I don't consistently feel sad, but I feel afraid of the unknown. I don't feel the need to do my hair, I don't do my makeup, and I'm wearing the same clothes that used to be specified gym wear. I didn't leave the house for two solid days and I really thought I was going to die. Then, when I did leave, it was so much worse. I felt panicky, lonely, and worst of all, worthless. No matter how much I tell myself that I'm doing things right, Isaiah is well taken care of, and we're doing the best we know how, I can't seem to convince myself.
We're all familiar with postpartum depression (PPD), but something I've only recently learned of is Post Adoption Depression. Seriously, the acronym is PAD, like you're sad because you're on your period, go put on a PAD. I'm not saying that to you if you happen to suffer from PAD, that is what I was saying to myself in my head. I've never been diagnosed with depression or anxiety, but I do occasionally feel like maybe I should be. I also occasionally feel like I have a medical degree, and I love to play "Which of These Disorders Do I Have Today?". So I'm not officially diagnosing myself with this, but I do think it's something important that often goes unsaid.
I did a Google search of "Post Adoption Depression" and immediately I had tons of resources right in front of me. I found the Child Welfare page of the US Department of Health & Human Services website to be the most helpful.They say, if you're struggling with three or more of the following that you should seek professional help:
- Loss of interest in being around others or engaging with your new baby or toddler.
- On the verge of tears many times in a day.
- General fatigue, along with irritability.
- Sleeping too much or too little.
- Significant weight gain or loss.
- Excessive or inappropriate guilt.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Feelings of worthlessness, powerlessness, or hopelessness.
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| Alright Mama, tell me your symptoms again. |
I am not a psychologist, but it sounds like you are just being a momma :) All of a sudden, our lives do a 180 and things just change. Its normal but it sounds like something maybe you should talk to someone about. I only say this because I am on medication for depression. I have been for a long time. Its what scares me the most about coming home after this baby is born. I worry about having PPD after this pregnancy. It does help to talk to someone though. A third party to tell you that you are okay and you are just adjusting to one of lifes biggest changes. I am always here if you need to talk :) HUGS!
ReplyDeleteThank you Melanie! We go to Isaiah's 1mo check up Tuesday and I plan to mention it to his doctor (he's also my Dr). Since I wrote this post things have gotten a lot better, but I'm still planning to ask.
DeleteAll of these symptoms also sound like thyroid. That can be checked with a simple blood test. Don't rule it out, I had these feelings after I moved to FL. thought it was just depression because it was a big change in my life and started getting really tired and gained 53 pounds in 3 months, I ended up getting very sick, it was thyroid problems. Had a friend that was being treated for depression for over thirty years and the Doctors never checked her thyroid until recently and it turns out thats what it was. Just thought I would mention it because the symptoms are so close.
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