD. Please don't be like me and have shame, fear, and guilt keep you from getting the help that you need and deserve. PPD and PPA can happen to anyone. While I pray that it never happens to you, KNOW THE SYMPTOMS and know that there is help!!

Blessings to all,
Carrie :hula:

[Elaine]

Thanks for the info Carrie! This is a fantastic reference! :twothumbs:

[AshleyMommyto2]

Thanks for all the info Carrie! I too suffered from PPD after having Eli... It wasn't till he was a year old did I start feeling like myself again.. Even now and again I still get pretty depressed.

[linda]

Thanks for all the info. Though it is not very well known or commonly spoken of, postpartum anxiety and/or panic disorder affects between 4% and 6% of women in the postpartum period.

[Jojo]

Thanks for all that info. This is a huge fear of mine--that I won't recognize the signs.

[Farah]

Thanks for the info Carrie! What great resources! :thumb:

[Ashley]

:bluehug: I know what a tough time you had- thank you so much for sharing this info Carrie! :support:

[MomHenry918]

Yes, they are actually estimating now that one in five women will have SOME form of post-partum mood disorder. Sometimes the signs are subtle. As hard as it is while dealing with a newborn, LISTEN to your body!! Be upfront and honest with your OB when you go in for PP check-ups. Having PPD or any of the PP mood disorders doesn't make you a bad person. They're not going to come take your kid or send you to the asylum...they'll just make sure you are properly medicated and have the resources necessary to make a complete recovery. :)