How do you know the difference between exhaustion and depression?

[MamaCaveBear]

I cry at every little frustration nowadays, and I think I get 5-6 hours of sleep (total) at night. Which is not too bad, but feels like not enough. The bad side is that I also have irritating insomnia so times when I could sleep, because both kids are sleeping, I lay there and sigh. I have had to take ambien periodically thru both pregnancies to function, but I hate to take it.

I took the quiz in the sticy and only scored a 29-low.

But I can't help but wonder if the crying -which I didn't have while pregnant- is a little more than just being too tired?

Any thoughts?

[kdaisy]

For me, I would know that trouble sleeping is so unnatural for me, that I would think it was depression. That was one of the major physical symptoms for me with my PPD. And I wish I would have clued into it earlier. But, that said, everyone is different. I would err on the side of caution though, and talk to my dr. about it.

But, I really want to post because I remember your birth story from the Solace forums! And I am soo excited to see you had the homebirth you wanted! Your baby is beautiful...now I am off to read your birthstory. (Really, I'm not a stalker. ) Congratulations!

[MamaCaveBear]

Originally Posted by kdaisy

But, I really want to post because I remember your birth story from the Solace forums! And I am soo excited to see you had the homebirth you wanted! Your baby is beautiful...now I am off to read your birthstory. (Really, I'm not a stalker. ) Congratulations!

THANKS!!!

It is such an abbreviated story, I need to add some of the delicious details! I have heard several people say they were following my story, and I felt so flattered that people I have never met could be so caring. It meant SO much to me - no one in my real life seemed to really 'get it'. It was such a dream come true, and I am so glad to have people like you to share it with.

take care!!! (oh and your baby is ADORABLE - CUTE pic!)

[dot1]

5-6 hours sleep is not enough. Over time it could cause anyone to experience depression. I feel your pain with having had insomnia on top of it! So frustrating...cried lots over that in the wee hours of the morning. I know some think that insomnia is a symptom of depression; but lack of sleep can cause depression...so it become a viscious circle. I hope you can find ways to get more sleep!

Once my total sleep hours increase to between 7-8 I felt much better. The more I was able to get this magic number, which included a solid stretch of at least 4 hours, the less I experienced insomnia, and the more "active" I was able to be during the day. (nursing in bed helped me fall asleep again too...provided it didn't further perpetuate dd's night waking). Also, I found that when my cycles returned (around 9-10 months) I started sleeping better. (coincided with increase solids intake and less nursing).

I started taking a combo of supplements (magnesium drink Natural Calm; prenatal vit with lots of B's; Natural Factors Sleep and Relax - has meletonin, 5Htp and L-theanine...so maybe not so great when nursing a young babe; and fish oil). Since then, rarely have insomnia except just before my period. Still some occasional depressive symptoms, but much improved. DD is 27 months now.