6 - Surprising Symptoms of PPD and Anxiety PDF

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6 Surprising Symptoms of PPD and Anxiety
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6 Surprising Symptoms of Postpartum Depression and Anxiety

Posted by Katherine Stone
The woman is sitting on the side of her bed. Shes wearing rumpled sweatpants and a t-shirt. Her hair is mussed
and shes not wearing makeup. On her face is a look of sadness and a faraway stare. Or maybe a few tears
streaming down.
That is the picture most people see when they think of the symptoms of postpartum depression. Weve learned to
believe what depression looks like from television commercials for Prozac or Zoloft. Depression equals sadness,
crying, and despair. If we dont look like that woman in the TV ad, then were not sure we even have depression or
anxiety. We often think weve simply gone crazy, or theres something else drastically wrong with us but not
depression.
The truth is there are a wide variety of symptoms pregnant and new mothers may experience when it comes to
having antenatal or postpartum depression or anxiety. One size does not t all, I always say, and one woman with
PPD may look and sound completely di erent from the next one. That is why, for this installment of Postpartum
Progress Six Things series we are focusing on the six symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety that will
likely surprise you.
Surprising Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

1) Anger: In all the years that Ive spoken to mothers about postpartum depression, they are always most
surprised by rage and irritability as symptoms of postpartum depression. Yet, so many of you experience this. It
may be that everything makes you angry. Or your baby, or partner, or older children are irritating you at a level
that you have never felt before. You might want to throw things, or yell at everyone. Some of you tell me you
know that you shouldnt be so mad all the time, but you cant help it, and youre worried about how rough you are
being with the people you love. For more on this, you might like The Rage of Postpartum Depression.
2) Brain Fog: For many of us, our brains just dont work as well when we have postpartum depression and
anxiety. We have a hard time remembering things, thinking of the right wordsor any words for that matter. We
http://www.postpartumprogress.com/6-surprising-symptoms-of-postpartum-depression-and-anxiety
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cant multitask as well as we used to. During my bout with postpartum OCD, I used to drive through stop signs,
nding myself out in the middle of an intersection before I realized I hadnt stopped.If your mind iscloudy and
you feel like youve lost at least 20 IQ points since you had your baby, youre not alone.
3) Scary Thoughts: Most people think theyre in full control of their thoughts. I know I had no idea whatsoever
that your mind could think a thought you didnt want it to. Then I got introduced to intrusive thoughts, which are
scary thoughts that enter your mind that you dont want that are very upsetting but continue to plague you. Often
they start with the phrase what if, as in what if I did this terrible thing or what if that awful thing happened? Its
like walking around having mini-nightmares all the time. Intrusive thoughts are a sign of postpartum anxiety and
OCD, and NO, they do not mean youve turned into some horrible monster. For more on this, you might like Does
Having Scary Thoughts Mean Youll Act on Them?
4) Numbness: If you think women with postpartum depression are full of strong emotions, sad, and crying all the
time, and instead you feel nothing whatsoever, you may be surprised.Some of you tell me that you feel only
emptiness. You are just going through the motions, doing the things you know you are supposed to do but not
really feeling it inside. If you are disconnected from things you used to care about and it feels as if you are
hovering over your life looking down on it but no longer part of it, its worth talking to your doctor. This is not
what new motherhood is supposed to feel like. For more on this, you might like Profoundly Alone: The
Disconnection of Postpartum Depression.
5) Insomnia: Sleep when the baby sleeps, they say. But what if you cant? Its pretty shocking for a new mom who
has never been more exhausted in her life to be unable to sleep. You keep thinking that eventually youll just
crash, but you dont. Or you fall asleep ne but then you wake up and cant go back to sleep. All new moms are
tired, but not being able to sleep when you have the opportunity to can be a sign of postpartum depression or
anxiety. For more on this, you might like On Postpartum Depression and Insomnia.
6) Physical symptoms: Most women expect postpartum depression to impact their mind onlyhow they are
feeling. But for some of you, PPD manifests as physical symptoms. I hear from new moms who are su ering with
headaches, back aches, upset stomachs, nausea, or even panic attacks that make them feel as though they are
having a heart attack. If you are suddenly plagued by aches and pains that dont appear to be caused by the u or
food poisoning or any other illness, they may be symptoms of postpartum depression.
As always, the best thing to do is reach out to your doctor if you are having these or other symptoms of
postpartum depression or anxiety. While PPD is very common, it is not normal. You dont have to feel this way as
a new mother, and there are e ective treatments that can put you on the road to recovery.
If youd like help nding treatment, check out Postpartum Progress postpartum depression treatment specialists
list. You can also click here for Postpartum Progress postpartum depression support groups list.
Postpartum Progress (http://postpartumprogress.com) is the most widely read blog in the world on postpartum
depression, postpartum anxiety, postpartum OCD and depression during pregnancy. It was created by moms, for
moms.
SHARE THE HOPE.
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311
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Related
The Symptoms of Postpartum

Depression & Anxiety (In Plain
Mama English)
November 15, 2009
In "Postpartum Anxiety"
Hormones & Mood: Is There A

Connection Between PPD &
Your Period?
May 23, 2011
In "Postpartum Depression"
The Impossible Simplicity of

Treating Postpartum
Depression
November 15, 2010
In "Postpartum Depression"
June 21, 2012
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Enteryourcommenthere...
Linda on June 21, 2012 at 1:22 pm
Im really glad to be reading this post because recently I have been thinkingI wish Postpartum Depression
had a di erent name. Under the name of Postpartum Depression it is deceiving to those who dont know
anything about it. Its not merely depressionthere is so much more to it. Sure, depression is one of the
symptoms, but there is laundry list of various symptoms as well!theres anger, theres anxiety, theres
loneliness, theres lack of enthusiasm, theres confusion and loss of concentration, theres insecurity,
hopelessness, bitterness, and guilt, and so much more!and yet we call it all by the name of
Depression!?! Depression is only one part of it (and for some its not even a part of it at all).
Reply
Katherine Stone on June 27, 2012 at 1:18 pm
Its very deceiving, because really theres a spectrum of illnesses or symptoms you can experience, not
just postpartum depression. Youre right, some people dont even have postpartum depression they
may have postpartum anxiety or postpartum PTSD. But for now, the public really is still only aware of
that one term: PPD.
Reply
Amanda on March 5, 2014 at 8:39 pm
Yes I agree with you Katherine, I have had postpartum thyroiditis twice, after each child, and it
really is a thyroid hormone imbalance which causes similar symptoms to PPD..
Reply
michelle on April 7, 2014 at 9:08 am
I have have all of those symptoms and my second child is two and I had extream weight
loss and Im still ghting to gain it back . Is it posible for it to last this long
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Katherine Stone on April 15, 2014 at 8:23 am
If you have had either anxiety or depression and never got it treated, it is
certainly possible for the symptoms to continue, Michelle. Have you talked to
your doctor?
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Noha zaki on August 25, 2014 at 10:36 pm
I feel like I cant stand , dizzy , can barely walk , feeling like my body will shut down and I will die
. Also moody , angry , anxious. Thyroid normal . I feel soooooo fatigued body aches . Do I have
ppd ? I feel like I do but what about the horri c physical symptoms . Sooooo weak like I cant
even walk .
Reply
Katherine Stone on August 26, 2014 at 12:00 pm
Physical symptoms can accompany PPD, Noha. Have you talked to your doctor? You
should de nitely let him or her know what your symptoms are so they can see if you
have an illness of some sort or if your symptoms are related to depression or anxiety.
Reply
Noha zaki on September 11, 2014 at 8:44 pm
I spoke to my doctor he said they did every test on me and it is all postpartum
anxiety . Is he just saying that to take the easy way out ? Can you please call me I
feel so hopeless right now 3106211971. And my blood pressure has been low. He
says postpartum depression will cause that too .
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Melanie Armstrong on September 19, 2014 at 10:21 am
Ive been feeling the same physically. I feel like Im going to collapse and feel
wobbly on my feet. And gets worse when Im out. My doctor puts it down to
anxiety
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Noha zaki on September 25, 2014 at 8:07 am
Melanie do you also feel abnormally weak ? I do and I have blurry vision
with it and just an overall feeling of u like symptoms .
Reply
Lo on March 26, 2015 at 4:54 pm
No ha, how did this turn out for you? Just a thought- buy I actually
had Mono after I had my baby and it was the reason I felt such
extreme fatigue! Crazy huh? My immune system got so down from
lack of sleep.
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At one point, while I was in the throes of PPD, a very good friend of my husband and mine addressed us in
a very loving way because he noticed that something was up in our marriage relationship and he was
concerned for us. When I tried to explain to him that I had Postpartum Depression, and that what he was
seeing was because of it, he was like, ok, no, I know you have PPD, but thats not what Im talking about
Im talking about these other things that Im seeing in your marriage relationship. No matter how much I
tried to convince him that what he was seeing (the arguing and such) was a direct result of my PPD, he just
could not understand it. He thought Postpartum Depression was simply depression, but had no clue about
all the rest that comes with it.
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ok..um.I am so confused by the changes on this website!! having trouble guring out how to leave
comments!!!!
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Sorry. Weve been testing out di erent commenting systems trying to nd one that works well!
Reply
Katherine on June 21, 2012 at 4:11 pm
These are all signs of anxiety and depression that happen to occur post partum. But they are all classic
signs of anxiety and depression. Scary stu indeed.
Reply
Rebecca on June 21, 2012 at 8:19 pm
I didn't know then, but I know now..and can attest that I felt many of these emotions. Just know that if you
are su ering, if you are angry to the point that it's not "you", it's time to seek help. I became angry because
I had a hard time nding quali ed help after admitting I needed help! (which I think admitting was the
hardest, but thankfully I did!)
Reply
katstone1 on June 25, 2012 at 2:04 pm
Yes. I love that point. If it doesn't feel like the real "you" if the behavior just seems so out of character
that can be a big sign.
~K
Reply
A Write Relief... on June 21, 2012 at 8:50 pm
Thanks so much for this post, Katherine I felt all of these things (and still do occasionally) during the worst
times of my PND. Before my diagnosis, it was de nitely the anger that scared me the most. Never towards
my little man, but towards my wonderful ance. That irrecoverable feeling of things spiraling out of your
control, whilst the whole time knowing it's so wrong. We found it so di cult and it was tearing us apart.
Paired with this was the insomnia, the worry, the guilt, all leading to a rapid loss in weight Cue feelings of
worthlessness, ugliness, lack of con dence And yes, you know the story well. Getting help was the best
thing I ever did, thank goodness for my wonderful family doctor! And my blog is the other outlet I nd a
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wonderful sense of relief from writing. My own kind of therapy. Thanks so much again I look forward to
hearing more from you soon.
Reply
Robin@Farewell... on June 21, 2012 at 9:45 pm
Love this, because this was my issue I didn't know these things were symptoms. If I had known that about
anger and insomnia, I'd have caught it a lot earlier.
Reply
katstone1 on June 25, 2012 at 2:03 pm
So glad this is helpful. I think most of us are in the same boat.

