Could I have postpartum - postnatal - depression?

Question

I had a baby 4 months ago, and I also have a lively and quite challenging 3 year old. As the months have gone on, I have become increasingly more exhausted, and am losing my rag A LOT at my 3 year old and husband. I fly into terrible rages, and almost forget what I have done afterwards.

My husband is terribly worried that my behaviour is having a very adverse effect on our 3 year old (I am worried too, hence posting this on here). I cannot cope with even the smallest misdemeanour. I know it is unrealistic to expect our little boy to be quiet, calm and compliant all the time. But I can't cope if he isn't.

I have headaches quite a lot, and am making mistakes too. I am someone who is quite a perfectionist and was always quite fastidious about everything.

The reason I thought maybe I didn't have PND is that I have really bonded with my little baby. He is docile, placid and has a content disposition. He is no trouble at all, and I am breastfeeding him etc. I am calm and feel OK when it is just me and him.

However, I seem unable to cope with my eldest son. I am so tired, and the poor little mite obviously doesn't understand why I am so irritable. I am wondering what I can do to make things more manageable. I do not like the idea of prescribed medication like ant-depressants.

Answer 1

What you need is respite, time to yourself-often. It IS overwhelming,naturally not necessarily chemically. I wouldnt look for a disorder I would look for a problem solver. You need some help from either a spouse, caregiver, family member to pitch hit for you as you get some needed quiet time.  Take a break often and do something for yourself to refocus yourself, If you are sleep deprived that is the problem, and dont expect yourself NOT to lose it. It is OK (no physical violence tho) to scream, scream loud often (primal screaming), and explain (often) to your eldest son that it is hard when there is a new baby and even try to get him to help out. And certainly your husband should be carrying alot of the weight.

Answer 2

Yes, you are suffering from post partum depression, it doesn't necessaryly have to be towards the new child, in most cases the anger is directed towards the other children and husband, i suggest that you speak with your doctor, because it isn't fair to your older child. One day godforbid, you will black out with rage and hurt your older child then we you realize what you've done it's too late, it's happened to alot of women, and most of them say no not me, i would never hurt my child before it happens. seek help, it isn't healthy for you either to be soo stressed out and irritated all the time, pills might sound horrible but you and your family will notice the difference and you'll be alot happier in the end.

Answer 3

It certainly sounds like Postpartum Depression.  Please note that your tiredness and the demands of caring for two children would certainly make ANYONE feel more irritable than usual. The fact that you're experiencing uncharacteristic rages of temper indicates that you might be suffering from an imbalance of hormones.  I sincerely advice speaking with your doctor about this. So many women suffer in silence when there are treatments right at our fingertips.  

Answer 4

Thats alot to read, but if you think you might have postnatal depression, go and see a shrink, thats what they're there for ..

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...

Answer 5

postpartum depression usually lasts up to two years and its insanely common almost every new mom gets it..it sucks but don't be ashamed just talk to your doctor..if rx meds are what you need you need to understand its whats good for you and your baby