Ppd

[denaverbena]

Oh boy...things have been really hard for me lately. I'm trying so hard to find a positive state of mind so I can be happy and enthusiastic for my wonderful daughter. I just feel like so many things are working against me right now. We just moved to a new community and are living in a place that is overall not really for us. My support system is extremely lacking and I'm feeling lonely and stuck. I've joined the local LLL, but making friends and connections takes time. On top of this we are living with in laws (who I don't get along with AT ALL) and hubby just suggested we stay longer than planned to take advantage of the extra financial help. The other day it dawned on me I probably have PPD, which explains why everything seems so negative lately. But Im not sure what to do to pick myself up. I tend to go a natural route in health care so going to my doc just to get a prescription just isn't going to do it for me. Im just starting by reaching out for help. What has helped you during the hard times?? Any encouragement or suggestions is much appreciated

[madsommer]

Sorry you are feeling so bad. It is possible that it's PPD, or it could just be regular old depression. You're going through a very stressful time in your life and it can be hard. I too just moved not too long ago...well, actually, it's already been a year and I still have zero friends here. My in-laws are here, but I don't particularly like to hang out with them. To top it off, we moved right when winter began and it was BRUTAL! All that to say...what really helped me was really searching for things that I could do at home and with my son to try to direct some energy. I started learning how to sew, searching for activities that I could do with my toddler, trying my hand at cooking and baking (which I have gotten good enough to actually enjoy doing a regular basis!), reading more, etc. I found free story-times at the library and book stores, parks, anything free that could get me out of the house. Are there any things that used to interest you before that you can try your hand at again?

Also, check out the PPD forum in birth and pregnancy I think. There are lots of helpful ideas there too. Good luck.

[mommy2abigail]

It could be ppd, or it could be simply overwhelming to have a new baby and also all the other changes/lack of support. Being a mom is HARD! We do have a ppd board on here...I would try posting there and maybe seeing if you can (if you are comfortable with it) give some specifics as to why you feel you have ppd. Have you talked to your OB/midwife? That would be my first step...or maybe even a good, trustworthy friend? I hope that things get easier, and that you find the support you need.

[denaverbena]

I think you both are actually probably right. It does seem more like things are just really hard and new and different. Its easy to get overwhelmed and loose perspective. Its been hard for me to except my living situation, since we ended up living with inlaws when our prior situation fell through. My mother in law is extremely difficult person to get a long with and I've handled it by retreating for way too long now. Its so awkward now I just don't know where to start and I have all these grudges I'm holding against her. I'm also upset with myself for not being able to communicate well with her and say how I really feel and stick up for myself when I need to.

anyway..... I guess I should post the rest of what I have to say about all this in a new thread... Just trying to expand on what I was feeling before and get to the root of all this...

I do tend to be quit a crafty person, I should make more effort to get into some more projects, good idea. I know what you mean by BRUTAL weather in chicagoland. I grew up there and I remember it being so cold that the second you walked outside your nose hairs would freeze hahaha...

[MoonWillow]

Moved to PPD