Reply
myjampackedlife on June 21, 2012 at 11:25 pm
i had the anger. such anger. for 2 years. i was always angry. always yelling at someone or frustrated to the
point of crying. i couldn't communicate without losing my temper. i just couldn't control it. i wish i knew
then that that was a symptom as well, i may have sought help earlier as well. I didn't fully understand what
was going on until i couldn't stop crying. Its been 4 years since i went for help, but i still feel the guilt and
shame of it all still like it was yesterday. We have healed alot as a family but there are still somethings we
are unable to talk about. I wonder all the time when i will forgive myself for what i put everyone through.
Reply
Catherine on June 26, 2012 at 12:16 pm
During my PPD days I had so much trouble falling asleep, and it seemed like the baby would always wake
me up just as I was FINALLY drifting o . The feeling of frustration and anger (no, rage!) and sadness on top
of the exhaustion led me to stop going to bed entirely. I would be up to all hours of the night because I was
so afraid of it happening again.
It sounds silly when I try to explain it now, but I just couldnt emotionally deal with the baby waking me up
one more time.
Reply
Catherine, Im trying to post a reponse to your comment, but apparentlly my comment is too long and
the post comment button disappears.
Hoping this is a glich that will be xed so I can leave my
response to you!!!
Reply
Catherine, I can totally relate to your frustration and anger about sleep (or the lack thereof) and
the physical and emotional exhaustion that comes along with it. The SAME EXACT THING
happened to me too. Just about the time I nally drifted o to sleep, the baby would wake up
for his next feeding. He ate every 3 hours around the clock until he was 1 year old, and even
then he still continued waking up for at least 1 night-time feeding up until he was 15 months
old. My depression/anger/exhaustion was so horrible and I began to HATE going to bed at
night. I would cry in sheer hysteria every night at bedtime. During night-time feedings I was so
angry at the world, at my own baby, and at my husband for the fact that he lie in bed sound
asleep, completely oblivious to the fact that I ever even left his sideand again, I would cry. It
was absolutely draining, and I believe that this lack of sleep made EVERYTHING worse, and
caused my PPD to become way worse and last way longer than it ever should have. My baby
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just turned 2 a few weeks ago, and I am SO GLAD to say that the PPD nally left me back in
February of this year (after haunting me for a year and a half). It was literally like something
was physically removed from my bodyI could literally FEEL that it had left me. However, I
began su ering with terrible insomnia! (I guess the year and a half of PPD and night-time
feedings screwed up my bodys natural sleep system). It comes and goes, and I hate having
insomnia, but anything is better than the incredible nightmare of PPD and the physical and
emotional exhaustion that comes with it. Best of luck to you and your little one!! <3
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Kristine on August 22, 2014 at 12:17 am
Your story sounds similar to mine.. however my youngest is 19 months and im still going
thru all of these listed above, started with anxiety and now its both anxiety and
depression. Ive been being seen for over a year and still no di erence, the brain fog, like
living my life behind a glass wall, the anxiety, the ITs, everything. I have never been
depressed or anxious before or after our rst son, and I was ne thru my second
pregnancy. I have tried every med almost I just want an answer and a solution. I pray to
god everyday to heal me and keep his promise to get me thru this, but days like today
and others I cant even see the light. Most terrible thing ever. I just need advice on which
meds to try now, im starting therapy soon. I just dont get it, how my mind cant wrap
around the fact I have two kids, but my body can
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renee on August 28, 2014 at 5:43 am
I just wanted you to know that I understand how you feel. I too have been relying
on my faith in god for healing. I tried antidepressants but the side e ects were
aweful and I threw up every day. It is good you are starting therapy soon. God
doesnt want you to su er and that is why he gives the medical profession
wisdom. If you have been dealing with this for a year now then you are a strong
person. Remember that greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.
To all the women struggling with ppd or ppa, you can do it and this too shall pass.
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Christina F. on October 2, 2015 at 11:27 am
Hey Kristine,
My name is Christina. I am currently going through postpardum anxiety and
depression. It started a little after the baby was born but got really bad 6 months
after her birth and progressively got worse. I just started taking zoloft about a
month ago and its helping but its not all better yet. Ive been going through this
torment for a year and a half and still no relief for me yet. I get confused, ill
experience memory loss when days are really bad with panic attacks, instrusive
thoughts about dying and being sick..all the things Im afriad of will rush in all at
once adn Ill think about multiple things at a time. The volume in my head can be
so loud. Youre symptoms seemed similar to mine and I just thought Id reach out
to someone who can relate. How are you feeling these days? Has there been any
progress? This whole experience make me not want to have more kids and it
breaks my heart bc i always wanted at least 2 and I dont want my daughter to
grow up alone. I have a friend that has 5 kids and she got PPD with her 4th child
but none of the others. Su ered really bad until she got on Zoloft and she said it
was a life saver. Thats why I am trying it now. I wanted to stay away from
medication but my quality of life diminished and I thought that my daughter
needs me to be a good mom..and Im not being a good mom if Im in bed hiding
all day bc the panic attacks are so bad. She needs me. Anywas, just wanted to
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share and see if anyone else has had PP Anxiety and Depression for 2 or more
years. thanks.
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Heather King on October 2, 2015 at 12:38 pm
Hi Christina,
Youre right, that is such a long time to su er, Im so sorry. It isnt
uncommon for these symptoms to last that long when PPD/PPA, etc. go
untreated. You have started Zoloft now and that is promising. If you dont
see much of an improvement, keep talking to your doctor. Maybe a
medication increase will help in time. There is no shame in needing help
through medication. Therapy and support groups are also a really good
idea while you head toward recovery. Every bit of support helps. Hang in
there, mama. You are not alone and this really can get better.
Reply
Stephanie on November 6, 2015 at 2:28 pm
I have and still have for a year now anxiety with ppd and I have not taken
prescription medications bc of side e ects I felt would only make things
worse i started taking mood sync a natural supplement from my
naturopath along with anxiety control and after a week of being on them
scary thoughts went away and just tht bad feeling you get tht no matter
what you do you cant be happy and it hurts to feel tht way but since I
have been on them and in prayer I have been able to function better and
think more clear and not freak out so much or just start hyperventilating
from a panic attack
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Esther Dale (@CornMu nsMama) on June 27, 2012 at 12:47 pm
I love this, its spot on. There is no such thing as an exact portrait of what PPD looks like, it looks like many
women whom people would never dream struggle with PPD.
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Thanks Esther!
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AM on June 28, 2012 at 2:20 am
Excellent post!!!! I had all of those during my non-postpartum depression (I am a male in college) along with
the more well known symptoms (appetite loss, loss of sex drive ect.) , good to see a post like this.
Reply
Jennifer on June 28, 2012 at 11:53 am
I experienced ALL of the above and it seemed like every damn day that I experienced them. Its not
surprising to me that these have been found to be symptoms- they seem like RED FLAGS to me!
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Sessica on July 1, 2012 at 8:40 pm
I wish physicians would spend more time with new moms and their spouses educating them about
postpartum depression. After struggling alone with many of the symptoms you describe, I nally came
came out of the depression over a year after my rst child was born. But the damage it did to me and my
marriage will last forever. After my second child was born, I was much more aware and knew what to look
for.
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Stephanie on November 6, 2015 at 2:33 pm
Yes I feel the exact same way I thought ppd was just being sad
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Heather King on November 6, 2015 at 4:33 pm
So many people think ppd is just feeling sad. Youre not alone. There can be many other
symptoms, and if you are feeling this way I hope youll reach out for help. You can recover from
this, mama!
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Phoenix Fourleaf on July 3, 2012 at 3:24 pm
Great article! My PPD really felt like a physical problem. I was very busy and managing to get everything
done, so it couldnt be depression, I thought. I had been depressed as a teenager, but PPD was completely
di erent.
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Bev on January 8, 2014 at 1:55 pm
what were your symptoms?? i was just diagnosed and almost all my symptoms are physical!! what
helped you get better? i just started taking zoloft. i know i had ppd after my rst child, but i managed
to get better without professional help. this time, it has felt so much di erenti havent been su ering
so much emotionally like i did last time.
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G-Nee on July 4, 2012 at 1:54 am
I almost got diagnosed with this but is now looking more likely to be postpartum thyroiditis. Being aware of
PND is really important, but I wonder if more women should be having their thyroid levels checked AND a
check for thyroid antibodies. Just a thought, as many sympoms are VERY similar.
Reply
Amy on July 5, 2012 at 7:57 am
This is so true! I too had each and everyone of these symptoms when I su ered! As a volunteer to PSI I hear
these symptoms a lot with postpartum moms as well with pregnant moms! Thanks Katherine for bringing
these symptoms to light!
Reply
Linda Celentano on July 16, 2012 at 1:28 pm

