Postnatal depression and dealing with medication

[Mia1987]

Hi 

I've recently been diagnosed with postage depression I have a beautiful 10 month old little boy.  

He has been a very poor sleeper since he's was born and I think it finally took its toll.  

I've suffered from depression on and off since I was a teenager,  I am now 27 married with one baby.  

I finally gave in and started antidepressants 3 days ago and I feel awful! First day just felt nausea and headachy. 

Yesterday started feeling quite anxious and teary.  Today is much the same.  

I went back to the doc yesterday cos I was starting to freak out.  I hate feeling like this I feel worse than I did before I took anythin. 

He gave me some tablets for the anxiety to take for a few days until the side effects settle down.

They work a little but not a lot and make me very sleepy.  

I feel in such a daze I feel horrible I feel useless I can't help my husband with our baby.  All I can do is breastfeed him when needed.  Which opens another batch of worries that the medication I'm taking could harm him. I've been assured from doc that he's safe.  It's still worries me.  

Hubby keeps telling me it will get better once my body regulates the drugs.  I hope he's right I just want to feel normal again.  This is horrible.  

Has anyone had any successful stories where it's helped? 

[HA1]

Hi Mia

Welcome to the BB forum, and thanks for your post. Believe me when I say that I would guess that nearly everyone on this forum will understand exactly what you are going through, we have all experienced it in one way or another (albeit, not necessarily associated with post-natal depression!)  So you are definitely not alone.

In my case acceptance of the illness has been important.  Your husband is right, there is a time lag  before the medication kicks in - in my case about 6 weeks.  Others may tell a different story because everyone is different.  Many of us have also had some form of side effects while it is starting to work its magic, like you, tiredness and feeling dopey was big with me. 

The important thing to remember is that you will get better, give it time.  Try not to get too frustrated. 

And if you need support there is always someone on this forum who will want to help.  I am sure others will also reply to your post.  

So please keep in touch and let us know how you are progressing.  Are you able to get some family support while you are going through this phase?

Take care

K