If you already suffer bouts of depression, are you more likely to get post-natal depression?
461716
Hi,\nI had the same worries as you during my pregnancies, I asked at the hospital and was given various leaflets, most of them contained the following paragraph, suggesting there is a link between previous depressive episodes and post natal depression.\n   The first time I did experience post natal depression but because I was prepared for it I had spoken with the doctor and health visitor and I had quite a lot of support to help me cope.\nThe second time, I was not affected much at all.   I'm sure if you plan and prepare for all eventualities you will be fine.\n\nPostnatal depression is common; it has been estimated to affect 13% of women in the first year following the birth of their child (70,000 women annually in the UK)2.\nRisk Factors There are numerous risk factors, which include:\n\nPast history of depression / postnatal depression \nPoor social support \nLack of a confiding relationship \nUnemployment of partner \nAdverse life events eg bereavement \nPoor relationship with own mother \nPresentation
605686
I have suffered from depression since I can remember. I dealt with it by punching walls until my knuckles were bleeding, binge drinking when I was 14, smoking weed at an early age, and cutting myself. My depression would come and go, I'd feel good for a while then go through stints of depression. They'd last anywhere from a couple weeks to a few months. I probably was not eating as much because I'd sleep about 10-12 hours a day, so I wouldn't be awake to suffer. I was eventually put on Prozac, but I had to start seeing a psychologist to get the meds. I was on that treatment for about a year, then decided that I could deal with it on my own. I'm 23 now and even though I've stopped most of the self destructive behavior, I know that it's always there. For me it kind of feels like being a recovering alcoholic; you're never really get over it, but you gain the knowledge on how to cope with it. I just have to remind myself that there's bad days and good days; a rainbow comes out after the storm has passed. I'm a health fanatic now, I go to the gym and lift weights. It's my release... a lot of my depression manifested itself as anger, so instead of punching things and cutting myself I bench press and do curls.
65153
no definintly not where did you hear that lol depression is all related to your mind and what triggers off certain things on how you feel and think and how you react to it either by getting on wit life or crying about it, sorry if i sound harsh.
812117
Mind (www.mind.org.uk) should be able to point you in the right direction and give you plenty of good advice.\n\nTheir website has stacks of information on all forms of mental distress, including post-natal depression.
454796
Descrive it more fully, how often does this happens, does any of this have to do with your childhood. Have you any problems or depression?
551621
Depression can be caused by your diet.Go see a Doctor and they can figure it out but you should try to help by noticing when you become most depressed
914865
I have an identical twin sister who has stuggled with clinical depression for many years. We are both Christians. For many years, I, who have never been diagnosed with any mental illness, thought she should just "snap out of it", have some faith, and pick herself up by the bootstraps.  It wasn't till I got an udnerstanding of what depression was that I began to understand the physical and spiritual dynamics of depression.  Some people can battle a temporary depression that is sometimes due to events in their life, past issues of hurt, etc.  And sometimes those periods of depression are spiritual in nature, because depression not only affects the mind, but can very much affect one's spirit.  They don't always have their origins in the spirit realm.  Other times, there is, indeed, a spirit of depression that the enemy will bring to try and destroy a child of God.  If a spiritual depression goes too long unattended, it is very possible for the brain to develop an chemical imbalance as well.  There, of course, is clinical depression, that originates in the person's mind and is due to a chemical imbalance in the brain.  \n\nThe LAST thing someone who is struggling with depression needs is a well meaning brother or sister in Christ telling them, "Have faith!"  "Believe God for healing"  Too often, those of us who don't struggle with mental illness shake our heads at the mentally ill.  And God forbid a Christian should struggle with depression and need to take meds either temporarily or permanently.  Surely they don't have enough faith in God!  Surely they did something to bring this upon themselves!  Yeah, they said that to Job too.  How do you beileve God for healing when you can't even make it out of bed some days?  How do you find your way to the mountaintop of faith, when the chemicals in your mind cause you to feel like you are in the abyss?  That's the time when, we who are spiritual, should pray for them, help them in any practical way, and carry the load for them if God instructs us to.  Make no mistake, people HAVE been miraculously healed by God from dperession.  More often than not, God relys on us to walk thru WHATEVER he has seen fit to allow in our lives.  WHY?  Because somewhere along our journey, we will find someone who is struggling at that moment with what God has already brought us through.  If you know someone who is battling with depression, LOVE THEM right where they are.  Don't wait for them to get "better".