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This is a fantastic site.I believe my step-daughter su ers fromPPD. She had an extremely di cult pregnancy
and birth and your mention of PTSD really hits home.I am anxious to have her and. other family members
see this information. The rst step is knowlege of what you are dealing with. Thank-you.
Reply
Pingback: The Fine Line Between Baby Blues and Postpartum Depression
Ianne on January 13, 2016 at 9:18 pm
What more are the sign of post partum depression? A month before the birth of my daughter, I felt
dizzy, body weakness, headache, nauseated, I easilly forget something.. That sometimes I felt
unconnected. Very anxious with my body..
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Heather King on January 13, 2016 at 9:33 pm
The main symptoms of postpartum depression are listed in the post, but there can also be
physical symptoms as you describe them. It is best to talk it over with a doctor. A medical
professional is the best person to answer these questions. I will be hoping with you that you
nd the answers that you need.
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hayley on April 20, 2013 at 6:25 pm
This website actually just made my day. Im happy to hear that while pod isnt normal its common. I thought
I was going crazy. De nitely talking to my doctor at my next appointment!
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Julie on July 21, 2013 at 12:59 am
I have experienced everything that was said above. A month after my second baby, I started having
intrusive irrational very scary thoughts. Any bad news on TV and end-of-the-world kind of movies worsen
that feeling. I couldnt wear anything close-neck or take a shower because I feel like I was su ocating.
Everyday was like a nightmare. I was so irritable, sad, and angry at small things. Then the worst thing
happened. I started having panic attacks. It is the scariest thing I have ever experienced. I feel like I am
having a heart attack. My husband assured me that it was just a panic attack and downloaded an article
about it online. He made me read this and it seemed to work a little bit.
Its been 4 months now since I started having panic attacks. The scary thoughts are now gone, and I can
now get in the shower and wear close-neck clothes with no problem. But the pounding heart, shortness of
breath, shakiness, nausea, tingling ngers and head, and weak arms still visit often that we once had to trip
to the ER. They checked everything, did X-ray, and lab works and everything was normal. At the end they
diagnosed me with palpitations. No one in that ER seemed to think that I am su ering from PPD. They did
not even prescribe me with medication.
It is a torture. The only way I can get some sleep is through sleeping pill. No matter how tired and lack of
sleep I am, sleeping naturally is impossible.
At rst I was in denial in fear of being thought of as crazy. For months I kept the thoughts and feelings to
myself until I started reading more about PPD. On Monday I am going to see my doctor and well go from
there. I hope that everything will be better soon.
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Katherine Stone on July 31, 2013 at 11:26 pm
Oh honey. Im glad you found us. Panic attacks postpartum can de nitely be a sign of postpartum
anxiety. I really hope that your doctor was helpful. Let us know!! ~ K
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Lucy on December 15, 2014 at 6:12 pm
Hi ..my name is Lucy i got post partum whe my baby was 2 months i lost 40 lbs. I couldnt
swallow water i got help when i had an anxiety attack and was terri ed to be alone i am now
taking Zoloft and pills for anxiety within a month i started feeling better i still have some
intruding thoughts that i got again because i wet o the meds for 1week and a half because i
felt better i got my period and boom..i got anxiety so i talked to my therapist and saud i had
made a mistake on doing that but it has gotten better and prayer has a big part in my recovery i
wish It would go away completely already..i want this nightmare to b over.
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Becky Schroeder on December 15, 2014 at 9:00 pm
Hi, Lucy! You are doing a great job taking care of yourself. Keep up with your treatment
and you will recover. Like youve already experienced, if you cut treatment short, relapse
is more likely to happen. Keep moving forward, you can do this!
Reply
maddy on August 12, 2013 at 10:08 am
Yes. I too can not see anything on the news. Actually I no longer watch the news. Its very paralyzing to
see all that.
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Leslie on July 30, 2013 at 9:47 pm
I will be 40 this month and I had a surprise baby last April. He arrived 10 weeks early and spent 2 months in
NICU. I have 2 other children, ages 9 and 6. I have had ongoing issues with getting pregnant and staying
pregnant. Each pregnancy was di cult and the babies were premature.
Prior to this I have had a history of depression but it has been controlled by an antidepressant. After I
stopped nursing my second child I basically lost my mind in depression, anxiety, etc. My mood swings were
so severe but it took me a year or so before I nally gured out what was going on. By then I was ready for
a divorce, to leave my children, and was suicidal. I just weaned my third child and since then am having
similar issues but my mood swings are so severe and frequent that I cannot handle it. I have lost 30
pounds. I have severe anxiety that has led me to the ER twice now. I started to see a psychiatrist and have
been put on 2 antidepressants. He recently put me on a medication for bipolar I took it for about ve days
and it made me have a major breakdown. I quit taking this. I feel like everyone thinks I am crazy but I know
I am not and I know I am not bipolar. This is the exact same thing that occurred after my second child and I
keep telling the doctors this and they just ignore me. I am a nurse as well but I do not understand the world
of hormones I have always been majorly a ected by them but during pregnancy, all throught the NICU,
etc. I was great It is probably the best I ever feel mentally. I just wondered if anyone has any similar
experiences and/or what to do about this The psychiatrist keeps giving me more meds I was lead to this
psychiatrist by a counselor that I took my daughter to and I really liked her. She diagnosed my daughter
with ADD as well as myself. While I thought that this was impossible I read a lot about it and had pretty
much every symptom. So she referred me to this psychiatrist. Since then I am taking Adderrall, Cymbalta,
Fluvoxamine,. My husband says it is the Adderall but I keep telling everyone this is the same thing as
before. I do not want all of these medications. I know that there must be something else that can be
checked and/or done. I know this is hormonal. Do you have any suggestions or recommendations?
Thanks!
Reply
Katherine Stone on July 31, 2013 at 11:07 pm

