Via RSS feed.September 16th, 2008
Update…Recovering – Depression
Wow, there must be some mighty prayer warriors reading this blog! Thanks so much for all of your prayers for our families illness. We’re all well on the road to recovery. My sore throat dissipated, the dizzy spells are over, and I never developed the stuffy/runny nose or cough! Praise the Lord!
Larry never developed the cough, and his nose has dried up. Rose still has a stuffy nose, little cough, but is on the mend. Sarah is just a bit sniffly, and Kaelynn is doing much better as well.
Thanks again for praying for us and for your kind advice!
Unfortunately, I have had to come to terms with myself that I’m suffering from some signs of postpartum depression. And if I’m completely honest with myself, it seems I’m prone to depression as I experienced some after Rose was born as well. I have a stigma associated with postpartum depression in my mind that has made it hard to be upfront with myself and my family about what has been going on emotionally for me. I suppose I didn’t want to let on that I didn’t have it all together, wasn’t the perfect wife and mother. I felt weak, imperfect (well of course I’m those things! We all are, but hopefully you understand what I mean here. Hey, anyone who knows me knows I’m NOT the perfect wife or mother, but I suppose I like to pretend on my own imagination sometimes?). Well, the rubber hit the road, and I had to own up to it, I’ve been struggling. To be honest though, I still feel embarrassed posting this.
I sure would appreciate your prayers and nutritional advice! I want to avoid anti-depressants at all costs, and the symptoms are currently intermittent. God has made it clear to me that I need to be more faithful with my vitamins and oils. Have any of you used vitex for this with any success? Thanks for all your love and support.
I struggle with PPD too… I talk about it a lot on my blog. Good for you for admitting it, there is NOTHING to be embarrassed about! There is no shame in getting help- it makes you a BETTER mom!
If you ever need to talk you can email me- I have had 3 bouts of PPD now, 1 ineffectively medicated, one non-medicated, and one medicated. My PPD lasts about 2 full years after my baby is born… so basically I have had it for the past 6 years.
I really do encourage you to seek help… I know there is a stigma about medication in the church (I’m a pastor’s wife) but I can’t tell you the difference it has made for me. I thank God daily that I had the option. I came to terms with it when the doctor’s diagnosed me with a thyroid disorder and I had no trouble going on meds for that. There is no difference! PPD is a chemical imbalance/ hormonal issue and medication really DOES make it easier to handle.
Anyway, I’ll stop rambling now. I’m praying for you today.
Tara R.s last blog post..Got your nose
Glad to know you’ve come to terms with your suffering and are reaching out for help. Please know that you are not alone!
Katherine Stones last blog post..Finding Places Where the Referral System Works for Women with Perinatal Mood Disorders
I am glad you realize you have ppd. It is so much better to face our struggles and God is glorified as we trust Him with our struggles.
carols last blog post..Getting From Here to There: A Vision for the Future Part 1
Thank you for talking about this, for each mama that talks about it, there are several reading that may gain strength from that. Your sisters may not even have the courage to thank you, but know that you’ve actually just done something to fight PPD, and the loneliness that dealing with depression can cause people to feel.
St. John’s Wort is the herbal remedy that has shown the most clinical promise. The studies with this herb have been more well-balanced and unbiased than most others that I’ve read. Be aware that not all herbal supplements are created equal as there is no over-sight into their production. As with everything else, you really should have a chat with a physician before you start self-treating with herbs/etc. And you should especially talk to one if you don’t feel you’re getting better.
Lastly, EXERCISE! The studies showing the mood-enhancing benefits of exercise are very clear, even just a walk a day helps. Be ready for the winter weather coming, because that may not help your mood, get a plan to fight off the doldrums now. Can you join a group like Curves, or something similar?
Hang in there, and know that you’re not alone. We never really walk alone, of course, but sometimes when the depression is bad enough, you can’t always feel that He’s walking beside you.
Hi~just popping over from the TOS group. Seems we think alike–I posted and included my blog address then went back and read the posts that were made while I was writing and saw where you encouraged others to share their blog addresses!
I am excited about the group.
I am a survivor of depression myself. I say survivor because after the last bout I had with it about a year ago, I feel like I have truly “survived”. I am now trying harder to completely trust in God to keep me out of the depths of depression. I have so far done it without meds, PTL. I do not have anything against a person using them however, because they are sometimes necessary. I just don’t like the side effects associated with them so I avoided them.
You are in my prayers and I would appreciate yours as well! Look forward to getting to know you through the focus group….
Thanks so much for all your prayers and support. I’m having many good days, and a few bad ones. Please keep praying
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