post partum depression?

my daughter is 5 1/2 months and I am starting to have been having trouble with my moods for the last few weeks now.  I feel depressed all the time and I am affraid because I can't seem to get my self out of this funk I'm in. Is it just baby blues or is this something else?

[Nicki1433]

I can't tell you for sure what you're going through, but I can tell you that baby blue's only last a couple weeks (I think 2 weeks PP is general rule of thumb).  I started to feel the "funk" about midway through my pregnancy.  I wasn't sad either, just out of it and had a REALLY short fuse.  When my son was 4.5 months old, I finally broke down and cried my way through a phone call with my OB and he prescribed Lexapro and it worked almost instantly!

I definitely say call.  I knew something was wrong for a long time, but thought I could shake it myself.  I think it was Dr.Phil (I know...lame) that said that depression is like a 2 year old yelling mommy...the more you ignore it the louder it gets!

Good luck!

[anxiousmomtobe?]

You can develope ppd up to 12 months after delivery.  Especially if you are nursing.  It is exhausting having an infant to care for.  Make sure you talk with your doc openly and honestly about how you are feeling.

[ajemmom]

I agree with the previous post that you need to be open and honest with your doctor.  They have seen it before and they can help.  I suffered from postpartum depression and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.  It was the single most horrible time of my life and I waited too long to get help.  I didn't really realize that I was suffering from PPD and when I was finally told/accepted that is what it was, I got help and was a ton better in a few months.  Just get help!

[decogrl]

Post Partum Depression is for real and don't take it lightly.  I felt like another person several months ago.  I was in such a depression crying hysterically every night, not even wanting to hold the baby.  That is when I said, enough is enough, for the sake of my child and marriage, I needed a change.  I was also having violent periods.  You need to get on medication.  Good luck to you