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Where do you live Leslie? I can see if I know someone in the area from whom you could maybe get a
second opinion.
Reply
maddy on August 12, 2013 at 9:58 am
Leslie I am so sorry to hear you havent found the proper help you need. If your gut feeling is youre
being misdiagnosed then its time to get a second opinion. I read that you are seeing a psychiatrist .
Are you able to get some therapy? It is sometimes so di cult to actually get that initial appointment
but is very bene cial for you in the long run. Its been said that cognitive behavioral therapy is so
bene cial and maybe you can see someone that specializes in that form of therapy
I myself am 14months post partum and to be honest am still dealing with the aftermath of
postpartum spectrum (what I like to call it). However everyone is di erent so recovery is just a process
that everyone goes through in di erently. I su ered postpartum depression, anxiety, ocd and a bit of
pptsd from c section and severe anemia the way the hospital handled it was very negligent. I am
taking a low dose of Zoloft 25mg. I wish you luck and remember there are so many women out there
going through what you are feeling. So much luck to you.
Namaste
ppd sister
Reply
Delyse Worrall on May 23, 2014 at 5:36 am
Ive stu ered hormonal / anxiety problems for over 30yrs after having an ovary removed at times
thought was going insane really bad after i had my son. Ive begged & begged for comprehensive
hormone tests to no avail still su ering now. Say on the news the other day ppd most common when
the child is 4 yrs old. I never knew this or that anxiety was part of ppd. We need more research in
hormones , millions of women su ering due to hormonal inbalances
Reply
Amanda on September 6, 2013 at 2:45 pm
As many of the other women have said about this and the other articles on this site, I am so glad I found
this. Before, kept thinking I was crazy. Some days I feel like a hollow shell, others I feel like I only exist on
this earth to take care of and watch my daughter grow almost like it doesnt matter if I am taken care of.
As long as my daughter is happy, thats all that matters you know? I will be 7 months postpartum in 3
days. I began taking medication at 4 months postpartum after so many bouts of unbelievable rage, and
then I stopped because I felt better and thought I had control of things. I felt ne for a while, but now, even
today, the horrible anger, yelling, and bad thoughts are creeping their way back into my life. After reading
this article, I know I am not crazy and things will get better; I just need to take control of it. It makes me feel
so much better and less lonely to know I am not the only one in the world who feels this way. Thank you so
very much.
Reply
Katherine Stone on September 11, 2013 at 9:27 am
I do know, Amanda. I know exactly what youre saying. Youre not crazy, you just have an illness, and
the way to take control is to realize that the best thing to do is reach out for help. Call your doctor
and talk about your symptoms. PPD is temporary and treatable with professional help.
~K
Reply
holly on September 8, 2013 at 2:43 pm
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Reading all this makes me curious can u have postpaturm depression even If your child is 5
Reply
Katherine Stone on September 11, 2013 at 9:25 am
Holly, it wouldnt technically be postpartum depression anymore, but if you had PPD and it was never
treated you may still be su ering from depression. Its worth having a conversation with your doctor
about what youve been feeling (what your symptoms are) and what you might do about it.
~K
Reply
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Caitlin on January 20, 2014 at 1:11 pm
For the rst few weeks PP, Id get horrible anxiety at 3-4pm every day. I turned into a completely di erent
person. At 6 weeks I started to feel better. However, almost 4 months PP, I still get an anxiety at night time
and if anything changes to my daughters sleep habits, I get bad anxiety. I dont know what to tie it too other
then the rst night we brought her home was the one of the most horri c experiences I ever experienced.
She didnt stop screaming. My milk hadnt come in yet and I wasnt aware of that ever being a problem and
she was eating every 30 min to an hour and she was starving basically, but I didnt know it till afterwards
when my milk came in. It was just awful and I think it scarred me. So, wheneve the sun goes down and bed
time is creeping around for her, I just freak out inside and start to panic.
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Angelica on March 7, 2014 at 1:07 am
I just had a baby and I had no idea that what im going through is ppd. I have been having all the symtoms
and I honestly thought I was going crazy. I spoke to my Dr. today and i did some blood test hopefully now i
get some help managing this ppd.
Reply
Katherine Stone on March 10, 2014 at 9:59 am
Angelica, good for you for reaching out to your doctor! I hope he or she is helpful. PPD is de nitely
temporary and treatable with professional help.
Reply
jenny on March 22, 2014 at 11:47 am
I dont know if im replying correctly but im begging for help. Desperately. My baby is 6.5 month
old. Im an educated college instructor with no history of mental illness ever. About 2 weeks pp
o started having psnic symptoms, severe anxiety. They tried me on lexapro tgan zoloft 25 mg. I
literally thought I was dying I began uncontrollably scratching myself pulling out clumps of my
hair pacing shaking twitching tapping on things and staying desperately awake for 72 hrs. They
then started me on lamictal. Dont hsve side e ects but seemed to help slightly for about 1
month.now tge last 3 weeks its bad again. I hate this ive lived like this for too long. Im terri ed
this will never end. I want to live my normal happy life again. Not live anxious wnd
uncomfortable. Im also seeing an mft. The psychiatrists only words of advice, u seem some
better, hang on there and tske klonapin when needed. I hate that stu and refuse to put it in
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my body. I need more help then im getting. Dr said de nitely not bipolar, pp gad. so desperate
to stop fsking like im ok when in reality im slowly dying inside. I almost dont remember what its
like to feel normal. Sad really. When will this end
Reply
jenny on March 22, 2014 at 11:49 am
No option to change drs

Reply
Katherine Stone on March 25, 2014 at 10:48 am
Im so sorry you are going through this Jenny. Im glad you reached out for help and that
you are continuing to speak with your doctor about how your treatment plan is or isnt
working for you. Im not sure where you live, but I think perhaps also reaching out for
moral support from other moms might be of real help to you. We have a listing of
support groups here: http://www.postpartumprogress.com/ppd-support-groups-in-theu-s-canada I think being able to talk to other moms with the same symptoms could help.
I would also reaching out to the local Postpartum Support International coordinator in
your area and talking to her about all the options for support in your area:
http://postpartum.net/Get-Help/Support-Resources-Map-Area-Coordinators.aspx
Reply
Lisa on November 1, 2014 at 11:26 am
Hi, Im 9 months pp and Im still experiencing anxiety and like you said just want to go
back to my normal happy life. Ive tried Klonopin occasionally but never zoloft or
lexapro. Does it ever get better? Did yours go away after a year?
Reply
renee on November 7, 2014 at 5:08 am
I am nine months postpartum and my severe anxiety symptoms started the day
after I had my third child. I just wanted to say that it does get better. I am not
anywhere near where I was when I started having postpartum anxiety. I am not
fully recovered yet but I thank god for the progress I have made. If medicine
helps you then try it. I tried two ssris and found that the side e ects were worse
than the anxiety. I have been going to therapy, watching my diet, exercising,
taking sh oil and other vitamins, praying and trying to get enough sleep. Some
days are better than others however there is a light at the end of the tunnel. You
are stronger than you think you are and you can do this. This too shall pass.
~ I am more than a conqueror in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:37)
Reply
Ashley on April 29, 2014 at 2:39 pm
Had my second child in our blended family, recently lost my 1st sons father to a drowning accident. The
only way I can explain how I feel is heartbroken, like my pieces dont t back together. I cry about anything
and everything for the past few months. Feelings of overwhelmed, anxiety, like Im angry all the time. I have
many monuments of happiness, but it seems like there is this dark cloud over me at all times, and when I
think about it I cry, I ball my eyes & I think Im going crazy. Ive never felt this way before. Im out going,
happy, enthusiastic.. now some days, I just think.. screw it. I recently called my local clinic, I cant get an
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appointment for a month. It made me angry and then I cried about it, broken on the inside I just want to
get back to the old me, mentally. And turn o the water works.
Reply
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Kelly on June 10, 2014 at 5:52 pm
I am so glad to have found your articles. I have been experiencing PPD in the form of anxiety and panic
attacks after a early miscarriage/ D& C 7 weeks ago. When the Dr. said I may have PPD I was confused,
thinking hey Im not depressed at all what the heck is he talking about? My husband and I were upset
about the miscarriage but felt we were dealing pretty well, knowing we would try again.
I have no history of depression or anxiety so the sudden onset of panic attacks was terrifying. The hardest
part is trying to nd information about postpartum anxiety!
Reply
Megan Brydle on June 13, 2014 at 8:25 am
Can u have these systems if your childrens are 3 and 5?

