[ANGWife]

Ed and I went to the Transformers movie tonight. The theater was completely full and I got super hot. During the previews, I had a panic attack, turned into a crying mess, and had to leave

I've had a problem with anxiety before but I've been doing really well for the past few years. I love going to the movies and I don't get upset by large crowds. I've been feeling alot of pressure lately and I guess tonight put me over the top somehow.

We started talking, and Ed thinks I may be having PPD issues again. I hate to label it that, but I'm having a harder time handling things now that Henry is here.

[midnight_starr]

I'm sorry you are having a hard time, I would bring it up to your doctor!

I also think you should talk to your doctor. Just explain what you have been feeling and see what he says.

I'm sorry that you are having a hard time and that you missed your movie last night. I never had full blown PPD, but I did have the baby blues very badly for about a month. It was not a good feeling. I hope that you start feeling better soon.

[Alison81]

I'm sorry you're feeling that way. I have major anxiety issues, I get really on edge these days because I am off all meds. And sometimes I do feel on the verge of a panic attack, it's a horrible feeling because I consider myself a very upbeat and confident person. I would talk to your doctor, and see what suggestions they have. Taking vitamin D is supposed to help with overall mood, so you may want to have your vitamin D levels tested.

[~*Bethy*~]

PPD is something you dont want to 2nd guess, go see your dr! KUP!!!

~Beth

[soImarriedAnerd]

Talk to your provider, also maybe try to find some local new moms to talk with.

[*Mrs.J.2011*]

I'm sorry you had a hard night! I would def bring it up with your doctor! I'm glad you and Ed are able to recognize the possible signs before it gets worse!

[Mars]

I agree with the other ladies. Talk with your doctor asap and get a diagnosis.

[IamMom]

I would also recommend bringing it up to your doctor asap. I have generalized anxiety disorder and although I haven't had problems in many years or been on medication for many years my doctors have told me after both babies that I have to be very serious about any anxiety or sadness that I experience. Thankfully I never had any issues with any amount of sadness or anxiety after my babies...but if I had I would tell my doctor ASAP. Good luck Morgan - let us know how it goes....

I think we can all relate to an extent and talking to you doc is a good idea.

[ANGWife]

Thanks for the support. When I was a teenager, I had some pretty bad anxiety issues but I spoke to a therapist and I gained a good control over it. Ever since Henry has come along, I've had alot on my plate. So I'm wondering if it's just brought out my old issues, and maybe not PPD.

I thought the biggest "symptom" of PPD was wanting to hurt yourself or the baby? I don't feel that way at all. I had baby blues BAD when he came home. But that kinda went away after a week or so.

I suppose I'll ask my OB.

[ShannonMVT]

I'm sorry you are feeling this way Morgan.

Having a baby and being a new mommy is tough, that's for sure. I had a mommy meltdown the other day.

I hope you can talk to your Dr and come up with a solution so you can feel better.

[Lash]

Originally Posted by ANGWife

Thanks for the support. When I was a teenager, I had some pretty bad anxiety issues but I spoke to a therapist and I gained a good control over it. Ever since Henry has come along, I've had alot on my plate. So I'm wondering if it's just brought out my old issues, and maybe not PPD.

I thought the biggest "symptom" of PPD was wanting to hurt yourself or the baby? I don't feel that way at all. I had baby blues BAD when he came home. But that kinda went away after a week or so.

I suppose I'll ask my OB.

PPD sometimes exhibits itself as thoughts of harm and it gets more media attention, but PPD is more "regular" depression, true depression, brought on by the birth. It IS depression, justhappens to be post partum, similar to Post Traumatic Stress

PPP, or Post Partum Psychosis also exists

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Symptoms

By Mayo Clinic staff Signs and symptoms of depression after childbirth vary depending on the type of depression.
Baby blues
Signs and symptoms of the baby blues — which last only a few days or weeks — may include:

• Mood swings
• Anxiety
• Sadness
• Irritability
• Crying
• Decreased concentration
• Trouble sleeping

Postpartum depression
Postpartum depression may appear to be the baby blues at first — but the signs and symptoms are more intense and longer lasting, eventually interfering with your ability to care for your baby and handle other daily tasks. Signs and symptoms of postpartum depression may include:

• Loss of appetite
• Insomnia
• Intense irritability and anger
• Overwhelming fatigue
• Loss of interest in sex
• Lack of joy in life
• Feelings of shame, guilt or inadequacy
• Severe mood swings
• Difficulty bonding with the baby
• Withdrawal from family and friends
• Thoughts of harming yourself or the baby

Postpartum psychosis
With postpartum psychosis — a rare condition that typically develops within the first two weeks after delivery — the signs and symptoms are even more severe. Signs and symptoms of postpartum psychosis may include:

• Confusion and disorientation
• Hallucinations and delusions
• Paranoia
• Attempts to harm yourself or the baby

Notice that thoughts are harm are at the bottom of the list of PPD, and that there are many more. To meet criteria for a diagnosis, you only have to fit some of them, not all.

Let me also point out that sleep is absoloutly crucial to mental health. Sleep deprivation is used as torture many many times. It can cause the most rapid of mood swings and mood alteration, more so than the hormone change. Many people experience the baby blues from hormones, but the sleep deprivation is what sends people into depression. I'd see if you can get both anti-depressants AND a sleep medication (low dose, non addicting, one that still makes you able to get up when you need to in the middle of the night, but gives you deeper sleep when you do sleep)

Hope this helps in some way!

[ShannonMVT]

That makes sense Lauren, the sleep deprivation really does throw you for a loop.

[soImarriedAnerd]

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