Hi IMs
I have recently been diagnosed with post natal depression.
I don't want to be medicated so my dr has suggested high doses of vitamin b, exercise and counselling. If that doesn't work then she wants me on medication.
Has anyone successfully gotten through PND without medication?
7 Replies
I unfortunately had pnd and anxiety. I started counselling of which the emphasis was on cognitive behavioural therapy but found that I felt like I needed more and have been on lexapro since.
I originally was adamant that I would not be medicated as I was concerned about the medication coming through my breastmilk and the weight gain in particular. I decided I needed it when the counselling just wasn't working fast enough and I felt like I needed to be better sooner for my baby. It was the best thing I ever did as after 4 weeks I was feeling great.
For my situation I don't think the counselling would have been sufficient as I had a history of depression however if this was the first time I would probably not have of tried the medication.
I wish you luck with dealing with your pnd!
Like you I tried super hard to avoid medication for my pnd. Unfortunately it spiralled out of control to the point I was suicidal. I wish I listened to my gp when she first suggested medication, I would have avoided so many dark places and thoughts. Now I'm happily taking zoloft, best decision I have ever made. Good luck xo
I also had pnd with both my babies and I ended up taking meds and doing counselling with both. I did also start taking vitamin b, black mores stress one for women and that wS a big help. When I did end up coming off the meds I stayed on the vitamin b and a good multivitamin and tried to get out of the house everyday for a walk, even in the really dark days! You may find you can get through without meds but don't be hard on yourself and there is no shame if you do end up taking them. Big hugs and know this will pass in time xx
Yes! I had depression and anxiety! Counselling helped a bit, exercise helped a lot and I didn't take medication. Everyone is different so here are my suggestions...
Ask for help from family and friends or just ask for company by asking people over or going to theirs it makes a huge difference if you have someone coming over or your going somewhere!
Get dressed for the day as early as you can and dress bub for the day too! Pj days ok too but when your dressed and hair brushed you can tackle the day better.
Exercise as much as you can! Walk walk walk with that baby! Go outside as much as possible... Water the garden with out shoes on I was amazed how much that helped me you feel so refreshed (hopefully it's not freezing cold where you are) or even just put the clothes on the line with out shoes on.
Take a multivitamin and eat as healthily as you can!
Take time out for 3 things... 1. time alone (bath, walk, shopping, hair done even if it's just an hour it helps feel like you! 2. time with you and partner (if it's when bubs asleep I found helped as I was anxious leaving her) 3. time out of the mundane routine as a family!
Remember your important, give it a go with out medication and if you feel after trying with no medication it's not working then thats okay too you've tried with out so then you can try with medication too.
I was medicated immediately after an episode of post-natal depression. The GP said that given the level of stress in my life, and how quickly it compounded, he wasn't giving me a choice. I have a great relationship with this doctor so I trust him completely.
He gave me lexapro. While it stopped the crippling lows, it prevented the natural highs like baby crawling to be felt completely.
After 12 months on medication and a few attempts at counselling (which doesn't work for me, I know why I feel the way I do) I decided to stop taking the medication. I spoke to my doctor and he advised me of the correct to stop. That was about 4 months ago and I'm feeling good thanks to sleeping better, eating better, living better and permitting myself to cry or snap when I need to.
Good luck for your recovery.
I had/have pnd and anxiety, I had a strong chance of getting it as I have bipolar disorder. I have been unmedicated since I found out I was pregnant with my first child, 5 years ago. It's been very rough, very very hard. But I did it. Exercise, healthy diet and sun have been my savours. If you want to go medication free you need to have a strong support network so you can have you time too...even just half an hour of you time will save you. Workout which part of the day you feel worst or need a break and get someone to help during that time.
Blah I just wrote out a solid response that just got deleted. I was in the pharmacy ordering meds when my husband talked me out of it. We made changes.
I like anon. Response 4. I'd add:
1. Work out your triggers eg. Housework, husband, children, work etc.
2. Address each trigger eg. Overwhelming amount of housework- follow weekly timetable of chores, plan meals etc.
3. Address thought processes - keep positive, don't dwell, seek counselling (strongly advise)
Good luck