I was just wondering if it is possible to suffer from post pardum depression when the babies are 19 months old!?! I had asked my family doctor for a script of something like Lexapro or Zoloft, as we are having some issues at home and w/the boys, and I have been on anti-depressants previously. But, my doc just ordered blood work to make sure it wasn't PPD related, is that normal?
I am sorry you are dealing with this. I do not know enough to say yes - it could still be PPD. But I am glad you are getting help with your DR. Being a mom is one of the toughest jobs and can knock all of us low at times. Take care of yourself!
It's definitely possible! Although at 19 mo pp, it would probably be considered regular depression. Your doctor might be checking your thyroid levels. It's common for those to be out of whack after you have babies, but they usually go back to normal after awhile. Maybe yours have not, and that could cause depression. It sounds like your doctor is taking good care of you! :hug99:
Thank you for the quick responses, things are just nutty lately w/the boys being into everything and my complete lack of patience ( i have never been a patient person),and was confused as to the blood work being ordered this late after their births.
I went on Lexapro when my twins were 14mos. I had been in denial about my PPD since Aaron was born, before I got pregnant with the twins. At first I figured I was feeling depressed because Aaron was having feeding issues, had surgery at 8weeks old then I find out I'm pregnant again and then find out it's twins. I thought I was just feeling "off" because so much was happening at once and once the twins came I'd be okay. Then the first few months with the twins, a just turned one yr old and the two older kids was tough! We were in a tiny house, I figured once the twins got a bit older and we moved, things would get better. Well, they got older, we moved to a fabulous house in a great area and guess what? It didn't get better. I was so frustrated with life in general. I didn't want to be a mom, I just wanted to run away. Then one day I was driving home from dropping the older two off at school, I was alone, and I thought about pulling into the path of an oncoming van. Going through my mind wasn't "I want to die" it was "a few days in the hospital would be a nice break". SCARY! I called an obgyn and made an appointment since I was overdue for my annual exam anyway. I broke down in his office which is very unlike me and he really helped. I've been on Lexapro for 15mos and I don't see quitting until I'm done with school and the twins are in school. I tried going off it last spring and I could tell within days. Definitely see a doc about meds. I'm a completely different mom/person with them. GL and :hug99: to you!
Thank you so much for sharing your story w/me/us, i feel the same way most days, and scary as it sounds have thought if only i could just get "sick" and need to be hospitalized for some R & R, I went through this once before, i usually just say, well i am losing my mind again, but this time is different, my husband was put on Effexor as of last night after much persuasion he sought help after a blowout at home. I think i need some help myself, just for my fly off the handle temper, and lack of patience. I am hoping the blood work comees back fairly quicly and i can start a new med, i am leaning towards Lexapro myself, glad to hear it has worked for you, i also think i need longterm care. i will update my post once i get started. Again thanks for all the open/honest posts, it is VERY helpful.
YOu have gotten some great advice already. Just wanted to mention that there is a mental health forum and you should come join us. Then you can read a lot of other stories about people who have been in your shoes. Motherhood is very challenging, much more than any of us ever expected. I hope you get the help you need soon. Also, I highly recommend therapy, it is helping me a lot with my PPD and my husband is much happier as I am happier. I didn't start therapy until about 3 months before our boy's third b-day! Talk about denial!
Well, I believe that technically PPD occurs up to 12 months after birth, so IF this is NEW, it would be regular depression. However, if you've had for a while and didn't treat it, then it could be PPD. Either way, the treatments are the same. As for blood work, my first thought was thyroid levels. Pregnany can throw those off, and they could still be off now.
I was in denial about my PPD but DH made an appt to see the doc just before the girls were 11 months old. I was diagnosed with severe PPD and put on meds for it. According to my doc, it is PPD if it develops during the first year post-partum. Develops-not necessarily diagnosed. My DH and mom knew there was something wrong early on but I refused to go the the doctor. With PPD, it matters when it started. Oh yeah-I had blood work at the same time too to make sure it wasn't thyroid levels.
I remember reading somewhere (no clue where, sorry) that PPD following multiple births is actually more common in the second year whereas following singletons it's more likely in the first year. I do hope that whatever you start works quickly for you.