Reply
Katherine Stone on June 16, 2014 at 8:55 am
Megan, you could have symptoms of anxiety or depression at any time in your life. They wouldnt
technically be symptoms of postpartum depression or postpartum anxiety anymore, but if you had
PPD and were never treated the symptoms could continue on inde nitely. And even if you never had
PPD, any person can get depression or anxiety. If you do have symptoms, I would suggest talking to
your doctor. Depression and anxiety are fully treatable. ~ K
Reply
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Brittany on July 2, 2014 at 11:11 pm
I just had my third child 3 weeks ago and I have been struggling with anxiety attacks. I am scared to
mention it to my doctor because I dont want her to think Im a bad mom or take my kids. I dont feel angry
or anything like that just out of the blue I will start getting nervous and have a hard time breathing. Any
advice?
Reply
Katherine Stone on July 3, 2014 at 11:50 am
Brittany, hon, its important to reach out for help. While postpartum anxiety is common, there is
nothing normal about having anxiety attacks. It doesnt mean you are a bad mom or that your kids will
be taken away, it just means you have an illness. Postpartum anxiety is fully treatable and I want you
to reach out for help so that you can get these anxiety attacks under control. If you feel like you dont
have a good or trusting relationship with your doctor and therefore arent comfortable reaching out to
him or her, email us at postpartumprogress@gmail.com and let us know where you live and well see if
there are specialists in your area that we can recommend. You can also check out our specialists page
here: http://www.postpartumprogress.com/womens-mental-health-treatment-programs-specialistsus-canada-australia
Reply
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nicola sneddon on August 20, 2014 at 5:15 am
hi there i have had 3 sections and 4 children ,i went to doctor and all was okay ,i feel anxiety and
panick for 2 years and i am on citalopram 10 mg which helps alot but i get bad days where i just want
be dead so i dont feel the panick i feel x
Reply
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Sarah on August 4, 2014 at 2:58 am
Is it normal to be so short tempered and angry at your toddler for toddler behavior? I have a 3 year old boy
and a 2 year old boy. I was diagnosed with depression and ocd about a year ago. I still have intrusive
thoughts and I cry at night when I have a really bad day because Im afraid to stay home alone with my boys
the next day. Is it normal to have a thought you hate about your babies just playing like a record in your
mind over and over? While the thought is going through my mind, Im thinking what if I really do this? I am
angry all the time and I think what if one day I just lose it? Is it weird to still be experiencing this 3 years
later? I thought my intrusive thoughts were gone, but over the last couple of days they returned. Does
anyone else feel the same way?
Reply
nicola sneddon on August 20, 2014 at 5:08 am
please help me i need to stop these thoughts

Reply
Katherine Stone on August 20, 2014 at 10:17 am
Nicola, I am so sorry that you are struggling. It sound like all is not okay for you so it appears that your
doctor must be wrong. I dont know a whole lot about the UK NHS, but here in the US we can seek a
second opinion from a di erent doctor. If I were you, Id reach out for help to someone who perhaps
knows more about perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, how to recognize them, and how to help
moms who have them. Reach out to this group and ask for a recommendation of a good doctor in
your area: http://www.pandasfoundation.org.uk/how-we-can-help/supportgroups.html#.U_Stw41dWzt Im sure theyd like to help you. There is ABSOLUTELY treatment that can
help with these thoughts. I promise. Dont give up.
Reply
renee on August 28, 2014 at 5:52 am
I experienced the most severe postpartum anxiety the day after I had my third child six months ago. I
couldnt eat, I sobbed at nothing, I was afraid to shower, I couldnt sleep, I de nitely had physical symptoms
(shooting spasms up my spine, tingling in my arms and legs and mouth, dizziness, headaches), I was angry
and couldnt stand my husband, I couldnt sit still, intrusive thoughts and many more symptoms that I cant
remember. I have greatly improved thanks to my faith in god and my supportive family. I also see a
therapist and tried medicine but it made me sick everyday. I am wondering if anyone has experienced
depersonalization because of their anxiety? That is the most present symptom that is still lingering from the
ppa.
Reply
Elyssa on September 11, 2014 at 1:45 am
This feed is like a godsend. So relieved that Im not alone. I had a panic attack in Jan 14 that followed
many physical symptoms and after trying natural routes eventually went on a prescription for anxiety.
Funny the doctors say no but my aunt who also had two babies close together kept saying are you
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sure its not ppd? Now Im almost convinced in having pp anxiety or depression and de nitely without
all the sadness! Oh wow thank you thank you thank you for sharing ladies!
Reply
Noha zaki on September 11, 2014 at 11:34 pm
Ladies I have been researching for hours . I dont know what I have . Doctors checked my thyroid and
everything else a normal . My symptoms are extreme fatigue to the point if where I have a hard time
walking , Im yawning left and right , brain fog, muscle twitches and spasms, sometimes anxiety attacks for
example I was taking a shower and freaked out because my left leg looked longer than my right, and I also
have my hair falling out in clumps and my hands shake
I am 27 I dont know what is wrong with me. My
blood pressure has also been consistently low and my ears feels clogged .
Reply
Elyssa on September 11, 2014 at 11:47 pm
I felt all of those things. I even got to the point I was so anxious I was tripping. My sinuses felt plugged.
I lost tons of hair and I still am. The hair breakage is the worst and the graying is fast now! Im 28. I feel
a lot better than I did but I was truly terrifying. I really recommend counselling. I hope you can have
some relief!
it will get better. I researched everything. I was convinced it was my thyroid. But
reading all this Im convinced its pp anxiety. My baby was 7 months when it started. Not sure if thats
normal.
Reply
Tony Recio on September 12, 2014 at 1:28 pm
Hello, thanks for the article, im a dad, my wife just gave birth to a premature baby, who is healthy and
stable so far, she is going trough what i believe is postpartum anxiety, she forgets things, best all anxious,
behaving erratically sometimes, and very very convinced that im ill and need attention asap, does not
sleep, and would want me to leave her alone at any moment, constantly telling me that everything will be
ok, and that she loves me, she reckons that she is going trough rough time, we have visited her
gynecologist, perinatologist (don;t know the english word for it) and psychiatrist, they all agree that we are
going to be okay and in 8-15 days things will come back to normal, but still i cant help to be worried,
stressed and very scared, i love very much, and dont want to loose the woman she was prior this, thanks
for the informative article, is calming in a way, and would love some guidance/advice
regards
Tony
Reply
Robin Farr on November 6, 2014 at 10:54 pm
Hi Tony, so sorry to hear of your struggles (and so sorry for the late reply). How are things now? If she
is still struggling please get her to see her doctor. Those early days are hard, especially with a preemie,
but it doesnt mean she isnt su ering from a real illness. Good luck, and come back to let us know
how youre doing.
Reply
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Mary on January 20, 2015 at 8:08 pm
My daughter had a child 2 mths ago she is anger, irritable, gets mad quickly, unreasonable when I try
talking to her, has hot ushes, complains of her legs hurting when she gets up from a sitting position or
gets up from oor, forgetful and she has started back on anti depressants and meds for sleep. I am at wits
end her and the baby live with me the father of the child not in picture. I have my plate full just diagnosed
with BREAST CANCER and a blood disorder. I will have surgery in next several weeks but need some advice
on what to do with my daughter and her Tasmanian Devil behavior. Cuz the wont admit she has none of
thse symptoms. I did not have PPD. Plz help!!!
Reply
Becky Schroeder on January 20, 2015 at 8:31 pm
Mary Im sorry you are all dealing with this. Im glad shes started meds. Hopefully that will help her
stabilize a bit more and she will be able to think more clearly about what shes going through.
Encourage her to stick to her treatment plan and continue to support her however you can. All of
those things will help.
Reply
Anonymous on January 26, 2015 at 4:47 pm
I have nightmares and daydreams about my kids dying all the time, and sleep anxiety that has gotten a lot
better, but still happens. I never saw this as a PPD symptom before. My heart will start racing at bedtime
and I cant sleep. I am 15 months postpartum but still have symptoms. I am thankful for this blog, but there
isnt really any speci c directions for how to nd help, or other websites with some tips and solutions. This
is less of a problem than it used to be for me, but still pretty bothersome. Usually a good cry and talking to
someone helps, but I would like to have more tools in my belt for dealing with these issues.
Reply
Becky Schroeder on January 26, 2015 at 9:02 pm
The best piece of advice we can give you is to encourage you to reach out to a therapist that can help
you develop coping strategies to deal with the anxiety. The skills you will learn in therapy can help you
get through the rough patches that are a normal part of recovery.
Reply
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april on March 12, 2015 at 1:43 am
Before having my twins I was very happy. I always smiled and felt very close with God along with the people
in my life. Now that I had them I feel numb.literally. my husbands aunt which I was pretty close to passed
away unexpectedly and Im still numb to it (its been about a month ago). I get angered easily,I cry at least 23 times a day,I literally hate my body (twin skin plus never had good self esteem),I have thoughts of Id like
to just leave (but I know deep down I cant or Id come right back),I feel like a total mess.I had a healthy
pregnancy but a rough delivery. My placenta abrupted with my twin daughter and started with my twin
son.I also lost 2 liters of blood during the emergency c section.my twins were shipped two hrs away to
another hospital while I had to stay two days at the other hospital. It started there.my twins will be
4months old march 14 and its only got worse.Ive tried talking to family/hubby and praying. Praying helps
some but doesnt resolve it.my family thinks I need to tough it out because their terri ed Im gonna get
hooked on pills (I dont even like taking Tylenol for Christ sake)
Reply
Becky Schroeder on March 12, 2015 at 8:25 pm

