the right way to deal with PPD and work?

[mary ann]

i am just today starting to take meds... i had a major hormonal crash after stopping pumping (i have been pumping exclusively for the last 5 months, since dd started teething and quit nursing) and these last weeks have gotten increasingly depressed to the point where as soon as i wake up in the morning, i start crying.... anyway i know it has affected me at work lately... i never get in on time anymore, i am sure i am scowling all the time...
well now that i am getting help, should i just wait to feel better and not say anything to my boss, or shoudl i say something now in hopes of getting a little sympathy/leniency? also reviews will be held in a week or 2 and i am afraid i might get screwed on mine because of my performance lately. :(

[pegmom]

depression is an illness and should be treated as such. that said, i know that there is still sometimes a stigma attached to it. i would at least say you are experiencing a pregnancy related illness (true). depending on the type of person your boss is and the relationship you have w/ him or her, you could elaborate further or just leave it at that. you should focus on the fact that you are getting the best help possible and will be recovering soon. i hope the meds help and this is true for you!

[shematrix]

((HUGS))))

I hope the med. works for you. Hope you feel better soon.

I'm not sure about the work situation. If it was me, I wouldn't say anything about it. But, that is the way I am. What pegmom said makes a lot of sense and I agree with it. It's a tough call to make. Keep us posted!

Brenda

[Foobar]

If you feel comfortable to bring up PPD, then do. If not, I think you should relate that you've had some post-pregnancy complications that you really can't go into .
At least it will give your boss a frame on mind to work with BEFORE your review starts.

Hope the meds work. They've been a savior for me.

[angelsmama]

When I went back to work full time (my dd was 2.5 years old) I became severely depressed & after 9 months I quit my job & was finally well. I had been taking meds that whole time, but it wasn't until I came back home that I was able to feel good again. Toward the end of the 9 months I was sobbing uncontrollably at work (sometimes for hours) as well as at home. I told my boss that I wasn't feeling very well & fortunately, he was VERY kind, patient & understanding.

Things are certainly not as financially comfortable, but it is worth it. I was non-functional. It was the best choice I ever made.

Take care!