https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 17 Jun 2026 05:35:10 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-overcome-ppd-without-medication#post-2009024 Sun, 04 Jan 2015 15:17:12 +0000 gilmoregirl 2009024@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My situation is similar to @sarac: in that my anxiety is generally mild and eating well and exercising can help me keep it under control. I definitely have periods where it gets out of hand (like when my son doesn't sleep for a week or two and I'm completely exhausted) but I am generally okay without meds. I would not hesitate to use meds if I/my doctor thought I needed them, but for now I'm okay without. </p> <p>I think it's not impossible and it's worth a try, especially if you have a therapist who is checking in with you regularly, a good support system, and can get access to meds if you need them. </p> <p>Best wishes to you, too. I'm sorry you're going through this and I'm glad you're getting help. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-overcome-ppd-without-medication#post-2009002 Sun, 04 Jan 2015 14:42:12 +0000 sarac 2009002@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I managed to overcome mine with more sleep (crucial), exercise, and good diet. But I have a fairly mild, not crippling kind of depression that really responds to stuff like that. I think that more serious depression really needs professional help. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-overcome-ppd-without-medication#post-2008995 Sun, 04 Jan 2015 14:34:32 +0000 youboots 2008995@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I just wanted to pop in here and add a little something. I have suffered from anxiety and sometimes depression so I opted to see a therapist as soon as I got my BFP. I wanted to have an established relationship with someone who could really know me/ help keep an eye on me after baby, as well as do the emotional housekeeping I needed to do to create healthy boundries before baby comes. I'm 31 weeks, so I'm not there yet, but I am at risk for PPA and/or PPD. So I can't answer your question, but, I just wanted to put it out there that if you do a medication route the first one prescribed may not work for you. I had a really terrible reaction to Paxil over 7 years ago, and it was a really scary experience. I'm sure the right Dr will help you along but if I go the medication route in the future I will be sure to start taking something over the weekend with constant supervision and help with LO. Just something to keep in mind. </p> <p>I also just want to tell you how awesome I think therapy will be for you. It has really helped me a lot and I feel better equipped to be the parent and wife I want to be. It can only get better for you and your family. Hugs. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-overcome-ppd-without-medication#post-2008967 Sun, 04 Jan 2015 14:18:14 +0000 Cherrybee 2008967@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I did! I saw a therapist from 6 months pp, for a few months. It really helped. BUT if you feel the therapy alone isn't helping, get your regular doctor to prescribe meds. There no shane in it at all and they really work! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-overcome-ppd-without-medication#post-2008882 Sun, 04 Jan 2015 12:31:31 +0000 BabyTsMom 2008882@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Torchwood: @SweetiePie: this pretty much sums it up for my experience. I had horrible guilt, depression and anxiety for the first four months or so.<br /> I ended up seeing a therapist for a few months and considered meds but did not use them (tried zoloft for three days and made me so sick I couldn't continue, and didn't seek an alternative). Talking to the therapist certainly helped, as did just time and getting used to my new reality.<br /> I wonder, however, if my recovery would have been quicker and better if I had gone on meds, though. If I ever experience it again, though, I will without a doubt try a different medication. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-overcome-ppd-without-medication#post-2008848 Sun, 04 Jan 2015 11:55:29 +0000 yoursilverlining 2008848@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I saw a therapist who specializes in PPD and took Zoloft (prescribed by my OB) and I think both were necessary in my recovery. I don't see medicine as a last resort though, they are a powerful tool we can use, and often necessary because PPD is often a chemical/hormonal imbalance and isn't just a sad/bad mood or something you can will yourself out of. </p> <p>For me, meds and therapy worked in conjunction - the meds stabilized my emotions and hormones, which allowed me to connect better in therapy and be more present during the counseling sections. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-overcome-ppd-without-medication#post-2008823 Sun, 04 Jan 2015 11:26:47 +0000 gingerbebe 2008823@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I did placenta encapsulation to try and prevent PPD and we were all on watch for it. I felt like I was coping okay until the placenta pills ran out and DS went through a horrible period of about 2 weeks where he screamed constantly and didn't sleep for 8 days. I had a nervous breakdown, stopped eating, lost 20 pounds in those 2 weeks, and even when DH tried to give me a break I couldn't sleep from the anxiety. The pediatrician and OB begged me to try Zoloft and I felt SO MUCH BETTER within 2 weeks coupled with a lot more sleep (thanks to my hubby). Therapy might be helpful but I just don't have the time to go to sessions since I am the primary caretaker for DS during the day and I feel so much better on the Zoloft I don't feel super pressed to do it right now. DS' crying still gives me a PTSD-like reaction with anxiety spikes but it's manageable and I'm way more patient and loving to him and my huzz. