[mommamarci]

After looking online this morning, I am self diagnosing... I think I have PADS.

Background: I was treated for depression in college (with counseling and meds). I did not suffer any depression after either of the boys were placed with us.

Our daughter has only been with us for about 5 weeks. I now have a 1, a 2, and a 3 year old. Most of my symptoms are being overwhelmed, tired, stressed, irritable, etc. So, part of it could be that I am still adjusting to full time care of three little ones and I am just tired and overwhelmed. But I am also unhappy. And I feel guilty that I am unhappy because I have this perfect little girl that a ton of other families would be over the moon to have. And I am not sleeping and have no appetite (which is also a normal stress reaction for me).

I am not going to make any rash decisions. I am not going to harm myself or anyone else. So, do I give it more time and see if this works out on its own? Now that I am aware it may be there, are there things I can do to try and work it out? Should I call someone? If so, how do I go about finding someone that has heard of PADS?

Thanks for any help!

[coachmur]

I wouldn't want to advise you on how to treat the depression but would like to assure your that alot of your feelings are common. At least in my experience they were similar to what I went through. I think there is always some grieving the loss of what you had before that child came into your home. ie, with me, I seem to go through a time of wondering what on earth I have gotten myself into, I wonder why I wanted to tie myself down more with another child, add work to the workload and so forth. And then if there are attachment issues to deal with that makes it all the harder. That is not to say that I don't love the child, or that I regret the decision in the long run. So, maybe I would suggest that if these symptoms go on and on for months and months you should seek treatment. Good luck.

[aspenhall]

I disagree with waiting...this does sound like PADS or even just general depression at the very least and letting it go on and on for months is NOT a wise idea. Talk to your family doctor about a mild anti-depressant right away. Especially since you have a history of depression. This isn't just a "bad week".

You can't be the mom your kids need if you aren't functioning at 100%. I'd give anything to turn back time and force my mom to get treated for depression. As it is we no longer have a relationship because she's so toxic. I myself struggled with anxiety and dperession when we brought home my daughter. I waited months figuring it would get better....it didn't, not until after I was on wellbutrin.

Yes you need time to adjust, but why make that time be miserable? Get help now.

[linda512]

I would not wait to talk to someone. I would call your family doctor and ask for a referral. I think anyone who has treated post partum depression, should be able to treat PADS as well.
I have depression, and it creeps up on me, so by the time I realize, I am pretty depressed. If you are thinking it might be, what is the downside of seeking help? If a professional thinks that is not what it is, then great, but if it is PADS, you should get help sooner rather than later so you can feel better and enjoy your kids.
Good luck.

[mommamarci]

Sorry I never came back here! I read the repsonses, but I thought I could kick it on my own. Things seem to be going downhill rather than up, though. I called my family doctor today. I am going in next week to meet with her and see what she says.

Thanks for the support and advice!

[linda512]

Good luck. I'm glad you are getting help. When you are feeling down it is hard to reach out. I hope things get better.

[aspenhall]

If you could kick it on your own, it wouldn't be called depression...

I'm gald you're getting help. It really is a physical illness!