How can i tell the difference between post-partum depression and just being stressed with taking care of two little ones?

I plan on calling the doctor in the morning but i feel stupid for even having to call. Everything was going great yesterday, but today my son has been acting out (i believe hes jealous of our new baby girl), im dealing with being in pain from my c-section, every little joke my fiance says i take to heart all of a sudden, and i all of a sudden got upset that that oh-so-nice and overly sweet way he had been acting in the past week has gone back to our normal relationship (which is still wonderful)…i just dont know if im tired and stressed or if its possible its ppd.

Answer #1

I think ur tired and stressed, one good sign of post partum depression is not takein care of urself or ur child(ren), and u don’t sleep, and u don’t eat very often either, I wud still call the doc like u had stated u r goin to do anyways

Answer #2

To make it simple post partum is like a bi polar when they r on thr high, hope that makes since and helps

Answer #3

Mandyloo, you just had a baby girl…and through a “c section”, if that isnt stressing enough I dont know what is…congrats by the way!

You have been through labor before, you know your body goes through so many changes your hormones are out of whack. It’s expected!

You also have issues with your first son lashing out because he feels like he is second place now, it’s to be expected but showing him that he still has room in your heart & plenty of time with you & the baby will allow him to also feel useful. Give him some opportunities to spend time with his little sister, even if you dont need him to…it’s a way to make him bond with her. Like say I am so tired, can you please help me with your sister so I can rest my back for a while…close your eyes while watching what he does…if he asks what to do which he may, then tell him to sing to her…or to tell her a story…act like you are sleeping so he feels like it’s ok to allow himself to be the big brother he is. It will do all of you some good.

No wonder your feeling so emotional! All the stress, chaos, of course you’re beat…you need some R & R…

I say before jumping on the whole ppd train, wait a month. See how things change with in the month…if in 2 weeks you are still feeling this way or even worse off then i would call the doc but not before.

Sounds to me like you’re simply over doing it when you need to kick back & relax!

Hope this helps & hope you feel better soon.

Answer #4

I think one way of telling the difference between postpartum depression and feeling stressed is by giving it a little bit of time. Depression, regardless of which type, usually hangs around for an extended period of time (usually more than a month or two). If what you’re feeling is stress or baby blues, usually the feelings will go away after about a week or so when you’re a little more adjusted to things.

Answer #5

The two basic things you want to look at are time and intensity. Some thing that does not quit after a few weeks needs to be looked at. Something seriously intense (suici.dal, homi.cidal are two major examples), needs to be looked at. Either or both is something to pay attention to. I tend to err on the side of caution and say if you’re worried and you’re not a hypochondriac, talking to someone about it can’t hurt.

Answer #6

If you’re a hypochondriac then you should be seeking treatment anyhow…

Answer #7

stressed is likek you wanna get things done but it kinda drives you crazy, and depression is you dont want to move and neglect you kids

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