PPD and Anxiety.. need reassurance. :(

Mental health
1

So this is probably going to be a long drawn out thing, so I apologize in advance I just need some reassurance that the way I’ve been feeling is anxiety/postpartum depression related and that I’m not dying or going insane.

So I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl 3 months ago.. My husband and I tried for a year to get pregnant and finally succeeded and I was so excited and happy the entire time no anxiety, just pure joy. Until darkness struck me soon as she was born and since then I’ve been a whirlwind of emotions, weird body feeling and horrible thoughts that I’m slowly dying from the way I feel.

I constantly feel numb inside, just empty. Although the baby does make me happy and I donate every second of my time only to her, I still feel so terrible. I feel constantly weak, my brain feels like it’s in a fog, 24/7. I feel like my body is shaking on the inside, all the time. I get muscle twitches and bad headaches. I feel hopeless and I just want to know that I’m not the only one that feels this way.

My doctor put me on Lexapro 3 weeks after giving birth because when I came home from the hospital I couldn’t move. Literally. Didn’t eat for 2 whole weeks. Well, the Lexapro helped for a little while and it’s been 3 months and it hasn’t helped the physical symptoms. I’m on Buspar as well this is my 3rd week on it with no help whatsoever. I could use some feedback if at all possible. Please just tell me this is “normal” and I’m not dying My body feels like it’s attacking me

2

Hi there:

I’m so sorry for what you are going through and can relate. I too am struggling since Xmas. Has your doctor increased your dose at all? 

3

No. My GP doesn’t listen to me... I’m thinking of seeing a theapist. 

4

And get a new GP maybe. A dose increase would be the next step. Usually when you start a medication it’s a low dose to get into your system and then you have to find what dose works for you. I bet if you increased the Lexapro you would get some benefits. 

5

Sorry to hear your suffering. Have you tried the mumsnet website for advice? I bet there are lots of women out there like you who are struggling after giving birth. I’ve not had children but it must take your body time to adjust as well as looking after a little one. Don’t be too hard on yourself, you will get through it x

6

Thank you ❤️ I will check it out! It definitely takes a toll on you. 

7

Tonight where I usually would take 10mg of the lexapro im gonna try to take the whole 20mg. Let’s see how this goes. Lol

8

I looked at the website. It’s based in the UK if I’m from the US is it gonna be okay?

9

Should be, I’m from the UK and this is a US website I’m guessing. If not, sure there will be a US version. I’m just thinking you will have a better chance of talking to first time mums who can offer their insight 

10

I’ve had two babies and suffered with the second one bad. Was put on celexa and took it off and on over the last 10 years. At Xmas I suffered again and the doctor maxed my dose over a few weeks with no result so he switched me to Paxil CR and now I’m working to find the correct dose of that. It’s all about finding the dose that works.