postpartum anxiety severe

Hello. I notice that this post is a little dated, but how are you doing? Sorry to hear you are going through this as I have been there myself. Have you had your thyroid checked? I had postpartum thyroiditis once and it caused all the symptoms you mentioned. Hope all is well.

Hello Anonymous,

I know that you are a loving mother and wonderful human being who will get through this difficult time.

Postpartum depression can be looked at as a complication of giving birth. It is very real, as you know, and not something that you get over by putting it out of your head, as some well meaning individuals are counseling you to do.

The dramatic drop in estrogen and progesterone levels after childbirth contributes to postpartum depression. This would explain the choice of hormone replacement therapy.

Emotional factors play a role. As the mother of three children, one being an infant, you are probably sleep deprived. You might feel less attractive because of the inevitable changes we all go through following pregnancy.
You may even struggle with your sense of identity. Do you feel that now you are simply your children's mother and not who you once were before?

I appreciate your feeling about the medications that have been prescribed and the concern of how they make you feel as well as the potential dependency upon them.

I cannot offer any recommendations for medication. Will any of your family members or close friends offer to babysit? This might give you time for a nap, or time for some quiet mommy-time. Better yet, an evening out with your husband. It need not be an expensive night on the town. Just some time for you to be alone and together.

A support group of mothers who are experiencing postpartum depression may be something to look into. Check with your obstetrician's office or the maternity unit of your local hospital.

You are not alone. There is help out there.

Keeping you in my prayers,
Maryann