Already mommies...

[EmaleeJoy]

are any of you already mommies struggling with postpartum depression? I'm 4 months postpartum and severely struggling... It's not so much "depression" it's more of the severe rage and anger spells I get towards my boyfriend (mostly in the morning.) I've seen my doctor about it and she prescribed me celexa but it makes my anxiety worse and to be honest, I hate antidepressants. If anyone is struggling, do you have any tips for me at all?

[EmaleeJoy]

So true! But it ***** because I'm not necessarily tired. My son sleeps a good 10-12 hours straight every night but my boyfriend works until 1am so when he sleeps until 9-10 I get mad because I feel like he's sleeping in but in reality he's not at all... I guess I just hate the loneliness in the nights and mornings but I get so mad, like today I kicked a yoga ball at his pop so it would spill all over his clothes. I have some serious anger postpartum problems

[mama2luvu]

Lol this makes me laugh because after my first child I was a mad rage lol with just my boyfriend I was always so tired and breastfeeding and everything was so much for me I took it out on him and he was trying to help me out so much. ...he would ask me why are u acting thus way with me I felt horrible but it is hard to control especially when you are tired and it's your first child

[EmaleeJoy]

Thank you!! The meds don't work because I've abused street drugs in the past and brings on almost the same feeling that they did which is causing my anxiety to rise a ton. But I have been working on the breathing and exercising. I feel so bad that my boyfriend puts up with my anger but it's truly so unbelievably hard to control, but it is possible! Thank you for your input though (:

[specialmom]

Hi there.  So sorry you are having a hard time.  Don't feel alone because many women go through this.  I'm glad your doctor is working with you on this issue to help you feel better.  If Celexa isn't working for you, there are others to choose from.  Remember, SSRI's have start up side effects that peter out as you stay on the drug and it takes 6 to 8 weeks for it to be fully working.  One thing doctors do is to slowly increase your dose (same as they slowly decrease your dose when you are coming off of it) when starting a new medication such as Celexa.  But there are others to try if this isn't the best for you either within that class of drugs or SNRI's, etc.  Your doctor is a valuable tool with this.  While no one loves being on medication it does become important to get out from under the 'cloud' so to speak.  

Other things that help are to talk to someone.  A therapist would be ideal but in general, if you have a good friend, sister, etc. to talk to, it does help.  A journal helps and is a good way to look for triggers.  Exercise is essential because it is a natural stress reliever.  Eating right, TRYING to get rest (hard with a newborn) is helpful.  For anger, take deep breaths.  Instead of letting the explosive anger out---  DO something else.  Have go to activities such as taking the baby for a walk, cleaning windows and toilets, writing in your journal, do square breathing (breath in for 4, hold 4, out for 4, hold 4, repeat).  

Anyway, hang in there and hopefully it will pass soon.  good luck