At what point does Post-Natal Depression become just plain-old Depression?

[stealthpenguin]

I was diagnosed with post-natal depression 5 months after my baby was born, right before Christmas. My partner and I had moved 60 miles away from where we were, into his parents house and we're still there. I have no friends, no family, no activities and no life outside of my home except for one Mum & Baby group. We don't have the money for me to do any other kinds of activity, we're in the arsehole of nowhere and the weather is so terrible right now that I can't even go for walks to clear my head.

I was considering killing my DS. I kept thinking about how easy it could be to fake SIDS or to just take my eyes off him when in the bath... just anything. I hate myself for thinking like that, but it's true.

I'm currently on AD's but they aren't working anywhere near as well as I was hoping. My Doctor won't take me off them because I have to be weaned and she doesn't think I'm stable enough to cope.

I've gotten over the issues with my DS and he's so perfect and happy now that I find myself just cuddling him most days. But even though things with him are going great, everything else is still shit.

I'm having trouble sleeping, my appetite is swinging madly, my moods are all over the place, I'm constantly sick because I'm so fatigued that my immune system has just given up. I'm either spurting diarrhea or so constipated that I won't go for two weeks and I'll be bloated. My weight is going up and down like a yoyo and the things I used to enjoy doing now seem pointless. I keep having thoughts of suicide because I seem so worthless and useless. Like everyone else would be better off if I weren't such a burden to them.

And because of my isolation, I've apparently internalized some voices. They're like my conscience except more bitter. And even though I know they're inside my head and they don't control my actions, they make a really persuasive argument.

I'm just wondering if this is still post-natal? Or is it just a fully-fledged depression now? And I'm currently on fluoxetine, which is as much use as an inflatable dartboard. Any other suggestions for tablets?

I' on the wait list for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, but I don't know how long it's gonna be. God I sound pathetic. :(

sorry no advice but do not want to leave this unanswered.
I have been in a somehow similar position. Moved with a baby, had no life outside home, no friends. I know it is hard. I never did anything about my depression (diagnosed by a HV, never followed up), but then maybe it was not that bad I guess.
My child is 5 yo now. Some days I am very happy. Some days not. Am trying to get some counceling now, as NHS waiting list is too long (finally dared to ask for help and had an assessment and a referral).

Take care of yourself, I wish you well.
Hopefully somebody will come soon that can answer your questions.

:( Sorry to hear how unwell you're feeling.

I'd suggest going back to the GP, and let them know that the pills aren't working-- they clearly aren't. See one that isn't your "usual" if your usual has stopped listening to you.

I know that this doesn't quite answer your question but... really, what you're on is not working so you need either a higher dosage or to taper down and switch to something that WILL work.