just a couple of questions at end of post

angelhair wrote: I am so excited because i think the depression is really starting to lift and am really ok with going back on birth control next month and enjoying my family of four. my son crawled in bed with the baby and me and the thre of us were just hanging out and I was just enjoying the moment. sometimes it is just a relief not to feel sad or depressed but to be able to just let it go and focus on other things. while i have good days and bad days(the nature of the beast with depression and bipolar) I am having more good days. being happy healthy and whole is so much more important then being pregnant and now that i am starting to get better i do not want to go backward. out of curiosity anyone else battle with mental illness? you do not have to answer if that question is to personal. also does anyone know of any message boards for people with depression? thanks

jcc64 replied: I think I may have mentioned this to you before- but I have generalized anxiety disorder, with an occasional tendency toward depression, which I treat very effectively with low doses of paxil. I had PPD after Corey was born, but again, I responded pretty quickly to the meds.
My dad had a lot of issues with bi-polar and depression, but unfortunately for him, the meds weren't always as good as they are now. He really struggled all through my childhood, and I have very vivid memories of the times when he wasn't well.
While mental illness is certainly no picnic, I feel it has been a blessing in disguise in certain ways, and I believe the same was true for my dad. It has given me a patience with others' weaknesses that I don't think I would have had otherwise. I fully understand what it feels like to be "off your game" and how that can sometimes make you behave in a way that is unattractive or seems unreasonable to those around you. Where before I was much more judgmental or unforgiving, I now understand that for alot of people, they may be dealing with ghosts or demons in their own heads, and that sometimes prevents them from putting their best foot forward, kwim? I guess this a long way of saying there's a silver lining in everything, even mental illness.
I'm glad you're speaking up about your struggles, it can only help you and others here.

MyLuvBugs replied: I don't have a diagnosed mental illness, but I did go through a MAJOR post-partum depression for 10 weeks after Lorelei was born. I cried ALL THE TIME. My mom even said it was the most she'd ever seen me cry in my entire life. But like you, it all get's better and goes away. now I can enjoy being a mom instead of a basketcase.

amymom replied: I struggle with depression. I have been helped in the past with Zoloft, and am considering going back to that or investigating another drug. I have another appt Tuesday to discuss with a doctor. I appreciate your being so open about your ways of dealing. I learn more each time someone opens up about it. I am not as open as you, and in real life I do not deal with it openly at all.

Thanks for bring this up. I am looking forward to reading all replys.

mysweetpeasWil&Wes replied: I dealt with depression in my late teens and now suffer from GAD. For the first time in my life, recently, I was prescribed Lexapro. I've only been on it for one week, but we'll see how it works. So far, I'm feeling pretty good. I think it's important we speak out on this issue because I've found that more women suffer than we think. And although there have been controversy in the media regarding women taking meds for PPD (ie; Tom Cruise), I feel that it's nothing to be ashamed about. By taking the meds, I feel that I'm not only helping myself, but my family too, and what could be wrong with that?

I'm glad you're feeling better!

jcc64 replied: Tom Cruise is an irresponsible idiot.

mysweetpeasWil&Wes replied:
I agree.

Nathansmom replied: I suffer from depression on and off...on when I decide on my own not to take my meds
However, I have responded well to Celexa, and it makes me a much happier easier to be with person.

Insanemomof3 replied: I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. I have not taken any meds for it though. I just try to control my moods on my own. (Doesn't ALWAYS work lol) I am glad though that you are feeling better.

MyLuvBugs replied:
lol TOTALLY!! The man is completely nutty.

But I do agree that as a culture Americans rely too much on drugs to fix their problems. In some cases, like PPD and GAD, drugs are called for to help a person get through it all, but drugs aren't the answer for every last detail of ones life. Ya just have to find the right doctor that isn't tooooo pushy the drugs, saying here try this, or this, or this. I prefer a doctor that will listen, test, diaganosis correctly the first time, and then perscribe. Know what I mean?

But yeah, I couldn't believe when he called Brooke Shields nuts for taking drugs and talking about her depression. He's such an idiot!

amynicole21 replied: I'm so glad that you are starting to feel better. It will only get better from here!

I have taken zoloft for depression and mild OCD for about 9 years now. I'm not a nice person when I am not on my meds - more angry and irrational than sad. I don't see myself going off of them any time soon.

Kaitlin'smom replied:


I never did like the man and even less now

jacobsmama replied: I just started on Lexapro as well about 3 weeks ago and The fog is really starting to lift i think... Not sure though...But I feel better which is good and i'm glad that i'm getting some energy back. My son is 20 months old and I had Post partum depression and never said anything and Just now got treatment it is working out though..

CantWait replied: I suffered through PPD, but after Anthony was 1 and I was still going through it, I realized it was a little more then PPD, and rather just generalized depression. I've suffered with it for many years, but finally last year I stopped doing things I normally would have, I often binged on food, stopped walking, and couldn't get back into the gym (which is something I've done since Robbie started school), I was grumpy, and always yelling at the kids, was very impatient and just wanted to sleep all the time. I was on anti-depressants for a period of about six months, and it did help....but it also came with side effects and was too pricey after a while. I'm not currently on anything, but I still fight boughts of depression of a regular basis.

mummy2girls replied: i have struggled with depression ever since i lost jordan.... I have been on depressants and actualyy am on paxil rigth now because of what im going through and feeling with this pregnancy!

kimberley replied: i also suffered from PPD after my last 2 births. i didn't medicate and that was a huge mistake. the first time, i failed to bond with my son (we are still not as close as we should be and he is 7yo ) and the second, i took severe measures and nearly lost everything i have already discussed with my midwife what course of action we plan to take after this baby is born. she said that recent studies show that a mom who fully rests the first week or two after the baby is born is far less likely to suffer from PPD again. if that doesn't help, i will go to meds this time without hesitation.

Dee, i am really happy to hear that things are starting to feel right for you. You do have a beautiful family so savor every moment!

and yes, Tom Cruise is a dwarf moron!