I'm on a rollercoaster. How do I smooth it out?

[barefootpoetry]

I'm not even sure if this is really PPD, but man, these hormones are kicking my butt. One day I'll be on top of the world, giddy as can be, the next day I want to curl up in a ball and cry and feel sorry for myself over every tiny little thing, then the next day I am a raging volcano of fury and am screaming at everyone. I feel like a crazy person. I was almost this bad when I was pregnant too. It makes me want to start smoking again because I have no way to relieve some of the incredible anxiety I feel. How can I smooth myself out?

I really, REALLY don't want to go back on meds (I was on Zoloft for depression before) because I would rather feel crazy than like a zombie. I see some threads about fish oil, and I've seen it at my local store, I might pick some up and try it. I get plenty of exercise and try to log some outside time each day if I can. I eat healthy. I try to keep myself busy with fun projects but the crazy feelings still creep in when I'm not looking. I was drinking placenta smoothies but my blender broke so I can't make them anymore. What else can I do, short of meds? I'm only 11 weeks postpartum but it'd be nice to feel like a human being again. I have a history of chronic depression but this is probably the worst it's ever been (and it's been pretty bad before).

[mom0810]

If you had a history of depression, you are MUCH more likely to have ppd. I know you don't want to try meds, but it sounds like, honestly, that might be best for you now. There are other meds besides zoloft that you can take, you know that, right? Wellbutrin is an option, as well as prozac and others.

I would make an appt. with a psychiatrist asap, and express your concerns.

Meantime, you can try 2000 mg of fish oil daily, and a vitamin B complex. Magnesium is also helpful if you have anxiety.

But you might find that you need a prescription for a while, and that is really okay.