how long does ppd last?

[mamahart]

Hi. I am new to MDC and want to tell my story someday.... but for today I am wondering how long depression can last if it seems related to childbirth? I am also wondering about ptsd and how the two problems work together. I am weary weary and just don't know what to do anymore to feel better. I am taking a low dose of wellbutrin which seems to help with my agitation, but still pretty damn depressed.

[gwerydd]

the length of depression really depends on each individual person. i was told that because i have a previous history of depression that i will be on medication for at least a year and i am at high risk for having recurrent depression and PPD. i think your previous history of depression, and severity of PPD can have a lot to do with how long it lasts. i wish i could give you more concrete information. i hope that you find the forum here helpful. you will find lots of mommas who can sympathize with what you are going through.

[leewd]

I'm sorry you're so down, but I'm really glad to hear that you are seeking treatment. Perhaps a visit to the Psych to tweak your meds is in order?

PPD can become simply depression. While the PP period (or just pregnancy itself) can tigger depression, it doesn't necessarily have to lift once this period is over. It may be that you were a case of depression waiting to happen, and it was the PP period that caused the tigger. One annoying thing about mental illness is that there are so many variables and it can be impossible to pinpoint the cause.

[mom0810]

It's different for everybody. What we do know for everyone is that, usually, without treatment, it will either get worse or come back again someday. So you need to probably see a therapist and a psychiatrist regularly.

For some people, it's over after a year. But for many, it goes on and on and does turn into a deeper depression that becomes permanent without treatment.

I just read a great book on this, and darn it I can't remember the name. But it was a quick read and very helpful. I was going to post the title in a new post later because I think it will help a lot of the moms here.

ETA: I also have PTSD following a traumatic childbirth. The two, PPD and PTSD, often occur together. I have read that wellbutrin is not as good for PTSD, that it is too "up" for this condition. However, I would follow your psychiatrist's advice. Many practitioners are not aware of the possibility of PTSD following childbirth, causing this condition to go undiagnosed much of the time. So I would try and get help for the PTSD which will help the depression and anxiety. Dr. Sarah Allen has published research on PTSD following childbirth, and there is a New Zealand PTSD following childbirth site that you might find helpful.