947407
I disagree, with the response there already.  Depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain.  Not always the issues in your life (with some exceptions)   It is hereditary, which proves it is in your physiology!   My sister has depression, has gone through many hospitalizations.  She finally qualified for social security, she is disabled and unable to work.   That release of the stress of worrying about work and money has helped her tremendously. It was a cycle of stressing about money and getting sicker.  She is so much better now.  And can still work, because there are ways to work when you can and still qualify.   Medication is an issue even if you don't want to discuss it.   You will probably have to go through a lot of them before finding the one that works for you.   And not worrying about work helps you through that process.   AND you will be denied probably at least two times before being accepted.  It just works that way.   I am a family advocate for children with mental health needs so I do know my way around the mental health system.  Good luck!
758628
Yes my depression has hurt alot of people that I love and care about. I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and I tried to commit suicide many many times because of the mood swings. That's when I hurt the people that cared so much for me. I did get help and I am finally on a medication now that helps with the mood swings and I also go to therapy every week. So with those two things combined I think I was very lucky.
1174059
First of all, I think you should talk with your doctor about this, not a message board where any armchair physician can give their opinion. \nHaving said that, I am on anti-depressants and yes, some can cause weight gain. However, depression can also cause weight gain because you're less active. By being more active I have actually lost 19 pounds.\nLastly I have to say that short term medication for your postpartum blues is a lot safer than allowing the depression to overtake you. Relax about it, you will get past this and then you'll wean off the meds and you'll be too busy with you're little one to worry about this.\nGood luck.
889124
Please get help!\n\nWhat are common symptoms?\nSymptoms of postpartum depression include extreme fatigue, loss of pleasure in daily life, sleeplessness (insomnia), sadness, tearfulness, anxiety, hopelessness, feelings of worthlessness and guilt, irritability, appetite change, and poor concentration.\n\nIt may be helpful to make a list of postpartum depression symptoms that you can take to your health professional. See a postpartum depression checklist  (What is a PDF document?) . \n\nAlthough any women with PPD can have fleeting, frightening thoughts of suicide or harming their babies, women with rare postpartum psychosis experience these thoughts as urges they feel compelled to act on. If you think you can't keep from hurting yourself, your baby, or someone else, see your health professional immediately or call 911 for emergency medical care. Other resources include: \n\nThe national suicide hotline, National Hopeline Network, at 1-800-784-2433.\nThe National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.\nWhat causes postpartum depression?\nPPD seems to be triggered by the changes in hormone levels that occur after pregnancy. These hormonal changes are especially likely to lead to postpartum depression if you've had depression before, have poor support from your partner, friends, or family, or are under significant additional stress. 1 \n\nEvery woman has a risk of postpartum depression during the first several months after childbirth, miscarriage, or stillbirth. Women with a history of depression or postpartum depression have an even greater risk. A personal or family history of bipolar disorder , also known as manic-depression, increases the risk of postpartum psychosis.
595905
Yes, and depression can also cause stress.  It's kind of like the chicken and the egg question.  If your depression goes on for any length of time maybe you better see your doctor before it gets out of hand.
389567
NO!!!!  NO!!!! NO!!!!\nHaving schizophrenia is something you have to deal with every day all of your life & it affects every aspect of your life.  Having postpartum psychosis is a temporary problem that when treated goes away and doesn't return--unless you have another baby and have the same problems again!  PPP may seem to some to come on suddenly--but the signs are present before the child is even born--a good doc would take notice of it, if they don't the family and friends of the mommy to be would.  I've had ppd-postpartum depression- and it wasn't something that just happened over night, it had been building up for months:  2 kids under 3 & another one on the way, middle of a divorce from a physically & mentally abusive man, trying to work full time and finish college--it would make any one depressed, add the hormone fluctuations of pregnancy & Poof!  You've got a Mad Mommy!
1046928
My husband suffered with it, when I didn't. You could ask your partner if you can go with her when she see the GP, or if shes not too keen on you being there at the same time, make an appointment to see the doctor yourself, and ask them for advice on what you can do to help her and fo some more info on the the illness. I know it's not nice, I've been there supporting someone else and I thought I'd be relying on them for support. I'm now 6 months pregnant with my 3rd and suffering with pre-natal depression which I've only just brought myself to have diagnosed. Get help for both of you, together or on your own and you'll all be just fine. Parenting is tough enough at the best of times without having to struggle blindly not knowing what to do. Good Luck my friend, I'm sure you'll a great parent.
