can you have normal depression as opposed to postpartum

[LouM10]

I gave birth 2 weeks ago today. Unsure whether just hormones, but I feel so low all the time, and with the pains etc. I'm finding it really hard. An unsupportive lazy husband does not help matters.

The reason I am asking, is after looking at postpartum depression, I have the fatigue/ anger, weepy etc. but no ill feelings towards my son. If anything, it seems he is the only good thing in my life atm and it's everything else getting me down. Is it possible to get 'normal depression' and if so do you think it is a possibility or just me being hormonal. Thanks

I had this, and I'm still not sure whether it was PPd or just normal depression.

regardless, it still needed to be treated and yours does too. Get thee to the doctor. You are poorly and you can be made better.

You don't need to have ill feelings towards your child to have PND.

I had PND/depression for a very long time after giving birth. I remember on several occasions asking GP if it was PND or if it was just depression and she was quite clear that it makes no odds. Depression is depression. Depression that happens after giving birth is called PND but it's not really any different to any other type of depression. The physical circumstances are different (in that you're physically exhausted and your whole life's been turned upside down) and there are additional hormones at play. But it's still depression.

Do see your GP. It's really important that you get the support you need as early as possible. I wish I had got more support with hindsight. I just tried to deal with it myself and as a result I was very unhappy for way too long.

GPs tend to be quite sympathetic. They should offer you some counselling rather than just antidepressants.

You might find that getting a diagnosis from your GP helps in terms of your lazy DP. That was part of the problem with me (rubbish DP) and I remember wishing I could get a letter from the doctor telling him he needed to pull his weight because he was making me ill

I'm just worried that if I go, she will just say it's the baby blues and it will go away. Actually, my health visitor is coming on Tues and she is really lovely, I might bring it up with her.

Did you go to your docs? If so, were they unable to tell whether it was ppd or 'normal'?

Thanks ramblingRosa. That letter sounds a good idea.

I had very severe PND, and had no thoughts whatsoever of harming my baby.

I think PND can manifest in many different ways: for me, I had very bad insomnia, which progressed to low mood and anxiety.

As others have said, depression is depression, but in the post partum period it is still called post natal depression.

I think sometimes it can be hormonal, sometimes due to circumstances or sometimes a bit of both.

Agree you should seek help. Baby blues normally goes after just a few days. If your HV is any good she will take you seriously xxx

Do talk to HV or GP. They won't just tell you it's baby blues. Baby blues is a mood dip caused by hormonal fluctuations in the first week after giving birth. Even if they do think that's what it is and it will go away, they won't be dismissive and they'll want to keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't linger on.

What have you got to lose by talking to HV or GP about it?

Good luck :)