I was recently diagnosed with postpartum depression/anxiety. I didn’t expect this as it didn’t happen with my first baby, but being a stay at home mama 24/7 with both kiddos, feeling completely alone with almost no help, and breastfeeding around the clock despite horrible nipple pain, while feeling behind on all the housework & also being a college student is almost completely opposite of my first postpartum experience so it has completely knocked the breath out of me so to speak. I feel completely judged, overwhelmed, overlooked, underappreciated, incompetent, and just flat out worn tf out. Not to mention sleep deprived. I’m seeing a therapist and taking Zoloft, but so far that is all. Slight improvement but still have really, really hard days struggling with insomnia, blood pressure problems, and all kinds of other issues I won’t get into...but seems to just add to my overall stress. Was just interested in other methods of stress relief/self-care/treatment y’all have tried that worked. And what helped with motivation to do said things (because I have none) Thanks in advance 🙏
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I'm sorry you're going through this. I was definitely struggling for a while after my son was born. I ended up stopping pumping (he had been in NICU for almost 3 months, so I had been pumping to feed), I went on Zoloft, and I tried to refocus myself. While I felt guilty for stopping the breast milk, I also did feel a shift in my mood...I wasn't hooked up to a pump constantly, and I could give my daughter more attention and spend that time taking care of what I needed to. (I'm not suggesting to stop breastfeeding, I'm just saying that it was a factor in me getting better in my circumstances).
Take your medicine on time and as prescribed. It helped me a good bit overall. You'll really see the results at about a month in. The other thing you need to do, is to take care of yourself. I know... When do I have time for that?! It doesn't have to be extravagant. My "self care" is a cup of hot tea and reading when I get the chance. I try to eat well. How you fuel your body really does impact your well-being. I was in a bad habit after my son was born of just eating crap that was easily available (fast food; a handful of chips or a cookie on the go). Try to find quick snacks that are also good nutritionally. And lastly... Know that your are a good mom. We all struggle in this. Not every day is wonderful, and that's okay. You aren't incompetent, and the people who are judging you aren't worth your time. They should be offering help if they think that they can do it better instead of making you feel less than.
First off I'd like to say that the fact you havent given up and you are reaching out for support says a whole lot. I am sorry to hear that you feel the way you do because your feelings do matter and you deserve as much support as possible. I just wanted to tell you that. I'm sorry I dont have advice to offer.
Thanks so much y’all