Know any good support groups?

[suzyqscraps]

I've been struggling a lot since having my baby 8 months ago, and just got diagnosed with postpartum depression. It seems less scary to put that out online, than to discuss it with people who know me and love me. Anyway, I live in the middle of nowhere. We're near my dh's family, and they're great support, but sometimes...you just don't want to discuss it with the fam, kwim? Just wondering if anyone knows of any online support groups I could check out. I think I'm gonna need help with this one. TIA.

[BrattyMeg]

((((((Suzy)))))) Hugs!! I had a baby 12 weeks ago and I KNOW exactly what you are going thru. Thankfully I was diagnosed pretty early and started Zoloft. This is my 2nd bout with it. I had NO problems with my last pregnancy (2yr) but the one before it (4yr) was awful afterwards as well. Did the dr start you on any medication? Feel free to PM me anytime you want. I go to a group here and it's like therapy for me, although it's not a true support group..I can vent and share my frustrations and the ladies are all moms who have been there at one point or another so they do offer sound advice.

Do you have a church? Check with them too about a mommy group. Most have them

[Brooke W]

Suzy, this is an incredible site. They also have a forum (see on the left side, down a little ways) where you can ask questions, etc. They also have a newsletter.
http://depression.about.com/

I highly recommend it. It has helped me in the past.

Also, check your hospitals in the area. They can often offer support groups for this.

[mrs_jb]

Suzy, big big hugs to you! I also struggle with anxiety and postpartum depression and it is definitely not easy. This is my second round of it, although the anxiety is a lifelong problem for me.

I think it's great that you are getting help, that's one of the things I struggled with, was admitting that I had a problem and that I even needed help. Like Meg, I'm also on Zolft and I think that it really does help!

Best of luck and please PM me anytime if you want to chat!

[MandaBean]

I'm sorry Suzy. You guys make me scared. I have anxiety and have been taking Zoloft for a few years now..and I have no babies! What's gonna happen when/if I have one. It sounds scary.

[opeysmama]

Suzy, I don't know of any online places, sorry. But I do know it is very inportant to have support of those loved ones in your life, real life. I really hope they will be supportive and allow you to open up freely without criticizing. Those of us who have battled depression and/or anxiety are here for you. I want you to know you can PM me any time you want. God bless sweetie!!

[[michele]]

No advice, just (((hugs))). I have struggled with depression and anxiety for years.

Being exhausted with a little one certainly doesn't help anyone's mental state!

Michele

[KristinCB]

**huge hugs**

I can relate as well, I had PPD after I had lily (5.5 years ago) This time I am ok but I was on medication throughout my pregnancy and remain on it now as well (take it for other issues etc)

[cdvcreations]

I know what you mean too. I honestly found talking to other mothers really helped me. I visit the What to Expect site when I am struggling. It is not just for pregnancy. http://www.whattoexpect.com They have a forum for SAHM's and it is the most active one I have seen yet. They have forums for dealing with dads, preschoolers, school aged, single moms, working moms, military moms, Multiples & twins, and more! I use the SAHM the most.

[AmyM]

You are not alone! I had a major case of PPD that just kinda lingered and have dealt with depression and anxiety off and on since then. It's been a while but I've been there. Hubby at work all day, nobody to babysit and give you any relief, friends hours away, no family close by where we lived, no sleep, worried about finances and this and that- it was awful. I was on Zoloft before but right now I'm ok. Might need it again, and I won't hesitate to ask for it either. If you wanna talk feel free to send me a pm to. So many of us here have struggled with this in different ways.

[suzyqscraps]

Thanks so much for all your support and kind words. It's one thing to be told you're not alone, when you don't know anyone else who struggles with PPD; it's entirely different when you can SEE that you're really not alone.

My doctor gave me some samples of Cymbalta to try. I sometimes have trouble with medication, so I took it yesterday evening. He'd warned me I might be nauseous with it for the first week or so. I didn't expect to throw up twice. Yuck! Hope my body gets used to it soon...