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.
Hello,
My name is Aimee. I am 19 years old. I have given birth to a beautiful baby girl 3 months ago. I love her very much. She is the best thing that has happened to me. But recently perhaps less than a month ago, I believe, I have been feeling weird. I cry almost every day for no reason or for the smallest things. I get so irritable at point that I got the walls or put my hand into a fist very hard for no reason. Some nights I can't sleep until maybe 12am or 1am. I've been feeling so tired and no weak lately. Maybe the weak bones are due to insufficient calcium because of my depo Vera shot. But besides that I have been feeling like I'm the worst. I get mad easily sometimes to my boyfriend and I believe I am pushing him away from me. I haven't talked to anyone about all this because I'm not sure what it is. I personally think it is postpartum depression but I'm not quite sure. I am not confident with myself anymore. I have gained so much weight. I see myself and feel so unattractive. I always want to be eating and eating. Could perhaps someone tell me what this could be that is happening to me??
Thank you!
I am a nurse that works with NICU and pediatric patients, and I suffered postpartum depression with my second child. Your symptoms sound very similar to what I have learned about in my education and what I experienced first hand. I want you know they are VERY normal and up to 65% of women experience some level of perinatal mood disorder after birth (from baby blues to perinatal psychosis). The best thing you can do is to talk to your boyfriend and let him know what you are feeling and experiencing, and also talk to your OB and/or pediatrician. Counseling is a great treatment option, and sometime medications can help for a time just get get folks through this acute phase depending on how severe the symptoms are. Journaling is also very effective as are self relaxation techniques: yoga, meditation, etc.
Motherhood is stressful and exhausting and just know you are NEVER alone! There is a whole tribe of us out here to support you!!!!!! Hang in there mama!