443386
being biplor and having other personality disorders has a lot more characteristics than just random mood swings\nif you already say you have depression, then i'm sure you are just in the "regular depression" like you say you are.\nhowever, it may all be just hormones, other stuff..being sad doesn't necessarily mean you are depressed, unless you have of course been diagnosed.
675948
I have been coming to realize that there can be many forms of depression, according to its physical causes. What i mean by this is, lets say, some people may feel depressed for having divorced parents,others for a chronic ilness, others for a great loss or others for aparenttly no reason. The key to the cure is to find the source of your depression,accept it and work with it. You will possibly need medical help. And yes,little things will make you sad because you already have a predesposition to feeling down if you are depressed; the feeling can be of despair too,if you're deeply depressed.\n If you're just an eternal discontent then i think there is no cure,but a deep depression is a lot worse. If you'd like you can add up details to your question and the answers will be more specific. Best wishes.
796670
Depression is a common condition, 15% of the population will suffer from clinical depression at some point in their lives.\n\nEverybody has periods where they feel low, or down. These are normal emotions, and appropriate after bad news, bereavement and so forth.   However, depression – the illness, is persistent, and help is required to recover. The difference with depression is when the unhappiness is without cause, or lasts much longer and is out of proportion to circumstances, or seems beyond the sufferers personal control to manage.\n\nDepression affects people differently.  Some are mildly affected – often known as dysthymia,  and manage to function despite their condition.  Others may be severely depressed and find it very difficult to carry out even the most basic tasks., such as washing and dressing.\n\nThere are also different types of depression, such as the episodes of depression, followed by elation in manic depression  (bipolar affective disorder, SAD (seasonal affective disorder) and PND (post natal depression).\n\nSpike Milligan and Winston Churchill were two famous manic depressives.  Depression is not selective of class, status or upbringing.\n\nSYMPTOMS\n\nSymptoms are many, varied and not all sufferers will exhibit the same problems. They may include:\n\nContinual low mood\nFeeling of inadequacy\nFeeling “tearful” and “emotional”\nIrritability\nAnger / aggression\nAnxiety\nLack of motivation\nLack of social interest\nPoor personal care\nIrrational / guilty thoughts\nFeeling of hopelessness\nSuicidal thoughts\nTired all the time\nLoss of appetite / weight\nComfort eating\nInability to sleep\nDisturbed sleep\nLoss of concentration\nSleeping too much / not waking refreshed\nLoss of libido\nAvoiding people / social situations\nLack of energy\nFeeling physically ill\nExtreme lethargy\nBleak and pessimistic view of the future\n\nN.B. Anxiety and depression are closely linked. Anxiety can cause depression, and depression can cause anxiety.\n\n\n\nSO WHY DO I FEEL LIKE THIS?\n\nDepression is a complex illness, and can occur for several reasons.\n\nIn a person suffering from depression, levels of neuro-transmitters are lowered. One of these is serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine or 5HT).\n\nIt can be triggered as a result of a number of causes:\n\nSocial Circumstances\nUnemployment, divorce or break down of relationship, bereavement, redundancy, sudden/dramatic change to personal circumstances\n\nPhysical Conditions\n\nGlandular fever, influenza, anaemia, diseases such as multiple sclerosis, severe arthritis,  and treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy\n\nHormonal Changes\nPregnancy, resulting in PND – about 10% of all women experience significant PND.  Depression presents more commonly in women (this may also be because men are more reluctant to visit their doctor)\n\nPsychological Conditions\nSufferers of anxiety may also find they develop depression. Unresolved psychological issues also contribute. About 60% of people suffering chronically with anxiety and panic will also develop associated depression.\n\nDrug and Alcohol Abuse\n\nWHAT TREATMENTS ARE AVAILABLE?\n\nEach sufferer is an individual, and treatments vary.  Many people combine treatments for optimum effect, i.e. medication and counselling. The preferred choice at present is SSRI’s along with CBT. The medication is to lift the mood enough to be able to take on board and learn skills needed to overcome the condition long term.\n\nThe first step is to visit your GP. They can confirm your diagnosis and ensure your depression does not have a physical cause.  You must be prepared to be honest with yourself and your GP. If you have some unresolved issues, medication alone will not provide a cure, and your GP can recommend you for  some form of therapy.\n\nTherapy\nThis may include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or counselling.  All health authorities have a Community Mental Health Team, who will be able to select and provide appropriate trea