intro: PPD, obsession
I'm Carrie, 28 year old SAHM to a 2 year old daughter and 4 month old twin girls. I had depression since my 1st daughter was born in Feb 05, when she was about 2 months old. My OB tried to put me on drugs immediately - I didn't want that becaues I was nursing. I never sought out any treatment, only self-care through exercise, which worked.
My depression went away "magically" when I found out we were pregnant again in April 06. (I noticed that my mood was better, and then found out I was pregnant, not the other way around.) I had a great outlook, no depression, wonderful pregnancy, and healthy twins in Dec 06...and the depression came back almost immediately.
They are nursing, and I know that the low estrogen levels that accompany exclusive breastfeeding can exacerbate depression. I have a family history (my mom) as well. Having multiples is another risk factor for depression, as is having closely spaced children (mine are 22 months apart). I am an attachment parent, which is very difficult (but not impossible) with multiples.
My symptoms are feeling out of control, wild and unexplained mood swings, feelings of extreme self loathing, suicidal thoughts (more feeling that I regret that I cannot, because of my children and husband), and irritability/anger. These symptoms have improved with exercise and totally revamping my eating style....but I worry that I'm now becoming obsessed with WL/calorie counting. I'm someone who easily gets obsessed with things, all-or-nothing personality. I can be feeling very happy and positive, and then something (babies crying, bang my elbow on the door, trip over something, notice the kitchen is a wreck) will trigger these feelings....and unfortunately, getting back to happy doesn't happen as quickly as getting upset.
Am I just shifting my feelings onto weight loss? This is such a taboo issue, but I hope there are some on here who have some insight. It's taken a lot for me to get to a point where I can acknowledge that I am having problems. I don't think it should be "off-limits" - that makes it so much worse.
Thanks.
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