Confused about my symptoms

[moobiegirl]

I'm just starting to realize that I need help. For as long as I can remember I have been a very disorganized person. I have always thought that I have some ADD, but never looked in to it. Now since dd has been here (11 weeks) it has gotten so much worse. I don't feel like I'm depressed, but I just can't get a grip on my life again. I tear up at the thought of how much work I have to do. Mostly it's my work that is being affected. I'm so overwelmed by the amount of planning I need to do (I'm a teacher). My house is affected to in that I'm so overwelmed by the thought of housework. So anyways I've always been this way but now it just seems to be sooooooo overwelming that I can't ignore it anymore. I'm not sure if I should look into the ADD now or if it could be a form of PPD since I just had a baby.

Some background is that DS's birth was traumatic for me. DD's birth was very healing, but from about 36 weeks to the birth I was very emotional and cried at the thought of birth. I had to return to work when DD was 5 weeks old. When DD was 1 week I had to go live at my mom's house for 2 weeks because she got sick. (I had to take care of my grandma) She is still sick, but it's a wait and see illness. Then my DH had to have back surgery when DD was 4 weeks old. Things just really snowballed in my life the month after DD was born.

Who should I go to for help? My MW may not be willing to address the ADD that I feel is the root problem and my primary care is a man. I would need to go to my primary care to get a referral for a therapist.

Thanks for letting me share.

[wendyland]

I would think that even though your primary doesn't have children, that she could understand that you're feeling overwhelmed. On the other hand, your midwife may know of something that you can take that is natural, but works just as well as. Or would it help you to talk to someone like a therapist?

[Super~Single~Mama]

I would say to speak to your midwife even if they can't refer you. Mine (a free standing birth center with 4 midwives) have all been amazing - I'm not a patient of theirs anymore and they call and check on me occasionally, and I call them when I need to anyway.

Your midwife will be more sympathetic most likely, and even if they can't refer you directly they may be able to help you get a referral to someone you like.

[vanessab23]

wow, mama-- you have been through SO much in the last 11 weeks!
<<hugs>>

like the PP's said, start with your midwives-- anyone who works with childbearing women needs to have some resources/referrals on hand for when this (undoubtedly) comes up with their clients.

I don't know what area you live in, but is there some kind of PPD support group nearby? I went to one and it really saved me-- at least on a person-to-person level. It was a start.

Feel free to PM me-- if you want to share where you are perhaps I can help you find some resources. I know when I was there it took a sobbing phone call to my midwife/friend and she did a little online looking and found me a group.

Do you have any family/friends nearby that can help you-- someone that isn't needy themselves? Sounds like you are in over your head at the moment and could use a little break for self care and to find some resources so you can get back on track...

<<hugs>>

Vanessa

[azgirl]

Okay, so I totally relate to your post. I have suffered from mild anxiety and depression as long as I remember and I have always been easily overwhelmed. I got severe PPD after my son was born and took Zoloft for 8 months and finally started cognitive behavioral therapy. I know it's cheesy, but the thing that helped the most once I got my serious depression under control was Flylady. At first I just read the website, but over the course of a few months I incorporated a lot of the steps and strategies. It really has changed my life! www.flylady.net
Good luck!