I need some advice

[angel27604]

So I am a mother of 5 and expecting my 6th in september. I am battling with severe depression, anxiety, and bi-polar disorder. My biggest fear is post partum depression after this baby. I have dealt with it before but not with this many children. Any other mommys out there that have dealt with this issue? How did you handle it?

 

[tiffanylynette]

I have never dealt with postpartum depression, mine is from PTSD. However, I do know that you need a strong and reliable support system starting with your doctor and significant other. If your parents are still here reach out to them as well as siblings. This is and has been way of battling depression. Also seek help from a counselor, your doctor should be able to recommend or refer you to someone who specializes in these areas.

 

[abilicious84]

I also have bipolar disorder, ADHD, anxiety with panic attacks, agoraphobia, and borderline personality disorder. I had postpartum depression with all of my kids, and by the time I found out I was pregnant with my third child, I already was forming a battle plan, so to speak, for when I gave birth, because of already having had it with my prior two. Having one child is a huge responsibility, but I cant imagine what its like for you to have five, about to have your 6th, and then have PPD on top of it. I made sure that I let my doctor know, and as soon as I was able to eat and drink, they started me on my first dose of anti-depressants that were approved for breast feeding. Your only one person, and having to try to spread your time between six other people can have you ready to call the nearest mental health facility to make up a bed for you!! Trust me, I've been there!! Be consistent. Try as much as you can to have the same household schedule in place everyday ( i.e. It's 3 pm. We know mommy wants us to sit and watch television for an hour and we'll have ________ happen if we don't.) Have the older kids help out with what they can to help take a little pressure off of you. Most importantly though, after making sure that your baby is clean, fed, and nothing is wrong, if they cry, ITS OK TO LET THEM CRY FOR A LITTLE WHILE!! As long as the baby is in a safe place, its healthy for them to self sooth. Have other activities for the older kids to do too while your getting your time to yourself. No one understands how difficult being a mother can be. Only you can decide whats best for your situation, but also don't think that if you ask for help, or someone offers you help with your kids, that that makes you less of a mother. It takes a village!!

 

[amy88]

I had PPD (well, I'm convinced it was PPD) after my first and only. I remember going in for my 6 week post natal checkup and filling in that questionnaire and my OB/GYN saying "I think you might want to speak to a counsellor" and I downright refused and said I was fine, that I was just adjusting.


If I am lucky enough to have a second, you can bet that I will be discussing how I felt after my first with my doctor - and also being open that medication may be the best option. I'm really scared about having a second for that reason - I felt normal after about 6 months, but I don't want to feel that way again, ever...so I think the best thing is just to be open.

 

[pwarbi]

While I obviously have no experience of this because I'm male, I'd simply like to ask those that have gone and are going through it is there the amount of help out there that you need? We've talked a lot on other threads about mental health issues and in the past the help and support for people hasn't been there but it IS starting to slowly change and mental health issues are being treated more and more seriously.


Can the same be said PPD and is it being taken more seriously or are females just told to get on with it, and it's just a case of having to adjust? I think the old school way of thinking is that women just adapted to having a child and in time those feelings would pass but as we all know that simply isn't the case in a lot of situations.

 

[angel27604]

I have a pretty good support system. My oldest is 14 and shes a MAJOR help too. Its just that no one in my family takes depression seriously. They think "Oh you're strong enough...pray about it". I just started seeing a therapist and he definitely suggest meds. I'm just not up to taking them while pregnant. I never thought about taking them as soon as I push. That may be something I discuss at my next ob appt. I'm just trying to be as prepared as possible. This pregnancy has been the most emotional with extreme mood swings and extreme down days and I cant afford to spiral out of control after the big hormonal change after delivery. Thanks for the advice ladies. On a cuter note.....i had a 3d ultrasound last week and they caught him smiling. Its the cutest thing I have ever seen.



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