what kind of antidepressant to stop me sinking down, also breastfeeding 3.5 yo

[flowmom]

Hi,

I'm 41 and I'm still BF my 3.5 yo. I was depressed a lot in my 20s -- major depression that really affected my life functioning. I did talk therapy but never took medication.

Now, I'm not totally depressed...yet, but a combination of factors makes it feel like the walls are pressing and I want to go on a low dose proactively.

• my dh suddenly moved out on Jan 3 after years of problems, but no indication on his part that he wanted to separation
• my self-esteem is in the toilet because my self-care has been limited by my children's neediness, and because dh hasn't been very kind or caring in the last few years (he's very depressed but hasn't treated it)
• I've been struggling with my ds' special needs diagnosis process and really worried about his future
• I'm in the middle of the very grey PNW winter and that's always been a risky time for me.
• major financial worries even before the separation

I can't afford to fall apart right now! I'm hoping for a reconciliation, and me acting depressed right now would be a serious problem. Also, I have to think about custody and how a breakdown on my part would look.

What type of antidepressant would you recommend? I am feeling anxious, hopeless, sad, shocked, confused, angry, helpless.

[mom0810]

Zoloft, actually any of the ssri's, is very safe during breastfeeding. I would not worry a bit about that especially since you do not have a newborn.

Talk to your GP or get in with a good therapist and get a rec for a pdoc. They are the most knowledgeable about meds.

[welteee]

I don't know which antidepressants would be best for you, but I think it's awesome that you're able to see the big picture even in the midst of all this tough stuff. It's amazing how our love for our kids can motivate us to make good mental health decisions when we otherwise just might not be able to. Talking to your doctor and starting some kind of treatment ASAP should be a big priority. I'm sending you lots of hugs and good energy! Keep us posted.

[flowmom]

mamas. The GP prescribed Prozac because that has a good track record with SAD, which has been a problem for me. I feel wierd about it, but I just needed to make the decision then move onto the next thing. I appreciate the encouragement.