How do you get the nerve to get help? update post #19 - Page 2

[gwerydd]

you are definatly doing the right thing getting help. you are not just doing it for you but for your family. you are not crazy, lots of very normal people need mental health help and it doesn't make them weak or crazy. you are being very strong getting help. i hope it all works out for you.

[mom0810]

You are absolutely doing the right thing, and there is nothing to be embarrassed or worried about. I think... no, I know... that you will feel so much better getting in touch with someone who has seen this before and being encouraged by the fact that this is a biochemical thing and it is NOT your fault and it is NOT anything you are doing or did wrong. Nothing to be ashamed of, either. You are an awesome mommy for getting help!

[finn'smama]

good for you for taking the steps to get help. i am in the same boat right now and i know how hard it is to just even sy the words to someone (i just moved back across the country to do it!).you But i am already feeling better just having taken that step. it really is like a weight has been lifted and i'm not a terrible mama after all.
i hope you are feeling beter soon!
Anika

[Genesis]

[mlec]

Someone on MDC rec'd the book The Mood Cure by Julia Ross. There are nutritional supplements that can help you. 5-HTP can help you in 15 minutes. It's not the whole answer to PPD, but it's a start.

[sparklett]

I am so glad you took the first big step and asked for help. Asking for help is the hardest part, and then having to find a provider and figure out a way to pay for it sure does not make things easier.

[QUOTE=LilMomma83;9438410]Tell me it's worth the money..now that I have DH's support I know he will say it is but I just hate spending money on myself...QUOTE]

Yes, it is absolutely worth the money.

My care was charged on a sliding scale based on severity of illness. The therapist would decide on sverity after the first visit and you would be billed accordingly. For "regular" people, they are charged $50.00 per visit and get five visits per year. For more severe cases (like mine, unfortunately), they charge $10.00 per visit and I get 15 visits per year. I think that's just how my insurance works things out.

You are doing the right thing by asking for help, and you will feel so much better in the long run. Please keep us updated.

A PP brought up the idea of nutrition. You might want to look into fatty acid supplements, as that is supposed to be helpful.

Take care.

[Jojo F.]

Getting help is hard, but it helps

After I had my son(I was young) it was such a big change that I went downhill very fast. After about a month I went to my OB and asked to talk to her. She listened and agreed, I needed help.

I agree with the fatty acids, they helped me tremendously. I had a long history of depression and still take my omegas, vit b complex, and consume lots of hemp and coconut oil. Omega 3, hemp oil, flax oil, olive oil, evening primrose oil(EPO; look up safe doses and make sure you have not had a history of seizures), borage oil, coconut oil, that's all I can think of right now.

[LilMomma83]

Thanks for the nutrition ideas...

I did make an appointment which is at the end of November...I wish it wasn't such a long wait; but at least it's there.

[nolansmummy]

I also finally took the initiative and called and made an appointment thanks to all your courage. Its good to know others have gone thru the same things. I keep having feelings like maybe its not severe enough, what if she thinks i'm lying or that its not serious,I think too "one more month" it will get better, right? On the outside i feel like i put up a good front. My whole life i've hid my emotions from people. I don't know how easy it is going to be for me to be open and honest to a complete stranger about all the things that are so deep and personal when i have a hard time confessing to the people i love the most. The thing is i do feel a little better already, knowing there is help coming, like this little thing has been lifted off my shoulders. I just know its going to be short lived though.

[LilMomma83]

Originally Posted by nolansmummy

I also finally took the initiative and called and made an appointment thanks to all your courage. Its good to know others have gone thru the same things. I keep having feelings like maybe its not severe enough, what if she thinks i'm lying or that its not serious,I think too "one more month" it will get better, right? On the outside i feel like i put up a good front. My whole life i've hid my emotions from people. I don't know how easy it is going to be for me to be open and honest to a complete stranger about all the things that are so deep and personal when i have a hard time confessing to the people i love the most. The thing is i do feel a little better already, knowing there is help coming, like this little thing has been lifted off my shoulders. I just know its going to be short lived though.

I'm glad you made your appt. even though I'm sorry so many moms go through this it is in a way nice to we're not alone, right?

[Irish_Blue]

I'm a bit late in responding to this, but I'm so happy for you!! Taking that 1st step is one of the scarriest, but in the end it is the most healing & rewarding. Best of luck you guys (((hugs)))

[Savoir Faire]

You are me. I am you.

I was 24 when I had my daughter. And, my depression sounds like yours. Some days, it would be okay and I'd convince myself I was fine. Some days, I wished to disappear off the face of the earth.

I'd call my husband at work to yell at him for eating with his coworkers. I'd get in the shower and cry. I'd stay up late at night feeling so depressed.

Finally, one day, I told him I wanted to get help.It was extremely hard for me to do but he saw what was happening.

I honestly went to a therapist feeling as if I didn't belong there-- that I was fine. Months later, she told me just how bad I was when I got there-- reallly bad.

The depression plays with your mind. People try to make such a stigma against it that you feel as if you're being silly or not strong enough.

Asking for help makes you stronger. Taking the medicine and talking to someone who gives no judgment is GOOD. Don't try to unload on people who know you-- there's just too many egos and problems involved-- find a therapist.

Why should you go? Because you deserve better. Your baby deserves better. Your family deserves better. Life is worth living.

One day, after you get the help, you'll wake up and realize that you are getting better and it is such a glorious feeling.

[LilMomma83]

Savoir Faire- Thanks so much for replying...I'm scheduled for my assessment tomorrow morning and I really don't want to go I feel shaky and like I could throw up just thinking about going - and at he same time keep thinking I am silly and they wil say I'm fine...but you have me convinced that I should go in regardless of how I feel about it.

[GearGirl]

I hope you went! I have many family members who work in the mental health field, and there are a complete range of needs. You don't need to be "crazy" or even depressed to see someone, you just need (or even just want) to get a little help. There is NO shame in getting the help you need, it is brave and strong, and you will feel so much better. This is what these people have chosen to do for a living, they will be there to help you whether that be a little, or a lot. You definitely need to do this for you, as hard as it is to take the first step, that will be the hardest part.

[Pookietooth]

My dh insisted, and that made the difference.

[LilMomma83]

Thanks for the support!

I did go and I started Zoloft about 3 days ago, I am starting talk therapy next week so long as we can afford it.

The psychiatrist I saw totally made me feel comfortable and had me diagnosed almost as soon as I walked in the door. He also assured me that my feelings are normal (though I didn't go into much detail on some things) I'm a little nervous about the talk therapy but I spoke to the councellor on the phone today and she sounds nice...plus it is a pleasent walk from my house to her office so that alone should help!

You mamas are so great

[Genesis]

That's great that you have gotten help. I hope you feel better soon.

[denvermom]

Good for you for going and getting help. Asking for it is the hard part. I remember struggling with those same issues. I was very anti-medication. However, I finally caved when the depression became overwhelming and now I am so glad I went on the medication. I was finally able to enjoy the wonderful things in my life instead of being overwhelmed by the black moods. Life is too short to live like that.