More likely to get PPD?

[kblackstone444]

If you've been through an extremely tough year, very little support system, have had mild depression in the past, have several family members who suffer from severe depression (don't know about PPD, though), and have readon to believe that, once the baby is born, there will be even more serious financial issues, when you're already living paycheck to paycheck, would that make you more likely to get PPD? This is a concern of mine, that with everything else going on, I'll get PPD as well, and that will just be too much.

[NaturalBirthGoddes]

Yes, but it doesn't always have to happen. If you believe that you may have more stress in your life after baby, start finding ways to change it. Depending on what your money situation is like, you may not be able to change that...but most areas have a moms group of some kind that offer "mommy meals" and outings to help you get support/companionship.

Look for ways to change and supplement your diet and I know that this sounds cliche, but it worked for me...look for the positives in your life. You don't have to ignore the negatives, but I know when I was in the midst of my PPD (PPTSD) I was so focused on what I didn't have (support, etc) and everything that was wrong (lack of money) and it just made it all that more overwhelming. Once I started working on my outlook of my situation, things started to improve. This does not have to mean that you are suddenly flush with cash and all...but the way you choose to respond to a stimulus in your life will have a big bearing on the other parts of your life.

I know what kind of situation you are facing because I've been there myself. But, truly start working to make changes now so you will not have to worry as much about the issues later.

*hug*

[beebalmmama]

Yes, it puts you more at risk. But then the situation you described can be stressful even for someone not post partum. That was my exact situation with ds 1. And I did have a mild amount of PPD, but mainly post partum anxiety.

I was a little afraid of having problems this time around too. But we had prepared ourselves for these changes and the financial strain this time. I think it helped a little bit. We're still in a bit of a stressful situation, but we tried to give ourselves a few months cushion after the birth as best we could. I also made sure I could take a lying in period after the birth with ds 2 and I think that was huge for me. That was something I never got to do with ds 1, because we moved immediately after his birth.

There were still moments were financial things took us by surprise and these situations are classic for me to downward spiral into. I think dh has realized that in those moments it is best for him to really take charge and deal with it. It is a lot to put on his plate I realize. But I just could not see things clearly in those moments.

With my first ds I don't think I realized how difficult it was going to be. And although I may not have been able to change the situation completely, there were some things I would have done differently.

I think that if you are looking at this as a real possibility for you and start thinking about strategies to cope and deal.....I think it would help.

[BeautyforAshes]

The quick answer is yes (been there). It's a good thing to keep in the back of your mind, so that you can take action quickly if you start to notice yourself having depressive symptoms. Don't wait to get help.