How do I get by until treatment?

[kangaroo_mom]

Okay, I scheduled an appointment at the Natural Healing and Wellness Center in my town. They've set me up with their "funny doctor". That'll be nice. But the earliest I can get in is the 18th. How do I get by until then? How do I control my rage and temper and protect my kids from myself? I was taking St. John's Wort, and that helps, but it seems to affect my milk supply. I'm still doing the Wild Yam progestrone cream a few times a day as well as prenatals by Nature's Way, extra b-vitamins and extra magnesium and calcium as well as lots of organic flax seed oil. I really don't think I can choke down cod liver oil. I can't even choke down flavored acidopholis! Oh, and I'm taking a probiotic for the thrush and will be getting some gentian violet later today to wipe out the thrush completey, hopefully.

I just don't know what to do in the meantime. Everything I've read says to get help right away if suffering from severe PPD, but what if you can't get in right away? argh! It's frustrating!

Thanks!

[Panserbjorne]

I would consider holy basil, inositol or 5-htp. St John's wort does affect supply and doesn't seem to be very effective alone. It can be great in combo. with other things, but 5-htp and holy basil (which can be taken together) work very quickly. I highly recommend the new chapter brand of holy basil. As for the 5-htp, I know several nursing mamas who under the direction of docs are taking as much as 300 mg a day. HTH.

[wombatclay]

On the emotional side, I've found the breathing "meditation" from Peace is Every Step helpful during the day when I start to lose it...basically a really long slow breath in and out while thinking (or saying): Breathing in I calm my body, Breathing out I smile.

Sometimes just forcing myself to go to the bathroom and smile for a solid minute helps. Studies have shown that the act of smiling can alter brain chemistry, so it's worth a shot!

I don't know if you cook, but I've also found that baking bread is really helpful...I've put away the bread machine and basically take out a lot of anger and frustration while kneading the dough. I really beat the heck out of the dough and it doesn't matter if I'm crying (the salt just gets worked into the bread)...plus if you're worried about the the other little ones you could maybe give them some bread dough of their own to knead? That way they see the positive energy of your kneading (mama is making rbead and it needs a lot of energy) rather than the negative emotions that are fueling it (mama is at the end of her rope and about to explode). Plus you get the smell of baking bread and something yummy for dinner.

And if things get really scary and you need help NOW, go to your local emergency room or doctor's office. I know it's hard when everything says to get help, and you make the huge effort of actually calling and asking for help, and they say "we'll see you in a month". Ugh. But keep the emergency room in mind if things get too dark while you wait for your appointment.

hang in there mama, just remember that it WILL get better and you ARE strong enough to get through this.

[teacup]

In addition to the other good advice given here, I suggest seeking a PPD support group. There's nothing like receiving validation from your peers. (Isn't that part of why we're here?) Take good care of yourself.

[Bella'smamma]

I have some simple advice.

pamper yourself. get some good dark chocolate, rent or borrow movies, take baths with your kids, lay in bed and read to them....completely surrender to them. If you can, go for a long walk. If you can, go buy yourself some new clothes, or shoes or hair tyes...something to put a spring in your step.

forget about everything that is not directly related to their well-being, meaning housework and such. nobody knows what the house looks like. Good self care is sticking to the priorities when you are dealing with PPD. Eating, sleeping and playing are all you have to worry about. The children will relax and so will you if you just 'be' with them.

If you can, ask for some help. someone to help you fold laundry or pick up a few things at the store. I had a really hard time letting anyone do ANYTHING for me. It's a process of letting go of some control and also changing our attachments to certian ideas of how the day is going to go. For me that is still an issue.

Do you have access to essential oils? That's my speciality. PM me if i can offer any advice.

Mama- you will get through this. You are getting through this. Eachday is a day closer to healing. Each day you learn a little more about yourself and how you can help yourself recover.

cecily

[ShannonCC]

I second the 5-HTP. I take one a day (50 mg I think?) but if I need it I take a second or a third. Also, you can get cod liver oil (or just plain fish oil) in capsules. I take those three times a day. I also couldn't stomach the flavored. Also try evening primrose oil and flax seed oil (also in capsule form)(I also take those three times a day). And a B vitamin (I take a liquid sublingual once a day but if you can't find that just a B mix). B is good for nerves.

[kimmie-pooh]

You've gotten wonderful advice and I cannot add to it. I just wanted to give...

Lots of

[abclan]

Kangroo_mom=

I've been lurking here because I am in the same dark space as you right now. Thank you to all who posted because it has helped me too - the dark chocolate especially. Ha

My Dh call a friend who is a psychriatrist in town. Earliest to see me . . . Feb 8th. When Dh told me I cried (again). He called back, played the friend card and strongly said, "She needs help NOW." So, he is going to see me this Friday morning. I have been on meds in the past from my local GP but never took the extra talk therapy step. I went off them last October and I've gone steadily downhill from glowing functional mom to sad immoblized isolated screaming unstable mom. It sucks so bad because I can't seem to be who I want to be without meds.
I am grateful but nervous. I want help but I also want to hide. I hear Mexico is nice this time of year . . . . sigh.

Anyway, I feel you and thanks to eveyone's support. I know better days are ahead for all of us. The've got to be.

[kangaroo_mom]

Thanks for the advice. I just feel pretty crazy cause I have had a couple good days this week (I got out of the house and a friend came and hung out with me then "kidnapped" me and my baby for ice cream once the other two were asleep). I got ahold of a councilor who teaches Hypnobirthng and Infant Massage (I had seen her add in out Health Food Store, so I think she's "crunchy friendly" ) . In anycase, she also does Play Therapy and works with PPD. She says' she's specialized in Attachment Disorders as well as many other Parenting issues for the last 15 years. However she charges $85.00 with insurance and only gives a measely 15% discount for people without insurance, like us. : The Health and Wellness Center charges $160.00 for the first initial x-ray, consultation and first treatment.I think it is $50.00 for each treatment after that (they do energy testing and stuff like that). The last therapist I saw was almost 4 years ago and it was $55.00 for a 50 minute session. I really want to see this therapist. Though DH is overwhelmed with all the expenses and just is getting grumpy and frustrated. He doesn't see the need for a therapist ( I don't think so at least) and doesn't want to pay for one, especially when he sees me acting just fine (my good days). Ugh! I just don't know what to do! I hate wallowing in debt, but I also hate wallowing in depression.

[wumanh]

How about some Rescue Remedy flower essence when you feel down? Vitex can help balance hormones. Motherwort for anxiety and panic.