Midwife prescribed Zoloft, DH is not sure - Page 2

[Cetan Luta]

My husband is on Zoloft for severe chronic depression. He took meds long ago, and stopped because a well meaning "teacher" said he didn't need it, and just needed to work on his issues. Many years of misery later, he finally hit bottom, and went back on meds. The difference is day and night. He is a whole different (wonderful) person. I hadn't even realized how many of his negative quirks were just manifestations of his depression. Those who have not experienced chemically based depression (personally or through close relationship) often misunderstand it, and compare it to the low moments of their own life. There is no comparison. True severe depression has no reason, logic, or control. If your midwife thinks you need the help, get it. It could be the beginning of a wonderful new life you didn't even know you were missing.

[LynnS6]

Originally Posted by sbrinton

I am not sure about therapy. I've been through years and years of counseling and honestly don't want to go back. I had an eating disorder in high school and college so I feel like I've pretty fully explored the "roots" of whatever issues I have.

I woudl take the meds and see. Do know that you might need more than a starter dose (which is usually 50 mg). Therapeutic doses are somewhere between 100 and 200 mg for many women (some are better on 50 mg). And as others have said, sometimes the first one you try doesn't always do the trick. I'm hoping it will.

The therapist I saw when I had PPD was great for giving me some short term coping skills. She was very much of the mind that PPD is a chemical imbalance and once you correct that with an SSRI, therapy is not needed unless it's for other reasons.

If you've done therapy and have good self-care skills, you may not need it right now.

A great book on this is called "Women's Moods".

[bjorker]

You have to do what's right for you. I don't like medications in general either, but they are there for a reason. It's really not his decision to make, and I hope you don't feel bad for doing what you feel is right, whatever direction that might take you.

[DeerMother]

Just wanted to add that my dh was also not supportive of me taking antidepressants while I was nursing. I took them anyway. I thought about the women whose ppd was not treated and were in the headlines b/c of terrible things they did, due to their depression. I felt I owed it to my dc to be a happy, healthy, attentive mommy who was able to love and take care of them - not walking around in a confused, panicked, depressed, angry, lazy state.

You could also talk to your mw about taking herbal/homeo supplements while taking zoloft. Take zoloft for a short while and wean yourself off of it but continue with the natural stuff.

Big. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Hope you feel better soon.