Post Natal Depression

[sparkler1]

Does anyone know if post natal depression can go on for three years? I suffered from it when my second dd was born. Didn't seek medical advice until she was 13 months old as I was certain it was just tiredness and that it would go away. Was prescribed anti-d's but have stopped them now as I felt more in control. I am definitely better than I was but still tend to get very low on occasions and wonder if maybe I should go back to GP again and if medication would help me. I have absolutely no reason to feel down like I do and it annoys me sometimes to feel this way. My poor family are taking the brunt of my moods and I don't like to be this way. Would be interested to hear from anyone else who feels this way.

[mummytummy]

Hi sparkler1. I saw a nutritionist fairly recently, and apparently food intolerances can trigger off mood swings, tiredness, etc. Is it worth keeping a food diary and seeing if there is any coincidence between these low periods and something that you are eating?

[dawnie1]

Are you on the pill ? I went back on the pill about 5 months after dd was born and it never felt right. I got the most awful mood swings, had horrendous temper tantrums for the most minor of reasons and took it all out on my dh (poor git) and this went on until I spoke to a friend of mine who suggested I go off the pill for a while. I did and I have completely calmed down now. This may be not related to you in any way but I thought I'd mention it.

[vict17]

That's really interesting Dawnie? I went back on the pill at my 6 week check and have been snapping dh's head off, especially when I carry a pack on as I had a special event that I really didn't want to be on for. I wonder if that's why I'm a moody old cow! Sorry sparkler to hear you're down. Depression can come and go, and the winter months make it worse don't they?

[WigWamBam]

Sorry you're still feeling down. Yes, in my experience PND can go on for over three years, my dd is 3.5 and although PND was diagnosed when my dd was just a few months old, for a number of reasons I didn't have any treatment until very recently.

I also had huge mood swings, as you describe, which I only recently realised were part of my depression. I think sometimes you get so used to feeling low, moody and wretched that you almost forget that life doesn't need to be this way.

I do think it would be worth you going back and having a chat with your GP if you feel that you're still not well.

[MummyToSteven]

hi sparkler. i agree with mummytummy that it would be a good idea to keep an eye on what you are eating. and maybe also to keep an eye on your menstrual cycle as well to see if your problems are PMT related. how long do your low periods last? i don't think there is any particular limit to how long PND carries on, and there can be a bit of a fine line between PND and common/garden clinical depression/anxiety at the best of times. did you stop your ads after discussion with your GP? how long did you take them for. i think these days they tend to recommend you take them for at least a year, even if you feel better quicker, to prevent relapse.

i don't see any harm in talking things through with your GP. Your GP and you can then have a think as to whether AD and/or counselling are a good idea. otherwise things that reduce stress in your life will make you feel better; eating well, sleeping well, relaxing, getting a bit of exercise

only other thought is whether you are on any form of hormonal contraception that is causing/aggravting mood swings, or if you could have any hormonal problems?

[dawnie1]

Seriously the change in me has been unbelieveable. I was so awful and I knew I was being awful but somehow I could justify my behaviour to myself. I was on the pill for 15 years prior to dd and never had mood swings but since having her it turns me into uberbitch ?? Can't understand why but I am so much calmer, nicer, more relaxed than before (I also now have my sex drive back which had totally died while on cilest after dd).

[sparkler1]

I was only on ADs for about six months I think and I weaned off them slowly with the advice of my GP. It's very interesting what you say about the pill. I have never even thought about it being linked to that. I shall have to arrange to see GP and I will mention it to him. If it's linked then DH will be booking his "operation" sooner than he realises .

[blueteddy]

I have a friend who suffered badly with pnd after the birth of her 3rd dd.
Her dd has just started school & my friend is still taking ads & seeing a counseller every week.
So I would say that it definatly possible 2 have depression 3 years down the line!