Comments on: Post Partum Depression: My Personal Story

By: Kay

Kay — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 13:19:41 +0000

Hi, I actually suffered an acute version of PPD, Post natal psychosis, a year and a half ago when I had my first baby…It was so unexpected, I loved kids, had a good pregnancy but when my baby came, I was swallowed up by anxiety and started getting panicky. I was unable to make simple decisions like making appointments with doctors, and ended up not being able to make simple small talk or conversations! I dreaded the night when my daughter would stir etc and I repeatedly had dark thoughts of running away and taking my life. Luckily, I got help very early (about a week after giving birth)and was hospitalized and put on anti-depressants straight away.
I was on medication for close to a year but at around 6 months, I finally began to see light at the end of the tunnel.
I love my daughter so much and appreciate every day I have with her.
I’ve started discussing having a second child with my husband but he is very reluctant about my getting sick again…
I told him it would be different since I will have my doctor’s support and I may not even go through another bout of depression. But he says, “Sure, but there’s a chance it might be even worse…” which scared the sh** out of me:(
Right now, I guess we are in no rush and we will take it one step at a time. I just hope one day we will have the courage to try again!!

By: Expat Mom

Expat Mom — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 14:15:41 +0000

After my first son was born, my friend (who was heading back to her own country) told me that she thought I had post partum depression. Apparently, I´m a prime candidate, not having anyone in my support group and with a history of depression and difficult pregnancy. Who knew?

I´ve suffered with post partum depression with both my boys (which was basically just one long period, since they were born just 14 months apart) and here it isn´t a recognized condition. I´m glad you have the chance to take some antidepressants and get back to normal, it´s really hard otherwise!

By: Sonja

Sonja — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 17:58:37 +0000

So proud of you Catherine!

By: Cat

Cat — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 23:29:14 +0000

Thanks for sharing this Heather! The statistics are proof that this is an ailment suffered by so MANY women!

Getting help seemed at the time, to me, like admitting weakness, but now, I am realizing that it took much strength to do so. I am so glad that I did not decide to try to face this alone.

All the best to you and your family!

By: Heather

Heather — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 23:09:19 +0000

There is definitely light at the end of the tunnel. After having my daughter I didn’t even know I was suffering from PPD until one day, when she was about a year old, I just snapped back into being my normal self. The fog was gone, the heavy mental weight, and I looked up and said to my husband, “I’m back.” After having my second child I recognized the odd sensation of seeing the world through a fog, a slight mist almost, and sought help. I went on anti-depressants for 9 months and was able to return to work after my mat leave and feel quite normal about every day life. I could tell the drugs kept me at a false emotional level: no highs or lows, but the real “me” was always there. It was effortless to come off the meds and continue on from there … that was 15 years ago now.