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April Im sorry youve been feeling this way. What you are describing sounds very much like
postpartum depression. Its a real illness and that requires medical treatment. If you do need
medication (and not all cases do), there are several common medications for PPD that are in no way
habit forming. I hope you reach out for help soon. You deserve to feel better.
Reply
april on March 13, 2015 at 9:58 pm
Thank You. I talked with my doctor and they give me some medication to help and we are in the
process of setting me up with a therapiest. So far, so good. I feel more human so far. haha
Thanks again
Reply
Erika on April 8, 2015 at 11:18 am
Thank you so much, this has helped me decide that I probably do have PPD (or PPA). Ive been su ering
from panic attacks and an incredible variety of strange physical symptoms. I had this at a smaller level after
a miscarriage, which went away as soon as I was pregnant again. Then it came back with a vengeance after
my little girl was born.about 3 months after.
Reply
Sasha on July 3, 2015 at 11:04 am
Two nights ago my husband told me he wasnt sure if he was still in love with me. He explained its because I
havent been myself since I was around 8 months pregnant with my son. Thats when it all became clear to
me. The past almost three years Ive been aggressive, nagging, short tempered, constantly stressed. I also
have fears of dying and freak out over the silliest of things. I have just thought its because of the stress I
have been under. Its not. Theres more to it. Do you think its a possibility its PPD? Because it was like a
switch was turned and this is how I am now. But its not me. I miss being ME! My 7 year old told me the
other day I miss my nice mommy now that hurt.
Reply
Becky Schroeder on July 7, 2015 at 12:47 pm
Sasha, Im sorry to hear youve been struggling. It could de nitely be untreated postpartum depression
and anxiety that is keeping you from feeling like yourself and enjoying life. The best thing you can do is
to reach out to a doctor or therapist to discuss this further. You can be happy again and you
absolutely do not need to feel like this forever. Reach out, mama. You are worth it.
Reply
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Emma on August 21, 2015 at 2:03 pm
Im the same , Ive been having horrible thoughts of my baby being scolded & drowning its happened so
many times n I dont know how to explain it to my family or friends Ive tried telling my partner but I dont
think he actually understands what I mean n how serious it actually is
wen I have these thoughts they
make me cry n upset me & it annoys me coz I cant control them I dont even no how to explain to my
doctor either
Reply
Heather King on August 22, 2015 at 7:04 pm
Emma,
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These intrusive thoughts are awful, Im sorry youre going through this. If this continues and is
e ecting your everyday life and making you struggle, you may want to consider looking for a doctor
that specializes in perinatal mood disorders. You can google your location + psychiatrists that
specialize in postpartum mood disorders. Help is out there and there is no shame in reaching for it. I
wish you all the best.
Reply
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Catherine on September 22, 2015 at 12:22 pm
I read this post and was almost brought to tears. This is EXACTLY how I feel everyday. I get angry almost all
the time, I get frustrated quickly, I have moments when I just want to be left alone. I feel guilty and just
want to give up and I have been crying at least 2x a week. Heck, there are even times when I feel like crying,
but I cant. I get mad at my boyfriend all the time and I dont know why. My concentration is o . Just
yesterday I missed my turn while driving on the way home and then turned down the wrong street. I also
get the tingling sensation in my legs, arms, and legs.
My youngest is 5 months old and shes my fth child for me, and I thought, well if I have postpartum
depression, why now? I dont remember having it after my rst child so I shouldnt have it now, right? I
havent been to the doctor yet but I am going to go to one soon. I am just tired of feeling this way. Im trying
to remember how long Ive had these symptoms and I think its been a couple of years, but I know that its
gotten worse. All Ive wanted to know was what are these feelings caused and how can I get rid of them.
Thank you for this post because now I know Im not the only one who feels this way.
Reply
Heather King on September 22, 2015 at 2:55 pm
Catherine, Im sorry you have been struggling for so long. Im glad to hear that you will see your
doctor. This is nothing to be ashamed of and youre right, you are de nitely not alone! You will get
better when you reach out for help and make a plan for your recovery. Im sending you peace
Reply
Jennie on October 5, 2015 at 10:37 am
I am going through something similarI dont know if its ppd..my baby is already 15 months and I have
been dealing with this feeling since she was about 6 monthsI feel angry easily, no sex drive, never talk
nicely with my partner, get angry at my kidsalong with that I have bad back pain, feeling feverish but no
fever, tired, dizzy spells, headache, acidity, sharp pain in my abdomen on both sides which I think is caused
by carrying my 12 kilos baby around too muchI dont feel like myself and I miss being myselfI dont know
what to doif I have a headache I convince myself its something seriousnot long ago I ran to er thinking I
had a heart attack but nothing as suchdoctor blamed it on gas
I feel so helplessany advice would be of great help
Reply
Heather King on October 6, 2015 at 10:18 am
Jennie, it sounds to me like you are struggling with at least anxiety. It would be so freeing for you to
talk with your doctor and start getting some help to manage it. You dont necessarily have to go on
medication, but if you and your doctor decide that is best after you speak honestly with them, then
there is no shame in it. There is also therapy and support groups, and it is always good for you to start
thinking of YOU againtake some breaks, do something kind for yourself. You want to feel like you
again and your family needs you, so the rst step is calling a doctor who knows about postpartum
mood disorders. We have a list on this site of providers by area, under Get Help at the top of the
page. Let me know if you have questions. Peace to you, mama.
Reply
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Tonya on October 24, 2015 at 11:08 pm
At about 5 weeks postpartum I started having little panic attacks where my heart would drop and then Id
start shaking, these would happen at random times and usually when everything was calm. I then started
to have the inside shakes for most of the day, my doctor put me on zoloft he said it could be postpartum
depression but I didnt feel depressed, I took it anyways and that night I had a severe panic attack and
ended up in the ER. my doctor told me to keep taking the zoloft and gave me ativan until the zoloft started
working, its been 4 weeks and the doctor upped my dose to 50mg at 3 weeks and I still feel shaky on and
o and I cant sleep. I just dont know if this is postpartum depression or if its a di erent medical issue. I
feel like my sleep has been worse since starting the medication also.
Reply
Heather King on October 25, 2015 at 5:27 pm
Tonya, Im sorry this has been so hard. I hope you can nd the right dosage and some relief. I cant tell
you exactly what you are dealing with, but talk with your doctor about the continuing symptoms. You
can nd your way through this. It takes time and help, but it can get better! If the increased anxiety
