How Long does PPD last?

[star715]

My little one is almost 11 months. I thought in the beginning that I could handle my saddness as the standard baby blues. When I went back to work I figured I was having anxiety and saddness because I had to leave my baby in daycare... but here we are almost a year later and I just have these days... (a lot of days) where I don't want to be bothered with the baby. I'd rather my husband deal with him and let me sleep. If I could sleep all day I would because that's the only time I feel like I have peace. I find myself working longer hours and preferring to be at work because I feel like I can accomplish things there and don't have to be around the baby. I try to get out and away from what I feel is draining me but then I feel guilty and I always feel guilty because I know deep down I don't want to be around them. I just want to be alone and sleep. Then I ask myself am I just a lazy, selfish person? Maybe its not PPD because too much time has past by... maybe something else is wrong with me.

So I guess after all that - my question is, how long does PPD last?

Thanks for reading.

[jodieanneanton]

I suffered from PPD after the birth of DD1. It lasted until I got help (Talk therapy, but meds are necessary for some.) when she was almost 2. So, I imagine it lasts until you get professional help with the depression.

Just so you know, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Once you admit you have the problem and get help, things get MUCH better!!! Personally, I felt like I finally enjoyed motherhood. (I actually would think to myself often, "So THIS is what it is supposed to be like!")

Also, I didn't suffer from PPD after my second birth. Two of the most common reasons that PPD occurs is lack of sleep and lack of support. So, if there is a next time around for you, make sure you get lots of sleep (nap when baby naps), accept any help you are offered and ask for any help you need/want from neighbors, friends and family.

Good luck and it will get better.

[K-Mom3]

If you don't treat it, it may last a long time. My ppd symptoms didn't go away but morphed into a PMS kind of thing and I was afraid that it would never go away! But I've finally started to find more of the pieces to the puzzle of what I need to be healthy and happy. Please look into some treatment options. I've tried lifestyle changes, light therapy, supplements, an SSRI, and clinical therapy. Find what works best for you. Don't just wait for it to go away.

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

Without treatment it can last years. Even with meds mine was just under control I wasnt fixed for 18+ months.

You should definitely look into meds and/or therapy.

[bnhmama]

I didn't get diagnosed/treated until my son was three years old. I have so much regret that I waited so long. For me, talk therapy worked. Some need meds, too.

[star715]

Thank you for the advice. I will definitely look into starting talk therapy first. I'm still BF'ing, so hopefully I won't have to take meds. I appreciate you all taking the time to reply.

[always hope]

Just so you know, there are medications which are safe while breastfeeding and in the long run a happy mama is a better mama. I have been medicated since Ella was a month old and it saved us and meant we have a wonderful relationship and I kept breastfeeding.