baby blues - or postpardem depression

NEWMOM05 wrote: I haven't been feeling myself for quite sometime. Right after Kathryn was born everyone was sick and dh was working a ton. I had very little support if any. We have been having major financial issues with dh's job, then he quit about 2 weeks ago. We started a company, but it's slow going getting money in. I start babysitting next week which should help that issuea little bit. At the end of Jan my vision went wacky. I was legally blind in one eye. I had to go thru several tests to rule out MS. Thank goodness I don't have that yet, but still a 20% chance of getting it later because of the vision problem. Vision is back 100% Now they said that one of my MRI shows that My Ptuitary Gland is swollen. They said that it could be from having a baby or it could hide a growth. So I'm being referred to a Brain Surgeon and a hormone and cronologist and hormone dr. I found out that one of the main symptoms is Extreme Exhaustion. I can hardly get myself out of bed and take care of my daughter some days. I do, but Then I have no energy whatsoever to clean or go to appts. I have a family member that I have to really watch out for, becasue of a certain addiction. I guess I sound pretty pathetic, because there are so many of you out there that haave several kids and bigger problems than I do. I really admire your strength and courage. I guess that I am weak. I bawl all the time. Is it just regular stress or Baby Blues or Depression? I would never hurt myself or any of my loved ones, but I want to be me again. I want to have energy and be happy more. Any support or advice is appreciated.

Thank you for letting me vent and share my story...

You are my family on the Net. Thanks for your friendships.

A&A'smommy replied: UGH it sounds like it could be just normal stress.. or a little of both with all that is going on in your lives its not surprising that your feeling the way you do... maybe you should call your dr. and tell him how your feeling I hope you start to feel more like yourself soon!!

EvesMom replied: Folate and Vitamin B 12!!!!!!!!! Try it, you will probably feel a lot better! Depression is often caused by a defficiency of these vitamins. I hope you feel better soon.

EvesMom replied: Just wanted to add, Kathryn is so beautiful!

holley79 replied: Honey that sounds very normal to feel that way. I felt like that for the longest time. You will get your "groove" back in no time. When things settle down and you get your business off the ground you will feel much better.

Kirstenmumof3 replied: I am so sorry that you are feeling this way! You're problems are real, please do not feel embarassed for how you are feeling! You are not weak, it takes a lot of courage to admit that you may be depressed. You have a lot on your plate right now and for anyone that would be very overwhelming! Don't beat yourself up because you don't do housework, just concentrate on you and your daughter! I know what it is like to be depressed, you have no energy and it takes every effort to get up out of bed. But if your symptoms are from something else, than you need to take extra care of yourself. If stress is making these symptoms worse maybe you could ask someone to come and help you. Take things one day at a time, the strength is in there deep inside of you! Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers, I hope you start to feel better soon!

blue72 replied: I had postpartum depression with my 1st and depression during pregnancy with #2 & #3. My depression started immediately after birth. I couldn't concentrate, I didn't eat, and I didn't sleep. I also cried all the time. I had a difficult time getting the depression under control. I waited 4 weeks before I went to a Dr. and than it took 16 weeks to find the right medicine. Needless to say, by this time I was in the grips of a major depression and it took a year and a half to come out of it completely. You are under alot of stress so I do believe you could be depressed. Please talk to your doctor.

ashtonsmama replied:
I'm so sorry to hear you haven't been feeling yourself. I've been feeling alot of the same lately, thankfully not because of health issues like you've been having, but definite $$ stress, the stress of having a new baby, and being pregnant again. I did talk to my doctor a couple weeks ago though, to rule out PPD, and he thinks it's just baby blues type of thing...but he wants me to call and see him if I feel it getting out of control, I do have a history of depression (myself and in my family), so it is cause for concern. I'm glad you're at least talking about it and thinking about yourself, and please don't apologize or feel like your problems are smaller than the rest of us...
I would say to definitely talk to your doctor first and see what they say, and go from there. But please don't ignore this-you shouldn't have to feel like this forever!


We're definitely here for you, and please continue to PM me and talk to me about all this if you ever want to, ok? I'm here for ya hun!

Bee_Kay replied: Peggy, I read your post a little earlier, but I was just about to head out the door..... I have some time now.

It sure sounds like depression to me (caused by a TON of stress).

First of all, I agree.... go to a doctor and let him/her know what is going on.

Second of all, keep posting here (it really does help). I know I've come here and whined enough about things ( )

You might just be going through a real funk right now. Have faith that you will get through this somehow

We are here for you and please don't feel embarrased about how you may be feelings... and don't feel that your feelings are "less as important".

So, chin up girlie!! We are here for you!!! GREAT BIG HUGS!!

CAMSMOM1 replied: Well the ladies have already given some great advice. When I read your post, it sounded a lot like my story. I have battled with depression for years now. And I was on medication a few years ago, and it came back when I was pg. (I opted not to get on meds at that time). But it's back AGAIN, and this time I'm going to see a doctor. Life is so hard, and to add on top of it .. medical problems, finances, children, a dirty house....it gets to be overwhelming and defeating. Like someone said, depression can really effect your energy level, you ability to cope with everyday life, and it's even hard to take care of yourself...not even to mention taking care of your children. All the things you are going through, most people would have a bout of depression. Like Bethany (evesmom) said, vitamins can help. And also Kirstin mentioned that having some extra helping hands from a family member can help you to relax and rest. But also, medication isn't what some make it to be like. It does help, it's not a miracle pill or a happy pill, it just gives you that extra boost you need to get out of bed in the morning, wash the dishes, take a shower, pay the bills. It's hard for me to admit that my depression is back. I like to think I'm a "stronger" person than that, and I can do it without medication. But for some there is a chemical imbalance, and other issues involved. One thing that has helped me is to write my feelings. Either in a journal, or on the boards. But talking about it helps. I would love to talk to you more about this, so feel free to PM me anytime. I'm here for you sweetie, don't go through this alone.

Ann

MamaJAM replied:

kayla's mama replied: Oh Peggy All the ladies has basically said what I wanted too. But it really does sound like depression to me. When I was first diagnosed with it I was so pisy with myself that I let depression get a hold of me the way it did. But now I'm taking meds and things are going good. I still have my bad days but I do feel better.
I hope you can talk to your doc about how you are feeling. Hang in there sweetie If you need to talk I'm here for you

NEWMOM05 replied: Ladies, thank you so very much for your words of advice and support. You are all so wonderful. My whole family has Bi Polar disorder and my dad is Manic Depressive. I guess I always prided myself on being the one that didn't have any of these problems and now here I am. I will take your advice to heart and will pm several of you. Talking and chatind even about everyday stuff rerally helps me, so please feel free to p/m anytime. I'm here for you all as well.