continues, let the doctor know you are concerned this might not be the right med and see what they
think. Hang in there, mama. Peace.
Reply
shalom on November 14, 2015 at 1:59 am
Im married to a beautiful woman, sweet as can be.but I miss her. I have not seen her in over a month.
Since birthing our beautiful daughter, she has been someone else. She speaks hateful to me, tears me
down emotionally, accuses me of things, judges my motives, gets angry about the smallest things. I feel
emotionally abused and battered. I help out with the kids ALL the time. I get the kids ready for school, and
take them to school. I own my own business so i stick around to listen for the 19 month old to wake up of
the infant to wake up so I can take them downstairs so she can sleep longer. I bathe the kids, help clean
house, put away laundry, and she just naggs me and puts me down continually. It really sucks that women
go through this internally, but one cant help and wonder how devistating the damage to others by this
condition. Eventually the woman gets out of it, but the trail of devistation left in the wake of this will always
have its footprints cemented in the time past. I am devistated by the way im treated and talked too.
Reply
shalom, my heart hurts for you. You are right, this is so hard and so damaging. So many partners feel
what you are feeling and it is such a struggle to understand that this is NOT your wife, but an illness. I
hope the two of you can nd help together. It sounds like your wife could use some therapy and a
consultation with a doctor, if she is this much NOT like herself. Im sending peace to you and yours
Reply
Lyall Dawson on November 21, 2015 at 10:33 am
Hi. I am in Australia and I was wondering if you have any programs here for my beautiful loving and adored
wife who has many of the simptons you have described. She has told me she feels trapped and needs help
but we are not sure where to start. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you
Reply
Hello Lyall,
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Here is a link to providers. Australia is listed near the bottom. I hope there is someone near you.
Thank you for reaching out. http://www.postpartumprogress.com/womens-mental-health-treatmentprograms-specialists-us-canada-australia
Reply
Samantha on November 25, 2015 at 4:00 am
My youngest is ten months old. My oldest is nineteen months old. Is it possible for post partum to show up
this late? Ive felt so hopeless and can never sleep. Ive had some very terrible dreams and they manifest for
weeks afterwards. Im angry and sad. Anxious and just feel so out of control of everything. Im losing my
mind.
Reply
Heather King on November 25, 2015 at 9:07 am
Yes, Samantha, it is possible. It would be good to talk to a doctor about how you are feeling. It isnt
your fault, you are exhausted and could possibly be struggling with PPD/PPA or another postpartum
mental health issue. That isnt something YOU did, it is something your body is doing. We all need help
sometimes, mama. I hope you can make that call. If you dont have a doctor to call, please let me know
and I can help you.
Reply
Candice on December 15, 2015 at 10:29 pm
Thank you for posting this. Ive been su ering with depression and anxiety for most of my life but was
made worse with this pregnancy. But because I have never done anything about it I thought I could get
through it on my own. I went to the Drs today and have postpartum depression, anxiety and small amount
of OCD. But I fear I was too late. A month ago my spouse left. I am a single mom with a 7 year old and now
a 4month old. I think I ruined any chance my daughters had a normal life. I was always angry with my
spouse and pushed him away when he attempted to get close again, and instead of recognizing my illness,
blamed him. Now hes gone. Im having horrible visions of my children being hurt and I just want to feel
normal again. I hope theres light at the end of this.
Thanks you
Candice
Reply
Heather King on December 16, 2015 at 10:02 pm
Candice, there IS light at the end of this. Im so sorry you struggled for so long without knowing what it
was, but you KNOW now and that is so empowering. Freeing. This is NOT your fault. This is an illness, it
is not you. It is common and treatable and you are on the right track now. Its going to be okay, your
kids are going to be okay. No matter what happens with your spouse, what your kids need most is a
healthy mama. You are going to be their healthy mama no matter what, in time and with help. Im
sending you peace.
Reply
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Rosa Romo on January 26, 2016 at 2:22 pm
My 43 year old daughter is experiencing post pardum blues but not seeking help. Ive held back expressing
to her I see this progressing because she responds with very negative & angry words. When I text asking
how her days going its always SOS. Her babys 14 months young & is very much in love with her. Just last
week I did tell her shes in post partum blues to seek medical help. I also o ered to either let me help with
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my grandson but there is not room for me to stay. Ive also o ered to allow me to bring our baby boy to my
home while she seeks medical help. My daughter lives in another state & I am willing to help her. But shes
not receptive.
If anyone has had a similar situation kindly respond with any suggestions that helped.
Reply
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Sarah on March 15, 2016 at 5:10 am
I have all these symptoms but feel like no one will listen then I think Im just tired. My second child is 6
months old and some days I feel like locking myself away from everything. Im constantly taking it out on
my 3 year old and my partner. I think its time to seek help but what if no one listens?
Reply
Heather King on March 15, 2016 at 11:12 am
Sarah, thank you for reaching out. Im sorry you have been struggling and feeling so little support. You
should de nitely reach out to a professional. They will listen. If they dont, thats not a good
professional to see and trying another one is best. We have a list of specialists who would most
certainly understand. Their specialty is perinatal mood disorders, so they will certainly listen. Here is
the link for those providers, I hope there is one near you. If you dont nd someone on it near you, Im
happy to look into it more http://www.postpartumprogress.com/womens-mental-health-treatmentprograms-specialists-us-canada-australia
If you dont see anyone in your location on that list, you can email me at
help@postpartumprogress.org
Reply
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Anna on March 23, 2016 at 6:32 am
Hi Im an American living in Greece and I need help for PPD but cant nd resources here in English. Do
you know if there are any therapists for PPD that could work with me via Skype or phone??
Reply
Heather King on March 23, 2016 at 12:25 pm
Hi Anna, this is a common question and I wish we had a really helpful answer. We are not aware of
those that specialize in perinatal mental health and do their work this way. Im sure they exist, but we
often hear of providers who specialize after they reach out to us. This isnt a community of providers
we have heard from and when we do research, we nd apps, etc, but we hate to lead people to
someone who isnt going to understand postpartum mental health as they should do serve you well.
When we dont have the answers, we never stop looking. If we come up with someone who is known
to work well with mamas, I will certainly let you know.
Reply
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Megan on April 10, 2016 at 10:09 am
A a great article. How long can PPD last?

