Am I depressed or just down in the dumps?

[indigogirl66]

I've felt like this for a month or two now, but have experienced similar on and off for years. In hindsight, I did suffer with PND, but never sought help. Now my dd is 2.5 and I feel like I can't cope again. I don't want to leave the house. I just want to go to bed but I can't, but I find I am clock-watching the whole day until dd goes to bed. I either cry at the slightest thing or feel numb and can't smile. Sometimes I am so short tempered I fly off the handle at the slightest thing. I feel like my family would be better off with me out of the way sometimes. I don't contemplate suicide or self-harm, but I fantasise about running away from my family, but I know I would come back because I love them / need them too much. I have referred myself to counselling privately because I don't think my GP will be any help at all and besides, I AM still functioning, and I don't think I would qualify for any kind of support / medication.

Hi, you are doing the right thing seeking some counselling.
I think it is common to sometimes feel like you want to run away, I have two young children and have days like this. But I think when you are having more of those days than good ones, then you may be depressed. I too had PND after my second was born, and have suffered with depression in the past, and what you have written, I could've written myself a few years ago.
Maybe speak to your GP, say exactly what you have shared on here and they will be able to make an informed decision as to whether some mild anti depressants could help you or not.
Don't just keep trying to cope, as it may get worse.
sending you bug hugs, I know how you feel and it can be sorted out.

I could have written almost the same post a while back.

Un diagnosed/ untreated PND after first dc.
Recently been feeling numb, want to go to bed and hide. I was functioning, but not managing to find the joy in anything.

I went to the GP and they prescribed fluoxetine (Prozac). I've been on it for about 6 weeks an it has made a big difference. I'm not saying I'm fixed but I am starting to enjoy life again!

Maybe ask for a GP appointment with one of the ones who is more familiar with treating depression? They all seem to have unofficial specialities and some are definitely more sympathetic/ helpful than others!

Sorry I haven't stopped by for a while, but I just wanted to thank you both for commenting. It does help to know I am not alone in how I feel. I am still waiting for my counselling appointment - it's a private centre where I live, but the fact they have a waiting list speaks volumes about the state of everybody's mental health! I have started to talk to a few friends and accept that I am somebody who is suffering / does suffer with depression. It's a word I have always avoided until now, but just taking that step and I feel more hopeful. I've made an appointment to speak with my GP, so fingers crossed I can start to move forward.

Thanks again & hope you are both keeping well x