Delayed Post Partum Depression?

[spottyteapott]

Hi
New to Mum’s net- wondering if anyone can offer advice or just validation from shared experience. My daughter will be 2 in September. For context we are a military family so I often do long stretches solo parenting, then periods of re-integration where it tends to be a couple of weeks before it feels helpful to have my husband around. I have been feeling really depressed (low, irritable, struggling with sleep, drinking wine more nights than not). I love my daughter wholeheartedly and wouldn’t change her for the world- but in the same breath I’m finding it really hard to accept that this is my life now. Tantrums, never being able to sit down or switch off. Previously days out with family or friends would feel like a bit of a break due to them being able to help out- but I feel like the toddler years hit different: tantrums, potty training, picky eating, refusing fluids and trying but failing to reduce frequency of breastfeeds. I just feel totally trapped 😞 but then also awful for feeling this way. Going out in public just feels so draining- coping with tantrums in public and worrying what others think of my parenting. I am already on 100mg Sertraline, I tried CBT in pregnancy but didn’t find it helpful. Xx

I believe it's not uncommon. Where I am, they will also diagnose and treat maternal burnout. For me that's a really helpful diagnosis because it captures how relentless and inescapable motherhood can be

My youngest is almost two and I feel the same way. I hate that I lose my patience daily with the kids. They are just being kids and I feel so guilty but they really push my buttons. For me it's always the evening time when I feel overwhelmed. It seems to be the craziest time of the day, everyone is hungry and wild. Just to offer some solidarity. It's not easy. My dh isn't much help around the house and homework and school work , bedtime is all up to me. I also work full time. He runs a business so he is constantly working really. It's hard. I think as Mums we have so much on our plates. I certainly feel very stressed. Have you much help?