Reply
Purvi on June 3, 2016 at 2:59 pm
I think that i am died soon

Reply
Heather King on June 3, 2016 at 8:25 pm
Im sorry, Im not sure what you mean. How can we help you? If you are saying you think you will be
dead soon, can you explain? If you are feeling suicidal, please reach out to someone who could help
you. The number is 1 800 273 8255.
Reply
Gwendolyn on June 4, 2016 at 4:46 am
Do you think ppd occurs more when there is a lack of parental support for examples grandparents, in-laws,
domestic help, family etc?
Reply
Heather King on June 7, 2016 at 11:54 am
That can de nitely play a part, Gwendolyn. Isolation and a lack of help is terribly hard.
Reply
Anon on June 7, 2016 at 10:05 am
I have a four and a half year old and an 8 month old. With my rst child I experienced the same symptoms I
have now but pushed through it all with the help of my mom. However now that child two is here, its all
come rushing back. I have no energy, Im always tired, grouchy, lost connection to my ance, we ght all the
time and then I lose my appetite. Im a stay at home mom of my kids, and we live with my ances parents. I
clean up after not only my kids but my ance as well as his dad. I clean everyday. The same messes. Over
and over. I feel like if Im not doing something then there must be something Im forgetting to do. Literally
nothing gets done without me. Im exhausted emotionally and physically. I love my family and always put
them rst, but constantly feel like theres a rain cloud over my head. My ance gets so upset so fast so
theres a pressure on me to be the mediator. I constantly have someone asking me something, needing me
to do something or just needing me. Im depressed more often then not, I feel like everything wrong is my
fault. Often times I feel numb. I feel like it may a ect my baby, always seeing me cry. Im constantly
overwhelmed. Even when he tries to help me clean because he doesnt know how to. He literally cannot
look around and see what needs to get done. He has to ask me what needs to be done and like how to do
it. I feel trapped. I would never hurt myself or my kids. I always have headaches, (used to occur after baby
number 2 only when I got my period but has been everyday now for a while). Im unhappy with myself
mentally and physically. I dont know. I just know theres something wrong. Can you help me out? Where
would I start? Would I start by telling this all to my OBGYN?
Reply
Heather King on June 7, 2016 at 11:58 am
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Yes, mama. You can start by talking with your OBGYN. Reach out, you deserve to feel better than this.
You deserve to be taken care of, supported and respected. Getting well takes time and help, but you
will get there. Im sending you peace.
Reply
D on July 23, 2016 at 10:37 pm
I felt all of these things early on and bad. I was breast feeding and didnt want to take anything. Things
seemed to get better to a point but sometimes I still feel the sadness, hopelessness, loneliness,
worthlessness and I have the bad thoughts and wake up in a panic that something bad is happening to my
baby and some nights just cant really sleep much at all. Its not all the time and it comes and goes. He is 14
months now. How long does this last can anybody share?
Reply
Heather King on July 24, 2016 at 12:08 pm
There is no certain timeline, every mama is di erent. What matters most is that you get help to get
better. This is an illness that needs treatment. I hope you have the option of seeing a doctor and
therapist. This can and will get better with help and time. Peace to you.
Reply
G on July 24, 2016 at 4:18 pm
Do these symptoms also apply to all depression generally? Like someone who de nitely does not have
PPD?
Reply
Heather King on July 24, 2016 at 10:24 pm
Hi G,
There are things that are unique to PPD, but of course, depression that is not postpartum related
re ects many of the same symptoms. So if you see yourself or someone else you know in this list,
whether or not a pregnancy was involved, it is most likely depression. Thankfully, both are treatable
conditions and get better with time and help.
Reply
CJ on July 26, 2016 at 4:48 pm
Feel like i have a name for what ive been going through .x
Reply
Woodworth on August 7, 2016 at 9:10 pm
What if this girl is married but had a air has one daughter. Finally she tells husband an he stays with her
for 6 months and then he left. We try to help get things for baby is there anything we can do all we get told
is leave me alone. There hE not been one diaper clothes bottle nothing for this baby. And she is due
anytime an I am her mother an I dont know the father I know who he is but I havent gone to him yet an
dont know what to do. Now I believe her husband says if this guy doesnt sow up an take no responsibility.
At all. He will come back. My email is. pepper13716@gmail.com. pleAse give me some advice worried
mother
Reply

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Im sorry youre going through this. It is di cult to understand the story in your comment, but it
sounds very complicated and hard. It would be best to seek professional help. Let a doctor or
therapist know how stressed you are and that you dont know what to do. Im sending you peace.
Reply
Serena R on August 24, 2016 at 2:06 pm
Could you tell me how to start conversation with a doctor. I had my daughter about a year ago and I really
havent seen a doctor since then. I havent really felt the same since I had my daughter. Its hard to
approach a doctor for me and tell them how I feel because I dont know where to start. Where I live I feel
like people just go to seek help just to get meds and it messes it up for the ones who really need it. I just
dont want to get looked down upon like thats what Im trying to do. My symptoms Im feeling include
helplessness, anger, anxiousness, sleeplessness, feeling like I failed in life. If you could please reply thanks
for your time.
Reply
Hello Serena,
Im sorry youve been feeling like this, and I know you can get better. I know you can reach out for
help. You asked a good question and I hope the answer helps: Try not to make assumptions about
what the doctor may or may not think. If you are being honest and reaching out for help, they are not
trained to make negative assumptions about that, but to consider your health rst. Your symptoms
are that of PPD and expressing to the doctor that you have been feeling like this since the birth of your
baby will indicate that it is most likely PPD. Thats all you have to say, something like, I have been
feeling helpless, unable to sleep, like a failure and anxious since my baby was bornI know its
Postpartum Depression and/or Anxiety. Let them take it from there. You dont have to say more than
that at rst. They will ask questions. Just answer honestly and trust the process. If you nd the doctor
to be somehow unreceptive, try another doctor. Most understand, but there are some that dont fully
get postpartum mental health. Seeking a specialist would be very helpful, as they will know exactly
what you are describing and there is more potential that they will know the right ways to help you.
There is a specialist list on this site under Find Help. I hope there is someone near you!
Reply
Serena R on August 24, 2016 at 2:44 pm
Thank you for your help. Im going to try and take my rst steps to bettering myself for me and
my family. I cant live like this anymore its tearing my family apart. Thanks again
Reply
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Cathy on September 6, 2016 at 2:48 pm
Hi everyone ,recently about 2 months I started to have physical symptoms. I need have a 8 month old baby
this all started when my baby was 6 months. Where to begin let see
When I had my baby inexperience the baby blues but after 3 to 4 weeks they went away. I didnt taught
much about it. Time went by and I continue graduate school while taking care of the baby . I was really
stress out but I continue and graduated about 4 weeks ago . My symptoms started with pin and needles on
my arms and face ,sometimes burning pain I tought it was neurological I got an MRI to rule out any disorder
that might have the same symptoms but it came back normal. Later I started stomach issues ,muscle
twitching and the latest one which scares me so much its the feeling of shakiness inside. The neurologist
say that he thinks its all anxiety related. I also have anxiety feelings, saddnes,emptiness and I am scared I
wont be able to take. Care of.her. I just created because I just want to be the best mom for my daughter.
Could this be ppd or ppa??? Has anyone experience this ?
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Reply
Heather King on September 6, 2016 at 10:02 pm
Hello Cathy, its possible it could be PPA or PPD. We cant say for sure of course, but it would be good
to talk with a doctor you trust about that possibility, or look for someone who specializes in
postpartum mental health and see what they think.
Peace to you!
Reply
Fayme Spencer on October 19, 2016 at 5:26 pm
Hello to all the other moms out there that are su ering and think that their the only ones feeling this way. I
am a new mom myself and my son is 2 months old. Everything was perfect until a week after he was born. I
was home with my son while my husband was at work. Suddenly I experienced my rst intrusive thought. It
sent me through a full blown panic attack. I felt pins and needles throughout my body and a huge weight
on my chest. Started shaking and crying. I called my husband to come home as i didnt feel comfortable
alone with my son and thought there was something horribly wrong with me but didnt know what it was..
No one ever mentioned anything to me about PPD etc. As the days went on i became much worse. Could
not sleep, eat, constant intrusive thoughts, crying, anxiety attacks. By this point i had enough of the torture
and went to the hospital. I had no idea what was going on at the time ans had never even heard of intrusive
thoughts. I am glad i toke that step, got help and told the truth. I was so afraid that theyd think i was crazy
but they didnt. I now speak to a crisis worker bi weekly through our local hospital, i also see a shrink too.
Ive been diagnosed with PPD,PPA and maybe OCD. Still not sure about OCD, we think its all anxiety driven.
She has put me on medication that has helped me in my recovery. I am still not 100% back to the old me
but im getting there one day at a time. I write in my journal daily as well as CBT workbook. I never saw this
coming and im so greatful to have such a supportive family. You are not alone, you are not crazy and we
will get through this. Sending much love to anyone su ering.
Reply
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6 Surprising Symptoms of PPD and Anxiety

6 Surprising Symptoms of Postpartum Depression and Anxiety

Surprising Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

6 Surprising Symptoms of PPD and Anxiety

6 Surprising Symptoms of PPD and Anxiety

The Symptoms of Postpartum

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The Impossible Simplicity of

June 21, 2012

Tell Us What You Think

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katstone1 on June 25, 2012 at 2:03 pm

So glad this is helpful. I think most of us are in the same boat.

myjampackedlife on June 21, 2012 at 11:25 pm

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Linda on June 29, 2012 at 12:46 pm

Hoping this is a glich that will be xed so I can leave my

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