PPD at 4 months PP?

[jessymama]

DS is 4 months old and i'm starting to feel so so so depressed. I've never had a problem with depression in my life so this is very new to me. I constantly have this very sad feeling deep inside me. It's been going on for about a week now and i'm not sure how to handle it!! Before the sad feeling, I was very short tempered. I'd get red HOT very quickly but now it has subsided and I just feel sad!

Is this PPD?

[mom0810]

PPD can happen any time in the first year or beyond. This does sound like it could be PPD. Why don't you go to www.postpartum.net, and you can find more info there about symptoms, and you can also find a therapist near you who specializes in PPD.

I have just finished a year of therapy and meds, and I can tell you that there IS a light at the end of the tunnel, and things do get so much better.

[kalisis]

There is also a sticky at the top of the forum - go take that quiz and it can help you determine which path to take to get help.

I'm glad you're reaching out for help mama.

[STJinNoVa]

Is it possible you're overtired as well? my 4 month old is sleeping like crap, and I hear that's pretty common. I'm at my edgiest when she's been up 2,355,634 times in the night. I spend those tired nights just controlling my temper and those tired days sad, sad, sad. Do you have help? Can you get more rest?

[smellyann82]

i agree, try getting a bit more sleep, if you can, by napping.

i had very severe postpartum depression/anxiety/ocd, and it didn't begin until 8 months postpartum. i'd talk to someone you trust (dh/dp, a relative, good friend) and ask them to check in on you. if you feel this bad after a bit more sleep, talk to your midwife or doc, if you're comfortable with that. my midwife helped me find a therapist and later a psychiatrist for meds. i'm at 28 months postpartum now and just finished weaning from paxil, and am now symtom-free. you will feel better, just make sure that you take care of yourself, and don't let things spiral out of control.

[aiea]

Hi Jessymama,

Yes, it is likely PPD IMHO. I think anger and sadness are related... I have read that depression is anger turned inward, so going from a hot temper to a sad/depressed feeling may be like shifting the weight of your feelings from one hip to the other. Maybe the same problems exhibited differently.

The sleep idea from PPs is a great one and really fundamental to getting better. Also, simply trying to check in with yourself - How am I feeling now? Now? Why am I feeling this way? That kind of stuff really helps me step back and figure out why I feel rotten sometimes, although postpartum (for me) I just had to keep going through the fog, and it lasted for months. I think when DD was about 14 to 16 months it really lifted.

[MKury]

I had the exact same feelings at about 7 months pp. I searched this forum, took the quiz and found that sleep deprivation and PPD are closely linked. So, dh and I took turns getting up with the baby (even though she's EBFd), and I made a conscious attempt to rest any time she took a nap. I also took lots and lots of fish oil with EPA. It helped tremendously! I wish you the best. I know it is a difficult time, and be sure to tell supportive people (dh, dp, parents) about the feelings you are having, just in case- so they can be aware if you begin acting abnormally and help out in a pinch. And never be scared to try counseling. They are there to help!

I hope you feel better soon!!!