I have had Postpartum Depression for a year. I am on medication which has helped calm the mood swings, but I just don't feel as though I am on the road to recovery. What helped you the most and when did you know that you were going to be okay?

It's a long road. Sleep deprivation is the worst part because it can make depression and mood swings worse.

Hopefully you have the support of the baby's father and / or family and friends.

Be sure to see a counselor or religious figure (priest /clergyman/pastor/monk) to discuss any issues that may be holding you back from making real progress.

I knew it was going to be OK when I started to take some time for myself and I wanted to be around the baby and was happy to see her and not just feel tired and cranky with the baby.

I highly recommend hitting the gym. Really work out as hard as you can. It really helps to focus. Sound body = sound mind thing.

Be sure you are eating well, it can be hard when you are depressed, also make sure you are getting plenty of vitamins.

If you feel that you really haven;t improved then visit your doctor or health care professional to reevaluate what medication you are taking. They may have to change it or tweak the dosage a bit to make it better for you.

The worse part about PPD is that people don't take it seriously and they tell you stupid platitudes like "you'll be OK" "the depression won't last forever", etc. When you are in the middle of it sometimes it is the last thing you want to hear.

Try to take care of you, only then will you be able to effectively manage taking care of your baby. Don't cut out the things you like to do, recruit someone to help you get the time you need to be yourself again.

I hope that you get better and you do find that road to recovery. If you need someone to talk to who has been there (twice, I have 4 kids now) then please email me. Good luck! My prayers are with you

My baby is 6 weeks old. I don't feel like I have just the baby blues anymore. I'm going to talk to my ob about it this week but I have no idea what to expect. Will he send me for therapy? Or will he prescribe antidepressants? Is there a certain medication out there for postpartum depression or one commonly used? Does it work? Can it possibly go away on it's own?

The most common way to help PPD is light therapy. But, there are a lot of options and your DR should be talking to you about all of them. Medication should be a last resort. =)

If a father is at home with a newborn everyday while the mother works, is it possible that he could develop symptoms similar to postpartum depression?

He could develop a form of situational depression. It would not be the same per say as post partum depression, since that has to do with a fluctuation of hormones. However, if dad is home every day and has the burden of caring for a newborn it would not be unlikely that he may suffer from feeling over whelmed, stressed and isolated.

I am basically 100% sure I am dealing with bad postpartum depression, but don't have a primary care physician. I was seeing an Ob during my pregnancy. If I go to my office seeking help for this, will they have to refer me elsewhere or can they assist me? Just looking for some info, I have an appointment lined up anyway, I just want some help at this point.

It is normal to have the "baby blues" the first week or so. If you have been feeling depressed longer, contact your OB/GYN. He or she will know where to go. Physicians and nurses can put you in contact with organizations and resources for new moms suffering from post-partum depression. PPD is a very common problem in new moms (specially if this is your first child), so ask your OB about resources in your area. I am sure you will find the help you need! And don't feel guilty about your feelings. It's not your fault and you'll be fine with a little help!

Hope this helps

Since my wife just miscarried a week and a half ago, I know that it is too soon to say it's postpartum depression, but I thought maybe if I could get her treatment like antidepressants it might help bring her beautiful smile back. I know I sound selfish, but I have been walking on egg shells since this happened. She's not that same vibrant woman I married. I truly miss her. That's why I'm asking so many questions.

More than likely she just needs time. It's only been a week and a half, not very long at all. Losing the baby is a major blow to her and she's having a rough time right now. Give her some extra TLC, you sound like you care very much about her. Let her know you are there for her, she needs you. Also, Camomile tea, although it tastes terrible, is good for calming nerves. But if you feel she is suicidal, or majorly out of character, talk to your doctor. Antidepressants can help, but they are just bandaids. They do not work miracles. She probably just needs time to grieve and that's ok. It's perfectly normal after a miscarriage. And it's not too soon to say it's postpartum depression, it starts right after a miscarriage for some women. When I had my son, I had major postpartum depression three days later. As my mother would tell me when things were going wrong, "this too shall pass". And she was right.

I am curious if women who deliver by Cesarean have a higher percentage of postpartum depression?

I had a C-section (unexpected AND unnecessary), and I had no PPD or even the baby blues. I did, however, suffer from PTSD from being robbed of the chance of labor, the way I was treated by the hospital and my doctor, and not being allowed to see my daughter for 12 hours despite her perfect health!!!!!!!!!!!

I have been feeling really depressed latley and I have no desire to do anything. All ever feel like doing is crying. Is it possiable to have postpartum depression before you have a baby?Or is it just regular drpression or hormones?

YES!!! But they don't call it "post-partum". It's just hormones or regular depression. There are a million things that could be causing it.

Does being depressed during pregnancy make a woman more likely to experience postpartum depression?

Please provide medical links/knowledge or your direct experience, not what you think could happen.

Thanks

Yes, according to many articles I found.

Here are some links:

http://pregnancy.about.com/cs/postpartumdepress/a/riskofppd.htm

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/408688_5

http://pregnancychildbirth.suite101.com/article.cfm/postpartum_depression_risk_factors

Is it normal to feel highs and lows with postpartum depression?

Sorry.. I know there is a better way to word that headline question, but the words escape me!

The greater chances of PPD increasement are within the first 6 months-one year after delivery but depression can happen at any time.

As far as the highs and lows-I think everyone goes through that more often than not but it's when you're sad, depressed for long periods of times that last longer than a 2 wk period.

My beautiful wife is full time stay home mom to 3 wonderful (but often stress causing) kids, and she's taking classes part time.

I work zillion hours a week to make ends meet, and as much as i try, I don't do enough around the house to make her job any easier.

She's showing many signs of depression… low energy, short fuse with the kids, body aches etc.. could she be going through postpartum depression, or could this be depression unrelated to having a baby, exactly a year ago?

I would say depression or stress from being home with the kids. Its very difficult to take care of three small children. She is also probably not around adults enough and is losing her self esteem. You should try to take her away for a weekend alone without the kids. Let her and you reconnect and have some alone time!