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Postpartum Depression

Approximately 70 percent of new mothers experience the baby blues, and 1 in 10 experience full-blown depression. Join this board and share your experience, advice, and support with other women who are struggling with postpartum depression.
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How do you know it's Postpartum and not regular Depression?

Last post 11-20-2007 4:45 PM by Julie2452. 3 replies.
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  • 10-16-2007 12:20 PM

    • AprilBabee
    • Not Ranked
    • Joined on 01-21-2007
    • California
    • Posts 584

    How do you know it's Postpartum and not regular Depression?

    When Ava was 3-4 weeks old I had a postpartum. I knew at the time because I would get very emotional at times, cry out of nowhere and just mop around. But around 3 months I was much better and haven't noticed it since. She's 5.5 months old now and I'm feeling a little blue. Is it the winter weather? Or could it be postpartum again?

  • 10-19-2007 6:43 PM In reply to

    Re: How do you know it's Postpartum and not regular Depression?

    I don't know if ppd is something that really comes and goes like that. But, I do know from experience that it takes at least like 2 years for your body to get back to "normal" after having a baby. I have three children and each time your hormones are so jacked up and you are so emotional for a couple of years until everything gets back in balance.
  • 11-09-2007 9:19 AM In reply to

    • pretty enough
    • Top 500 Contributor
    • Joined on 03-14-2006
    • manassas, virginia
    • Posts 2,748

    Re: How do you know it's Postpartum and not regular Depression?

    I had PPD after i had my son. once before when i was young i had "depression" and was on medication and all of that. but dont take it anymore and am fine. but, i started feeling REEALLY messed up about 5 months after he was born. i mean, crying ALL the time...thinking i was a horrible mother..my body ached because of it, i didnt want to do anything, i felt like i wanted to die b/c it felt SO bad. i cant even describe it. ive never been so depressed in my life. i went to see a doctor to get put on some medication and it didnt even work. i had to stick through it and it took until he was 1 year old so thats about 7 morew months to get to feeling better. i had been "diagnosed" with PPD and all i can say is that when youre feeling it...you ARE feeling it. i pray that nobody ever gets it. im fine now, but i am also pregnant again and am hoping i dont get it again..but, im gonna be really aware this time around and try to get a hold on it some how b/c i dont have the heart or the time right now or then to feel so crazy. sorry its so negative, but its not a pleasant thing. ~
  • 11-20-2007 4:45 PM In reply to

    • Julie2452
    • Not Ranked
    • Joined on 10-16-2007
    • Mom to 2 boys, 3 girls, and 5 angels in N. MI
    • Posts 55

    Re: How do you know it's Postpartum and not regular Depression?

    I guess your answer would depend on what's going on in your life. Did something good happen when she was three months that brought your spirits up? I am thinking that when she was 3-4 weeks old, you were feeling the hormone levels dropping. That can make anyone blue. I have had it with all four of my kids, but it was the worst with my fourth. I used to cry so hard, and so loud. Stayed in bed all day, couldn't eat, didn't care to hold my baby, left everything to my mom and hubby. Just wanted to disappear. But by the time she was about two months old, it was better. Has something happened lately that has made you upset? Sometimes dealing with the change of a new baby, and then throwing something even a little upsetting into it, can cause this. You're sleep deprived, missing your freedom, and if this is your first child you are probably feeling a bit resentful at times. If this isn't your first, maybe you are feeling guilty for the time this baby takes away from your other children. There are so many things that could contribute to depression, and I guess the important thing is to realize that it doesn't really matter if it's Post partum depression or regular depression. All that matters is that you talk to your health care provider about how you are feeling. To start an anitdepressant, takes about two weeks to work. It has been my experience that a glass of wine, a hot bath, and a good nights sleep will work wonders. Is there anyone to help you with the babe? Maybe a night out with friends would help. I know a lot of moms aren't comfortable leaving their babies when they are that little. But, take it from someone who has been there four times, it is best for everyone. Even just a trip to the store, to walk around and look at stuff, enjoying the solitude could help. Or go get your hair done, or your nails, or whatever you like to do. Rediscover yourself, pamper yourself, and you will be better able to take care of others around you. Hope you feel better soon! Julie
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