I can't decide whether it's better to go on ADs or not...

[LadyOfWaffle]

I have been on ADs before, to be perfectly honest I cannot remember if I felt better on them (bad memory) but I know I felt worse than I do now when I went on them. I am coping at the moment, nothing drastic going on but I have realised I am only coping. I don't feel great, but then I don't feel as bad as I have been. Is it better to try and keep going without them , as long as you aren't suicidal etc. or just go on them and feel better? I am breastfeeding so that is a big part of my decision (I am not stopping). Thanks

LadyofWaffle, I think if you can find AD's that you can take whilst breastfeeding then I would really consider it.

they are not a long term solution but if you are feeling low there is no need to wait until it is dire before you get help.
with a baby to deal with as well you may be better preventing things getting any harder.

That said, are there other ways you can think of that would help alleviate your current state of mind? Do you get any you time at all at the moment? are you managing to get out and about?

If there are alternatives then I would try them first - but there is certainly no point in suffering for the sake of it.

Good luck

My doctor thought that I shouldn't worry about the tiny amounts of ADs that would be passed into the breast milk. Much more important that I started to feel better...but then I've always taken the line that we are lucky to live in a country and a century where these medications are available to us, so I suppose my doctor was taking her cue from my pre-existing openness to the idea of ADs. I'm sure your doctor will be careful about letting you make your own mind up...hence the difficult decision you are now faced with!

Thanks, I have tried alot of other things, although I am going to try a SAD lamp soon. I seem to have lost the motivation that gave me the little kick start to help get through it, tiredness and grumpyness has taken over. I guess I feel in a rut again. I do get me time when DS2 naps and after 7pm ish when DS2 is in bed but sometimes DS1 doesn't sleep in the evening so I am constanly on the go with them, but I am not sure what I would do anyway. I'll think about it some more... thanks.

7pm ish when DS1 is in bed but sometimes DS2 doesn't sleep in the evening

Morning LadyOfWaffle
from what you have said I would really consider it. My friend takes a very very small dose 2.5 mg each day at the moment, it is just enough to perk her up to do the other things that help her - like exercise and socialising.
At the moment with her personal circumstances she has no intention of coming off that small dose.

I really think a good chat with your GP is the way to go..
Hope you have a good day

morning LadyOf Waffle - please don't wait until it gets really bad - that is what my dh always used to do and it takes so much longer to start feeling better.

You could try doing some exercise which is a great boost - some fast walking with the dcs in buggies?

I would have a chat with your GP and see if there are some ADs that you can take whilst breastfeeding.

Good luck in reaching a decision that is right for you and make sure you keep chatting to people about how you feel - in RL as well as on MN

what does your doctor advise? do I recognise your name from the tack room - only I think my horse keeps me alive sometimes, he certainly plays a big part anyway

it's difficult obviously with babies but even if you can structure something pleasurable into your week (if not each day) it can help as part of an overall assault on your low mood

I find it hard to get out - with 2 DSs logistically and just getting myself together to g et out. I did go to a farm today though with DH. Yep, I float around the tack room . I have to really think, sometimes I feel ok ish, but thats because I am so used to feeling like this and don't really know any different. I haven't seen the GP for a year or so now.

I can relate to that, getting self together to get out of the house, and I don't have very young children. Mumsnet doesn't help me sometimes because it sort of anaesthetises me from the urgency and demands of real life.

How do you feel about having a chat with your GP, is she/he approachable?

GP isn't the chatty sort really, kinda just print prescription & open the door for you . He is nice though, but I wouldn't get his advice. DH was off all week and I was supposed to be sorting my sleep pattern out but it hasn't really. I guess I have been going to bed at 2/3am rather than 5 or staying up but I don't feel very sorted and he is back at work tonight.

How are you feeling to day?

Just... well, depressed I guess.

have you managed to get out at all?
what is the weather like with you?
It is really clear and bright here - but chuffing freezing.. I like days like this.

How old are your DS's?

Not today, no. I was, well I was going to go with DS and DH to get DSs hair cut but then I realised I didn't need to go too and didn't have the enthusiasm. I was also going to go with DH (last day off), when DS was at preschool, to look at hamsters for his birthday but ... I dunno, again just ... didn't. DS1 is 2.10 and DS2 is 5 months. It was sunny here but freezing.

nobody in their right mind would want to go out today in my neck of the woods - it's dark, wet and wild out there!

have you got much planned today?

Nope. Sorted the washing (never seems to get done when DH is off!) & just waiting for DH to wake up. Then it's dinner, bath the DSs, iron shirt, then try and get DS1 to bed. Then bed for me, same again tomorrow, except DS1 goes to pre-school tomorrow so have to spend this evening getting myself together for that too.