09 Aug 2006 06:59 AM

Depression topic

I have a 19 year old daughter and 7 month old granddaughter.  Ten months ago I also had a child.  He is wonderful.  I was being treated for pre and postpartum depression.  I feel I was not being medicated correctly.  In May I was admitted to the hospital with depression/addiction.  My discharge diagnosis was bi-polar with addiction.  I became addicted to benzodiazapenes after my son was born.  I should not have been on Prozac or Xanax/Klonapin.  With my new diagnosis I am on Depakote, a mood stabilizer.  I am feeling like a new human being again.  But it took a long time to feel this way.  With the article that I read on this site I totally agree with the stigma of these diseases.  I believe it is the fear of the unknown by other people who claim they have not  experienced any of these symptoms.  It is pure ignorance.  I will admit myself I never understood it, but now being in the middle of this turmoil, I fully understand it.  I would have such euphoria and think nothing in the world is wrong and then not want to get out of bed for a couple of days.  That does not work when you are a parent.  Anyone out there, if you think you are going through any mental illness, please get professional help.  I'm so glad I did.  Sometimes it can be a matter of life of death.  Remember, these are illnesses that are like any other illness, like diabetes.  Any comments would be appreciated. 

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Brownie (1011) 15 Aug 2006 08:53 AM

I wish more people would speak up about this as you did. I had no idea there was any such thing as PRE-partum depression, until I had it! And there I was, happily married, two great kids, looking forward to the baby, but still, a crushing depression and sometimes rages that left me wanting to do something terrible. You're right, getting help is best; we're in no fit state to help ourselves when it hits. Hope you're doing all right these days... hang in there!

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