[sacha]

So I'm finally going to let my doctor know that I had postnatal depression and still experience some bouts of depression/mood swings (all started after my son was born, not before). It's been 17 months. I see her on Thursday for other reasons and will bring it up (she is an OBGYN).

Can you tell me what to expect??

[BellaLucia]

Good luck!

[HikingChloe]

I am sorry to say no personal experience (never had kids) but I am glad you are going in. I watched one friend really struggle after one of her babies and I think she was just even relieved she finally talked to her doctor.

[VermontMom]

I don't have any practical advice but just wanted to give you support and kudos for having the courage to go to a doctor about it. I didn't, and it's only a miracle I didn't follow through on some truly horrible thoughts. best wishes to you

[chikittita]

Just chiming in for support too. Not sure if postnatal depression is different from any other depression. I had a short experience with depression and it awful. She will probably refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist. I went to a psychologist as I did not wan to take any drugs. Was it helpful? I am not sure. i know that I eventually got out of it as it was a circumstantial mild depression. Best of luck

[DietVet]

If your doctor is like most of the doctors I've known, she'll probably write you a script for an anti-depressant and she might suggest a therapist. If I were you, I would want to be prepared for that.

I don't know how you feel about anti-depressants--lots of people have lots of opinions about them--but I would urge you to be open-minded about talking with your doctor about them. They have made my life liveable and while there are side-effects, I am grateful that they are an option.

Good luck!