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Photo by AshBayGrammy
Let me start off by saying I don't think I have postpartum depression, but according to what some doctors list, I do have postpartum stress.
Stress and depression -- not the same thing, but the stress, if it continues and increases, it can lead to depression.
Do all moms have stress? OK, that's a really silly question, I know. But I'd like to think I was cool and calm -- my friend Kim even told me how relaxed I seem.
So why am I getting in a tizzy about what The Postpartum Stress people say?
Well because they say if I can say yes to three or more of these bullet points, I have postpartum stress.
Do you:
- feel tired a lot?
- have trouble sleeping?
- have anxiety attacks?
- wonder if you ever will have time for yourself?
- get angry easily?
- isolate yourself?
- don't have much of an appetite?
- worry about little things that never used to bother you?
- think your children would be better off without you?
- snap at your partner and children frequently?
- think other moms are better mothers than you are?
- cry easily?
- find it hard to be happy/joyful?
- fear leaving the house or being alone?
- have difficulty concentrating?
- think something is wrong with you?
- feel like you'll always feel this way and never get better?
But...and this is a big BUT, of course I have trouble sleeping and feel tired a lot -- I'm breastfeeding my babies throughout the night. I cry easily because I am still very hormonal. I'm having difficulty concentrating because as a new working mom, I'm having separation anxiety from my twins.
And I am having anxiety attacks, but it's not because of the babies, it's because I'm settling into my new life with new responsibilities while learning how to juggle home, work, and my realtionship with my husband.
Deep breath in. Exhale out. Repeat.
Should I be worried? Am I just stressing myself out over stressing myself out? Do you feel this way, too?
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Blood Test May Predict Who Gets Postpartum Depression
Comments (4)
I felt that way and still do at times. I know it's easy said then done, but relax. Lol. Thats what I had to do and it was hard. I had to take time to myself even when I didn't want to. I had to. During nap time I had to take a nap or take a shower, etc. Just so I could have some quiet time. I did yoga too and WOW it helped so much. I still have my days or weeks now esp around my period time its worse. I just wait til hubs gets home from work and I take a nice long hot shower and relax and cry. Then I feel better. I stil breastfeed Garrett and he is still up at night time, but not as much so I don't nap during his naptime now unless I am tired.... Now I do Yoga and relax.
That's a great idea, Steph -- yoga. I really should do it.
apparently, i have postpartum stress too. three and a half years after the birth of my last child. hang in there, m. IT IS SO HARD. it's not you. IT'S FRICKIN' HARD. but it will get easier, i swear. i'm hoping year four will be my year. :)
I remember those feelings very well. Even now almost 5 years after my baby was born I still can say yes to quite a few of those. I think it's a lot of adjusting and finding the new you. You are doing great, I bet :)