Post Partum Depression Support Group

Postpartum depression (also postnatal depression) is a form of major depression which can affect women, and less frequently men, after childbirth. It is widely considered to be treatable. Studies report prevalence rates from 5% to 25%, but methodological differences among the studies make the actual prevalence rate unclear.

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blessed19 12/24/2008

Well I am 23 years old and I now have a 6 month old little boy. Ever since his birth June 19 2008 my physical as well as my mental well being has been totally screwed up!!!

I was 168 pounds when I had my son and now I am 243pounds I have never been that heavy. I am still going through depression and bad anxiety is this normal??? Im really not sure. I used to be energetic and happy all the time and now I am not I dont go anywhere because of how I look everyone is telling me how heavy I have gotten which is making my depression worse. I feel out of breath all the time and just overall I feel weak. Does anyone else feel this way? Most days I just want to stay in bed so I wont have to face the world.

deleted_user 12/24/2008

Aw hun I wish I could hug you right now. It's completely within the range of normal to feel like you are. A lot of women get PPD after having a child. My daughter is 10 months old and I'm still battling with it. Try to find something to do for yourself once a day. Whether it's spending a few extra minutes in a hot shower, or curling up to read a chapter of your favorite book after your baby goes to bed....it will keep you sane (well kind of).

Exercise can help your mood a lot too. I didn't used to at all, I was too exhausted just from raising my daughter. But now I make it fun with her. We roll around the floor together, I play "airplane" with her and stuff. Makes me get a workout and it helps us bond

I'm going to be honest too. I'm not 100% bonded to her. Trust me, the people who are all like "omg my baby is my life ive loved them from day one" are bullshitting at least part of it. It's hard work raising a child, and you're bound to feel depressed, anxious or even resentful.

take care of yourself and I'm here if you need anything

blessed19 12/26/2008

Thank you!!!

deleted_user 12/28/2008

What Meds are you on my Daughter has had the same prob for 2yrs after the birth of her son,she even had suicidel thoughts.
Rocky

deleted_user 12/29/2008

I totally empathize with you. I didn't have the weight gain, but I do have the depression and anxiety. Trust me, you aren't alone. And DNCN4LYFE77 is right- don't be surprised if you don't bond with your child right away. I have a 5 month old baby and work full time. Before I had time, I had the life! So I hold a little resentment because it's tough raising a baby. And the trauma your body goes though is insane. You'll get back to "normal" one day soon. And don't hesitate to call your OBGYN and talk to them about post-partum depression and the medication they can give you. They prescribed me Lexapro and it has helped me a lot. Good luck!

deleted_user 01/05/2009

I agree totally with dncn4lyfe77. Remember that while you will always love your child, there are plenty of days that you will not like them, and that is okay. Exercise is the only thing that really worked for my depression. It was tough and I litterally argue with myself the whole way to the gym, but after the first few minutes, the endorphins start and I feel like I am okay again.

ebeth35 01/06/2009

Hi there,
My son is 4 months old and I still cry every day at least once. Mine is more anxiety than depression...I just feel like I'm about to crawl out of my skin. People keep telling me it will pass...

deleted_user 01/07/2009

ebeth35: It will pass - mostly. My daughter is nearly 29 months old and I still have my moments. Meds help and so does talking about it.

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