Post Partum Depression

I don't know if this would go here or not, but I figured some other ladies with newer babies might have this too. This might be kind of personal for some ladies, but I'm hoping to find someone with actual depression, not just the baby blues...

How are you helping yourself? Do you find it harder to exercise and lose weight? What do you do to make yourself feel better? What are you on for meds?

Again, I know its kind of personal but I know when I first KNEW I had it, I was afraid to say anything... I thought someone might see me an unfit mom and take away my son.... I guess I'm just looking for maybe a support group or something...maybe this topic could help some other women too...

About me: It seems having my son made my bipolar disorder come back. My hubby and I are having a hard time making our relationship work just because I'm so bad. I'm on different meds that dont seem to be doing their job so the doc is upping it again soon... I'm just kind of lost... and lonely, and chunky, and a few other things  

Thanks

I am a social worker often working with mothers in your same posistion. First off you are not a bad mother. Secondly you need to be able to openly and honestly express your feelings with either a doctor or a therapist. If you choose a therapist have them refer you for medication options, there are many out there and I dont know if you have previously tried any as you stated that you are bi-polar. Bi-polar never leaves you it just cycles. When you are up you feel great, which pregnancy can do, and often stop taking medication, however, many you can not take while pregnant. The thing is now is to take medication consistently..dont stop if you start feeling great as that is the medication helping you feel that way. I see that often, people stopping the medication and the next cycle is worse. During pregnancy due to the hormones you are feeling good about yourself and afterwards if feels like your life has crashed...your tired, the hormoes have decreased, your overwhelmed, trying to care for a new baby be a good wife....it is normal and many people go through the same thing but few open up and talk about it. The more down you feel the more your life feels like it is falling apart and you dont have the strength or energy to take care of anything (weight included). The sooner you get help the better you will feel about youself, your child, your husband, marriage and family. Also, if you are breast feeding be sure to tell the doctor as some medictaions are not safe with bf. Also with continued therapy you will learn coping skills and relaxation methods to help, also include your husband in some of the sessions if this helps and the marriage feels strained. This is also normal after the birth of a child. Whatever you decide to do I hope it works, remember you are not the only one and it is very common!

Yeah, I was hoping to find others in my spot just because I know Im not alone, but my hubby doesnt really understand....

I'm on a few meds that I will continue taking... I talk to my doctor a lot but not a psychiatrist because insurance doesn't cover it and we don't have the money. We have to budget everything and that recently included adding in 4 drugs (yay for Walmart and their $4 drugs. Lifesaver lol)

I guess I just kind of hope to find someone else in the same or similar boat... maybe talking would help us both.  

Thanks marley