What is postnatal depression?
The terms Postnatal depression and post partum depression are synonymous. There’s no clear definition of the terms, DSM ignores it completely and only acknowledges its existence as a qualifier for Major Depression, and then only if it begins within 6 weeks of birth. DSM understands very little about psychiatry sometimes. Most of us that work in the area understand it to mean a post natal (post partum) mood disturbance that occurs anytime between birth and the first year after birth.Given that, postnatal depressions would be more accurate as there are many different presentations, most people actually have far more anxiety than lowered mood. Almost nobody will respond to medication alone, in my practice I offer individual psychotherapy, play therapy and couple therapy, and in the past have also run play therapy groups.Many people with postnatal depression experience their symptoms prior to birth
Depression Medication while pregnant?
Is it prefectly safe with 0 chances of something going wrong- no, very few medications are... However I'm sure this was a decision made by a health care professional and your self- so that tells me the benefits outway any possible risks ( which are few and far inbetween). I myself have been on Lexapro for 3 years and upon becoming pregnant- I'm now 34 weeks along, stopped taking it. I became very depressed and suicidal, so of course in my situaion too I choose the Lexapro, becaus eif I'm not alive, my baby's not... However , if your wanting to breats feed you may want to research Zoloft, Paxil, or Prozac because these 3 meds are excreted in much lower amounts in the breast milks than other SSRI's (a.k.a. antidepressants % anti anxiety mads). I wish you lots of luck with your pregnancy and with your recovery from depression, please make sure to watch yourself closely in the months following birth for signs of post partum depression- and don't worry the better you feel, even with the help of meds, the better you can take care of yourself and your child!
Drinking alcohol and anxiety/depression medications?
You would have to check into the interactions of a specific medication you are taking and what the effects of drinking alcohol will have or could be while taking this. Some medication or antidepressants will allow 1-2 drinks but common sense should tell us that all alcohol is a depressant, and that doing this is self-defeating. If you really want to get well, put the plug in the jug and leave it there, until you are well or at least have some stability with your depression. Many people can have a great time without having to use alcohol. You can also have specific drinks made for you that look alcoholic, but are not. ie virgin marys or singapore-slings or caesars, spritzers etc.etc., all made but without the use of any alcohol. Depending on how depressed you are, it is up to you in the end what risk you are willing to take. Self-responsibility and whatever your outcome will be is yours alone to accept. Listen to your mind, heart, and body and you will have your own answer that works best for you. Take care & mental health #1
Yet another question about my baby blues/post partum depression?
I think 9 days is a bit early to diagnose PPD. See how you feel in a week (unless things get a lot worse). Mine wasn't diagnosed until he was 6 months old, but at least they got it in the end. Hopefully it is the baby blues, but keep an eye on yourself and get to the doc asap if you start getting really low. All the best!
How do I deal with post-partum depression?
There are some anti-depressants that are safe to take while breastfeeding. Prozac is a category C, which basically means the drug should be given if the potential benefits out-weigh the potential risks of giving it. Since you are uncomfortable taking it and breastfeeding, and you express a desire to continue breastfeeding, ask your Dr. if there are any category B or better. Breastfeeding in and of itself is shown to decrease the risk and effects of Post Partum Depression. If there is nothing else the doctor feels he can prescribe, take it. I personally was on Paxil during breastfeeding. It was no business of anyone elses what I took while breatfeeding (that my MD prescribed). My daughter is fine. She is an exceptional student and healthy as can be. Good Luck and be well.
Is lithium carbonate ever used to treat postpartum depression?
No, Lithium is not used to treat Postpartum Depression, That is generally treated medically with anti-depressants. Prozac is generally the preferred medication, but if the mother was already on an anti-depressant prior to pregnancy/birth such as Zoloft, and is considered safe while breastfeeding if the mom is choosing to do so, then that is generally continued.Unfortunately the US is behind most other westernized countries who give new moms hormone therapy immediately after birth to help reduce the risk of postpartum depression. There is a huge difference between Postpartum Depression and Postpartum Psychosis however.As far as Lithium is concerned, it is used with Pastpartum Psychosis - but that is much rarer. That requires serious and immediate intervention. Psychosis involves having hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, etc. That is when the mom poses a threat to herself and not only the newborn, but her other children as well. Only a small percentage of women ever experience that, but small as it may be, the symptoms all too often go unrecognized, and the mom is left unattended to act on her delusions. Other mood stabilizers (which Lithium is) and anti-psychotic medications are used as well in cases of postpartum depression.
Postpartum depression?
I had the baby blues for about 2 weeks after having my little boy, I loved him so much but was so overwhelmed with everything that had happened and also felt like it was too good to be true and something was going to happen. One minute I would feel like the happiest person alive, so proud to have my baby.. then I will look at him and be so confused with it all and burst into tears. Sounds crazy but as soon as I had him i pretty much forgot all about pregnancy, felt like I just woke up and had a baby given to me. It will get better, hopefully you have someone there to help you so you can get your rest and know your little one will be looked after.. Don't do it alone take up all the help you can, I kept trying to face up to it all on my own and I think that's what made me worse. Congratulations on your little girl before you know it she will be running after you calling your name :')