Post Partum

[Mayflower1]

I am guessing this is what I am going through, because I haven't had depression in a very long time. My daughter is 4 months old and I love my husband. He is good support. God is my strength and so is my little family.

It scares me, because I can't go back into this cycle. But still I have had some major life changes, not getting much sleep, and since my little girl won't take bottles or anything, I can't have too many moments to myself. She still wakes every two hours to nurse.

I love being a mom, but I have just felt myself getting low and know this cycle. I am on 100 mg of sertraline for anxiety and have plenty of accountability. I don't want to go back to counseling unless I start getting suicidal, because I have plenty of outlits, coping skills, and a lot of love and support. I hope it is just temporary. Winter is a bit hard too, because it has been so cold, I can't get Lorena out much, and my husband works thirds, so sleeps a lot of the day. So I am sure I will feel better soon. I just don't want to shut down like I did in the past. Depression was such a spiral for me in the past. I got to remember that everyone has lows.

Anyway, just asking for prayer. I've always like Christian Forums and don't go into the mental health or self injury sections much anymore, because I am sensitive to triggers. But I am thankful for a lot of support. In college when I was 18 I think, people on Christian Forums were about the only ones I talked to.

My encouragement to anyone reading is that depression may be a fight, but God is on our side. Don't give up, because there is help. Serving others helps a lot. Always gets me out of myself.

 

[ripple the car]

Thank you, lily. On the plus side, your baby is super adorable, and squishy. I've been through depression, PTS, anxiety, and grief. It gets better. Let God hold your hand, and lead you.

 

[Jeshu]

Sorry to hear about this down turn Lily. i so hope it will only be for a short time. Have you considered trying vitamin D i know it shaved quiet a few percentages of my depression last Winter.

Good to hear you receive lots of loving support that is greatest my partner stands by me too. As a matter of fact i wouldn't know what to do with myself without her.

God bless you with ability to keep going and hopefully soon you get a little more sleep. Please take good care of yourself.

 

[Poppyseed78]

Having a baby in the winter is challenging because you can't get out much. My son (now two years old) was born in January, so I can sympathize. I'm glad you have a strong support network and coping skills. I think it's good that you are aware that you are having some difficulty. Try to practice self-care as much as possible and have "me-time". When your baby is sleeping, I would strongly recommend napping too, taking a relaxing shower, reading scripture, enjoying a cup of tea, reading a book, watching a movie or tv show, or even painting your nails - whatever makes you happy and lifts your spirits.

Also, even if for brief periods, try to get out of the house and get some fresh air, maybe pop over to a store close by and just browse. These things helped me during my first winter with my son, as I am a stay-at-home mom too. It gets easier. I think you're doing great as a mom! Just don't forget to take care of yourself too.

 

[Mayflower1]

Sorry to hear about this down turn Lily. i so hope it will only be for a short time. Have you considered trying vitamin D i know it shaved quiet a few percentages of my depression last Winter.

Good to hear you receive lots of loving support that is greatest my partner stands by me too. As a matter of fact i wouldn't know what to do with myself without her.

God bless you with ability to keep going and hopefully soon you get a little more sleep. Please take good care of yourself.

I have to take my 1000 mg of vitamin D3, because I practically have none in my system if I don't!

 

[Mayflower1]

Having a baby in the winter is challenging because you can't get out much. My son (now two years old) was born in January, so I can sympathize. I'm glad you have a strong support network and coping skills. I think it's good that you are aware that you are having some difficulty. Try to practice self-care as much as possible and have "me-time". When your baby is sleeping, I would strongly recommend napping too, taking a relaxing shower, reading scripture, enjoying a cup of tea, reading a book, watching a movie or tv show, or even painting your nails - whatever makes you happy and lifts your spirits.

Also, even if for brief periods, try to get out of the house and get some fresh air, maybe pop over to a store close by and just browse. These things helped me during my first winter with my son, as I am a stay-at-home mom too. It gets easier. I think you're doing great as a mom! Just don't forget to take care of yourself too.

Stay at home mom is a bit more challenging then I thought, but I really love it. I got out for three hours for choir practice (I just started), and it is the first time I've been away from Lorena that long because of nursing. It did a world of good. Took a shower (it has been a couple weeks, but hygiene is the first thing I struggle with when low), and went to Tuesday lunch brunch today. What helped most is actually having a good night sleep. God must have known I needed it, because Lorena only woke up after 4 hours twice the other night, then every two hours. It is hard to get back to sleep and have usually only gotten 2 to 3 hours a night. So I am feeling a bit better and going to take better care of myself. Even applied for a job for a few hours a day at a daycare. Not actively looking for work, because I want to mainly stay at home for my daughter, but I want to get a cda to teach preschool which requires so many training hours. At 18 months my daughter can come also. Kids really brighten my day. My daughter really does brighten my day, but I just need a break once in awhile to not just feel like a walking buffet. Thank you for your advice. And definitely have learned to be aware of when I get low and work on things to change it before it gets too bad. With my husband and daughter, it encourages me to be strong for them. I can't allow myself to fall into a shutdown like I did in my teens and early 20's. And I am a lot stronger then that and closer to Christ to spoil myself with kindness.

 

[VeraH]

Dear lily00,
May God bless you and give you strength to go through this period. Trust in Him with all your might. He helped you go through depression before. He will help you with this one. You just have to only believe.
PSALM 9:10 And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.