post partum depression

[mmarsride]

Can I have post partum depression even though I gave birth to my son almost two years ago? I feel like I shouldn't feel something is wrong. I have a beautiful son that I love. Aside from that I feel alone and numb. I don't feel this way when I'm spending time with my son, but when I am not I feel like I could sink into the floor. I was thinking if I could only cry I would feel better when I'm done, but I can't. I'm a 27 year old single mother and I feel like I will be forever alone, rejected, numb. I can't concentrate on school because this feeling of nothingness is blocking me from ambition. I just don't know.

[Julie359]

Hi.... can you identify when you started to feel depressed?  The fact that you are feeling so low and it is affecting your everyday life would indicate that maybe you are suffering from depression, post partum depression i do not know?

The most logical thing to do would to go see your doctor who will be able to give you a full check up, maybe do a full blood check up and make sure you are not low in anything like Iron, potassium.... as this could affect your mood.  

He may want to try you on some anti-depressants for a short time to get you back on track.

[mmarsride]

I can say that I honestly felt depressed after I stopped breast feeding. Then it was like I put my feelings and emotions to the side and ignored them. Then I would feel depressed again and block out how I was feeling again. I think I've been depressed ever since just trying to ignore it which has prolonged me dealing with the problem. I'm in a new state with no family or friends, no sense of community. I can't go to a doctor because I have no insurance.I think a major part of my problem is that life is testing my patience. There are so many goals I'm working toward that i have to wait three years for reaching them. Thanks for responding to my question. The people I try to talk to in my life are never hearing me out which makes me feel even more alone.

[Julie359]

Seriously you can't go to the doctor??? Wow... what would happen if God forbid something terrible happened... is the Insurance much???

It's amazing how over in England we take sooo much for granted... our health care system is free.  Is there anyway for you to get Insurance?

I understand fully how now more than ever you are feeling alone, moving with no friends, family etc.... how long has it been since you moved?

I know this is far easier said than done but why not try and take the little one to maybe a mother and toddler group in your area, this may be a good way to start making friends... i know it's hard especially when your feeling so low, but you never know you could meet someone who is in exactly the same sitaution as you.... maybe just pop in a and have a coffee to begin with...then take it from there and from experience mum's tend to take their kids there firstly to meet new people and then for their kids to make new friends.  

Remember you are a worthy person who deserves to be happy.... God bless and hope this advice has been useful....