Thread: Depression

Any tips on getting over it...
I think I cry more than I don't cry...
I have been having anxiety/panic attacks several times a day for several reasons...
I don't want meds:0( and I don't feel like going to the dr.
My husband seems to not give a sh___T about it...I tried to talk to him...I think he either doesn't care or doesn't take me seriously...he has been a royal a hole the past few days...and IT IS WEARING ON ME!
I see others are in my same boat...so I was wondering how you de stress and cheer up! I want to be a good momma...

First, you are a good momma! You might not be a happy momma but you're a darn good one.

If you don't want to use meds (never worked for me) there is a sure-fire method that is proven to work. As was mentioned in Anna's thread, sunshine performs miracles. It sounds silly. It really does. But it works. You don't have to be exercising out in the sunshine for it to work. All you have to do is go outside. The hardest part about this form of therapy is finding the time and the motivation. When I lived in NJ (land of no sunshine) and worked nights as a waitress, I was having daily panic attacks. I was a complete mess. I hated my life and everyone in it. One day I just up and moved to NM (land of sunshine). Within just a few days I felt a million times better. I'm not saying you need to do something crazy like move. You can find a way to get you Vitamin D pretty much anywhere (expect NJ. it hides. I think PA steals it or it's sucked into the Jersey Shore vortex).

I'm sure you are a good Momma!!! Just because you're depressed doesnt mean you are not a good Momma!!!

Why dont you want medication/see the doctor?? I had depression start around 6-8 weeks postpartum. I waited a bit tried to "cheer" myself up and it didnt work. I went to the doctor and was put on zoloft. After a few weeks I started to feel better. I feel 100% back to normal now!!!! It took some time but I sure am glad I went and saw my doctor!!!

Please if nothing else is working see your doctor. Medication is there to help and it certainly did for me!!!!

Like Erin said, I spend some of each day outside. I throw Aiden in the stroller and walk! Other days it's just going outside to poke around in my garden and hang up laundry. Every morning I get dressed and open up all the blinds (as in pull them completely open) in all the windows in the living room, dining room, and kitchen. All that natural light gets me going, doing more, and cheers me up. I make sure I get out of the house a couple of times a week. There isn't much to do here, but wondering down every aisle of Walmart and laughing at the ridiculous people I see at least gets me out of the house.

And remember there is absolutely nothing wrong with talking to someone about this. It doesn't have to be your OB/family doctor. It could be some counselor or some other random doctor. For some people, medicine makes a big difference. Depression can be chemical/biological, not just some mental condition.

I understand where you're coming from not wanting meds... they're not for everyone.

I've struggled with anxiety ever since the twins were born. I have always had a hard time with it, to some degree, but it's been pretty bad since giving birth this time. It's slowly getting better, thankfully.

If you're religious, I have a sheet of verses and helpful quotes that gives me comfort when I'm starting to panic about something. I'd be happy to PM it to you if you want.

How's your exercise? Even just a 15 minute brisk walk does WONDERS for my mood. With 3 littles, it's almost impossible for me and it might be difficult for you, too, but it will really help, I promise.

How's your diet? I am a sugar junkie, but will definitely pay the price with my mood and energy level if I'm not careful. Try these foods to help: http://www.myhappypath.com/10-foods-...ove-your-mood/

Hey, will you keep us posted on how you're doing? Depression can be really lonely and isolating. I don't want you to get lost in the shuffle, esp if you don't have tons of support at home.

I know exactly how you feel. I cannot afford to go on meds and diet and exercise have had very minimal benefits so far.

i definitely wouldn't want meds either. just not for me unless absolutely neccessary. plus i still have darn bp pills i am trying to get off of. for me i like being alone for a bit even if it's going to the grocery store. i just took a drive in the country listening to my ipod blasting (so i know it's good tunes ) and i am feeling better. i also have a journal i write in. that usually helps a lot as well.

Why dont you want medication/see the doctor??
I am just not a big medicine/doctor person...

Originally Posted by gottharf

How's your exercise? Even just a 15 minute brisk walk does WONDERS for my mood. With 3 littles, it's almost impossible for me and it might be difficult for you, too, but it will really help, I promise.

How's your diet? I am a sugar junkie, but will definitely pay the price with my mood and energy level if I'm not careful. Try these foods to help: http://www.myhappypath.com/10-foods-...ove-your-mood/

Hey, will you keep us posted on how you're doing? Depression can be really lonely and isolating. I don't want you to get lost in the shuffle, esp if you don't have tons of support at home.

Exercise...well, I don't do it...but am busywith the horses/pets...Im on the atkins (sort of) I will keep you posted...it means a lot that you asked! thanks

THANK YOU ALL!! I spoke w. my BFF today...and now reading this...makes me feel better...

While eating healthfully is a great idea and will definitely help your mood, I've heard that the Atkins diet can actually cause (or at least aggravate) depression.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/26...et-depression/

big hug to you, honey! wanna take a vacation? you can come to cali for a few days and camp out on my sofa!