Postpartum Depression

ETsambouris

My 2 girls are 17 months apart and I was diagnosed with postpartum depression after the first, and it has continued on after my second. I have found my meds make me lose my appetite so I am eating the foods I really like and not getting much of the nutritional side of things. Just changed meds too, so I have ZERO motivation to exercise. The lack of sleep isn't helping.

Anyone else have similar problems that can give me some things to try?

Thanx

MaryDreamer

I had that after my first child, she's 13 now and was going to be my only child but I had another 7 yrs later. My doctor just kept switching me to different birth control pills. He said if we didn't find one to work he'd put me on an antidepressant. I finally felt better after Yasmine. But I take Yaz now. I wish you the VERY best and if you have to get on an SSRI do it! I'm on Prozac for panic attacks and life is wonderful now, I can drive again

LoganScottsMom

Regarding the medicine, talk to you doctor. There will be one out there for you. Don't know which one you are on, but Wellbutrin is know to cause you to lose my appetite.

amyindm

I have been through PPD as well as just a history of depression through the years. Are you taking buproprion? It can really kill your appetite - good for weight loss, not so good for energy to do stuff. It can also keep you up late. Hopefully whatever you're taking will help as your body adjusts. It took me trying several different medications to find the right fit, but one thing that has been a constant lifesaver is exercise. It's hard at first because when you're depressed the last thing you feel like doing is getting out to do that but I forced myself until it became routine and I dug out of the hole so to speak. That, some sunshine when I can get it, and sleep help a lot. I took Ambien for a short while too because not sleeping makes everything else so much harder. I eventually didn't need it anymore. That's just what worked for me, it's different for everyone. Getting out of the house alone + a bit of exercise and fresh air helped as much as the meds I think. Also have you had your vitamin D levels checked? Mine were really low and it can really make depression worse.

Hang in there - I have 3 boys who are all 16-17 months apart. I hope you get some good relief soon. : )

Zuznana

After my firs child, I was depressed as well. I ate like crazy and to to size 18 (UK size). I wouldn't admit it for months and made it so hard on everyone to be around me. Just the fact you know, admitted and are treated for it is a great step. And that you are even thinking about getting healthier is brilliant. I think you need to get better in yourself first. Don't let yourself feel down when you don't do exercise. It is really hard with 2 small children.

And as for food, start maybe adding some nuts, fruit and vegetables if you feel like it into your diary. Great source of good stuff. I'm thinking of you and hope your new meds will help better then the old ones. We are all here for you. Hang in there and it will get better. Also talk it all out here if you need to. Even the smallest things can seem like big burden when you are depressed and you need to get them off your chest.