How common is postpartum anxiety and depression?
![[Post New]](/jforum/templates/default/images/icon_minipost_new.gif){kind=icon}
Anonymous
| I just feel so sad and anxious all the time. I have plenty of help, a loving husband, our little boy is really cute... I'm embarrassed to tell the doctor. Will it pass on its own or do i need to tell my obgyn |
Anonymous
| Its more common than people think. Please tell your doctor so that a full assessment can be made. There is absolutely nothing to be embarrased about needing help. Its hormones and chemicals in your brain, not a sign of how food or devoted a mother you are. Hugs and good luck. |
Anonymous
| I only know a few people who *haven’t* had it. |
Anonymous
| Please tell your doctor, OP. I had terrible postpartum anxiety and regret not talking to my doctor about it sooner. Getting treatment (for me, it was meds) helped me enjoy my baby and life as a new mom so much more. |
Anonymous
| Extremely common. 5/7 of my closest friends have had it with 1 or more of their babies and it manifested differently in each. |
Anonymous
|
Yes please mention it to your doc. The stats say 1 in 5 mothers experience PPD.
https://postpartumva.org/types-of-perinatal-mood-and-anxiety-disorders/ |
Anonymous
| Is it normal to just start crying any time I'm alone? I'm okay as long as another adult is around. |
Anonymous
No, that is not normal. You need to talk to your doctor. |
Anonymous
|
It's very common but not ok. You need help. Your doctor will get you help as soon as you say you are depressed / anxious, they take it very seriously.
I saw a therapist for PPA and it was helpful. Don't wait! |
Anonymous
This is a common symptom of PPA. Please talk to your dr. Its very possible to get better and have an easier time post partum than you are having. |
Anonymous
OP, there is no shame in talking about this with your Dr. You don't have to tough it out. It is an imbalance of some sort and if it were in another part of your body you would not feel like it is something you have no right to feel. And the solution doesn't always have to involve drugs though it could. I didn't seek help for my PPA (my life seemed pretty good, what was I complaining about?) And put it off. It spiralled into general depression that 10 years later, I'm still dealing with the effects. During that time I made man bad choices (fueled by my depression). I wish I had nipped it in the bud. |
Anonymous
| * many bad choices |
Anonymous
|
Please don't be embarrassed to talk to your doctor about it. Furthermore, you are NOT responsible for feeling this way. Your body went through so much and your hormones are out of whack.
|
Anonymous
|
I’m sorry you’re having a hard time OP - I’m glad you recognize that it’s not normal and I hope that you will ask your OB for help.
If it’s easier, you might be able to make an appointment through the online portal your practice uses and write in the comments that you need a PPD/PPA screening - and then just list your symptoms there. They’ll read it and can be the first to raise it in person. |
Anonymous
|
I had it after my first child was born and cried all the time. My OB didn't pay any attention to it- he said I had a beautiful baby and you'll get over it. What helped a tremendous amount for me was to get out and walk the baby for about an hour every day. I also would run an errand, etc to get out for 30 minutes without baby each day. When I had my second child, I felt the blues as well but was so busy with the toddler and infant, it wasn't nearly as bad and I got over it quicker.
I think it's a lot of hormones raging and a huge life change when having a baby. Good luck OP- do talk to your doctor about it, make sure you get enough sleep and exercise and a little bit of time for yourself. Becoming a mom is wonderful but also difficult and know that the depressed feeling does go away over time. |