PPD, or depression in postpartum?

[2sweetboysmom]

I am in the middle of divorcing my husband of 10 years. The divorce, the reasons for the divorce, and the stress of working thru it all had me a bit depressed before the birth of my little one.
Now, 2.5 weeks postpartum, I score 42 on the self test at the top of this forum. I feel totally overwhelmed. I did not have anything beyond the mildest of crying jags in my previous postpartums, so this is a new thing for me.
So is it PPD or just depression related to the divorce? Does it matter which it is?...Does it change what I should do?
Any thought and advice will be apperciated.
Joy

[mamagirl]

Hi Mama,

My first reaction is that it is probably a combination of factors. Disrupted hormones coupled with the stress of change looks like a four star recipie for depression.

I aplaud your self-awareness. Too many mamas push their feelings away because they are afraid.

You have to do what you think you need to do. In my experience, physical exercise, excellent eating, and scraping together 10 minutes a day to simply meditate by counting my breaths and stilling my mind all helped me slowly dig myself out of the pit.

I notice you identify yourself as a Christian mama. Do you have a spiritual community? In your spiritual practice, is divorce looked down upon? These factors can make it easier or more difficult for you. Spirituality is a gift, use it!

If I were you, I'd exhaust all resources, both for post-partum and "regular" depression. I avoid pharmecuticals, because I have had better responses to modifying my diet and exercise. When I was going through my divorce it was a lot harder to take care of me.

No matter what, try not to isolate yourself. Although we've never met I will be wishing you well and concerned for you.

Take good care,
Carrie

[gradstudentmommy]

Dear Joy,

I'm really sorry to hear about your divorce. That's so stressful and I'm sure it's especially hard having just had a new baby knowing you'll be a single mom. You're only 2 1/2 weeks postpartum so you have a lot of hormones raging. I don't think PPD can even be diagnosed so early. It sounds like "baby blues." I woudl recommend that you go see a counselor because you have a lot on your plate. If you don't start feeling better down the road, perhaps it could be PPD. The bottom line is that you are feeling crummy and you need some help and it would be good to talk to a professional.

Even though you're not a first time mom, every birth and every post-partum experience is different. I'm sure the divorce is contributing to your sadness but I wouldn't underestimate the fact that you just had a baby and your body and your psyche are still recovering.

Good luck. I hope the divorce doesn't totally dampen the joy of a having a new baby and I hope you feel better soon.

[Gale Force]

Joy,

I'm sorry to hear about the divorce. In terms of the depression, it matters and yet it really doesn't. Work hard on the basics now -- get a lot of sleep and eat well. I would take a B complex and an Omega 3 supplement. You are likely deficient in both having just produced a baby and breastfeeding.

Take care

Amanda