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-overcome-ppd-without-medication#post-2008809 Sun, 04 Jan 2015 11:04:44 +0000 sorrycharlie 2008809@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was unable to overcome (or cope with) PPD/PPA without meds. I was in therapy for a long time as well, and it took almost losing my marriage for me to realize I needed to try a new medicine (I took prozac in college years, Lexapro for PPD/PPA). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-overcome-ppd-without-medication#post-2008759 Sun, 04 Jan 2015 10:01:08 +0000 BeachMama 2008759@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>After my first, when I hit rock bottom and sobbed to my OB on the phone, she prescribed me Zoloft. I also saw a psychiatrist and my regular doctor who continue to prescribe it. I was on it for maybe a year and saw a therapist a few times. I think the combo of meds and talking to someone (and joining a Mommy &amp; Me class led by a psychologist) helped. My one piece of advice....if you do go on meds, make sure you wean off of them w the help of your doctor. I didn't and had some pretty severe withdrawal symptoms. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-overcome-ppd-without-medication#post-2008745 Sun, 04 Jan 2015 09:47:58 +0000 ladybee 2008745@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've been taking Celexa for the last 14 months for my PPD. It's been a life saver. It helped me love my son fully and enjoy every moment. I tried going off last month and felt the rage come back, resentment, and depression. I'm back on now and I'm happy. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-overcome-ppd-without-medication#post-2008734 Sun, 04 Jan 2015 09:32:04 +0000 SweetiePie 2008734@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Kachang: @Mamasig: @ShootingStar: @wonderstruck: @DillonLion: Thank you so much for sharing your experiences with PPD and medication. It sounds like a quicker road to recovery, which is really appealing to me. I'm just sick of having bad days and fighting with my husband. He's sick of it too!</p> <p>@Torchwood: Thank you :heart: When you explain it that way, it does make sense that IF women experience PPD. That's exactly what I felt in the beginning - we wanted it so badly, so it was a bit of a disappointment when it wasn't all smooth sailing and romanticized. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-overcome-ppd-without-medication#post-2008488 Sat, 03 Jan 2015 22:10:17 +0000 Mamasig 2008488@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>With my 1st I didn't take any meds or go to therapy and it took a while to feel normal. Maybe 9 months or so? With my 2nd, I felt the anxiety right away and told the doctor at my 2 wee appointment. I began taking lexapro and it made a world of difference. I felt like myself and actually enjoyed the newborn stage. Sure, I had some down days but not like before. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-overcome-ppd-without-medication#post-2008457 Sat, 03 Jan 2015 21:55:06 +0000 ShootingStar 2008457@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Several years ago I had something happen that was really difficult for me to deal with. I started seeing a therapist and after a few sessions she thought I was clinically depressed. She wasn't a psychiatrist so she couldn't prescribe meds, so she recommended I talk to my primary care dr. I did and she put me on Zoloft, which I took for about 6 months. </p> <p>The best way I can describe what they did for me is that to me, depression was like falling down and endless well. I was so sad and crying all the time. I would be doing normal things like watching tv and just lose it. Or a song would come on the radio and I'd have a panic attack. Anyways, Zoloft made me feel like instead of continuously falling down that well, I had hit a ledge. I didn't feel great, I didn't feel numb. But I also wasn't endlessly spiraling either. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-overcome-ppd-without-medication#post-2008446 Sat, 03 Jan 2015 21:47:35 +0000 Torchwood 2008446@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>No input, though I'm interested to read this since I feel like I'm at risk for PPD, but I wanted to say that I've read that it's very common for women with IF to wind up with PPD. Basically when you've wanted something for SO long, you build it up in your head and in this case, it's always harder than you expect. That can make it tough emotionally. So while I can understand it being confusing, just know that it's also normal! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-overcome-ppd-without-medication#post-2008433 Sat, 03 Jan 2015 21:36:35 +0000 wonderstruck 2008433@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If your PPD is hormone driven, which is pretty common, I really think medication would make a huge difference. I actually had depression during my pregnancy rather than after, and medication made an immediate difference for me. It's not uncommon to see one person for therapy and someone else to have medication prescribed to you; I would strongly recommend at least seeing if it helps. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-overcome-ppd-without-medication#post-2008430 Sat, 03 Jan 2015 21:34:33 +0000 DillonLion 2008430@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had Zoloft prescribed by my ob at 2 or 3 weeks postpartum. My mom has severe PPD and we wanted to get out ahead of any issues. It worked so well I never sought therapy and stopped taking it a few months later. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-overcome-ppd-without-medication#post-2008428 Sat, 03 Jan 2015 21:32:55 +0000 Kachang 2008428@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I took meds for PPD/PPA after the birth of my son. I was in terrible shape - wasn't sleeping, extremely anxious, losing weight and suicidal at the end. My parents and husband could see how poorly I was doing and (kindly) tried to help me rest, exercise, eat well and have "me time" - and it didn't help at all. I saw a psychologist first and her first suggestion was that I see a psychiatrist and start on meds. So, I saw both a psychologist and psychiatrist. I took Zoloft and went to therapy regularly. I think it took about 4 weeks on the Zoloft and then suddenly, I felt like a flip switched and I was myself again. I took Zoloft for a year. I was off meds for my second pregnancy and went back on Zoloft the day after Baby #2 was born (apparently, the chance for relapse for me was greater than 50%). </p> <p>Anyway, I obviously did not overcome PPD without meds, but please feel free to PM me if you have more questions. For me, I think Zoloft saved me and I would take it again in a heartbeat. I think if you cannot get PPD under control in a reasonable amount of time without meds, it is worth looking into meds. But, obviously, it is an extremely personal decision. Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-overcome-ppd-without-medication#post-2008416 Sat, 03 Jan 2015 21:25:50 +0000 SweetiePie 2008416@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsHansen82: See, I actually don't even feel like meds are a last resort. I actually went jnto this process thinking I would go on meds. Then when she said she doesn't/can't prescribe and explained her methods, I thought it was interesting and worth a shot. But now I'm second guessing it - I guess if it's a chemical imbalance it seems hard to believe that it'll resolve on its own. I don't want it to take a year for me to feel better. :-(<br /> I'll talk more to her about it next week and make a decision from there. I was just curious if there were any similar experiences on HB. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-overcome-ppd-without-medication#post-2008410 Sat, 03 Jan 2015 21:22:47 +0000 loveisstrange 2008410@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@SweetiePie: I did, but probably not as much as I should have. I was in a pretty deep cycle of denial with a healthy dose of lack of motivation. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-overcome-ppd-without-medication#post-2008408 Sat, 03 Jan 2015 21:21:26 +0000 SweetiePie 2008408@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bluestriped bee: Thanks! I've been keeping tabs on you and the other IF ladies, I've just been kinda silent :-)<br /> It's definitely confusing to feel such negative feelings about parenthood after all we went through to get here. Makes me feel even worse! </p> <p>The therapist Im meeting next week also mentioned acupuncture. I've never done it but I'm not opposed! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-overcome-ppd-without-medication#post-2008403 Sat, 03 Jan 2015 21:17:38 +0000 SweetiePie 2008403@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@loveisstrange: Did you enter therapy at any point during those 18 months?</p> <p>ETA: You're not a downer :-) Im looking for honest feedback and experiences! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-overcome-ppd-without-medication#post-2008369 Sat, 03 Jan 2015 21:03:41 +0000 loveisstrange 2008369@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I mean.... I wouldnt say I overcame PPD without meds. I survived it.... barely. It took like 18 months to feel at all normal again. I'll be honest that I think I should have just gone and gotten meds. I think that it would have been a much shorter, easier road for me, and honestly for DH too. Im surprised we're still married because I was out of my mind.</p> <p>I don't mean to be a big downer, but that was my experience with it. I think mental health is not something you should mess around with and anti-depressants can be very helpful used temporarily in conjunction with counseling. I was treated that way as a teenager and only really needed the meds for a few months and then managed to be pretty successful controlling my depression and anxiety issues for years after until I got pregnant. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-overcome-ppd-without-medication#post-2008325 Sat, 03 Jan 2015 20:31:58 +0000 turquoisemama 2008325@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@SweetiePie: I did mention it to my OB last visit and she offered to put me on Zoloft as a preventative measure, but like you, I wasn't comfortable with medication. I feel as though it would have to be a last resort for me. I talked with DH about it and he said he would keep an eye on me and make sure I was okay. I plan to try to be extra aware of how I'm feeling in the weeks following delivery. What I'm worried about though is not knowing what's normal and what's not. I mean everyone has a little bit of baby blues after delivery, but where is the line when it becomes not normal? I hope I can differentiate. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-overcome-ppd-without-medication#post-2008322 Sat, 03 Jan 2015 20:31:21 +0000 BSB 2008322@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have no experience but since I'm doing acupuncture for fertility reasons, I would suggest trying acupuncture. Acupuncture has helped me emotionally get through IF. It allows me to quiet or clear my mind and prevent those negative thoughts from entering my head. I've had depression in the past and took anti-depressants. Since I do have those depressive thoughts sometimes, I have also seen a therapist on a regular basis. I stopped going but I've since started acupuncture and it definitely helps. Whenever I do get pregnant, I will be concerned about PPD. If I got it, I would ask my acupuncturist first to see if she can help. If not, I know I can go back to my therapist and if it came to it ask for meds.</p> <p>eTA: thinking of you! I know you are an IF graduate and it must be so hard to go through IF and then deal with PPD. Hugs!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-overcome-ppd-without-medication#post-2008319 Sat, 03 Jan 2015 20:30:19 +0000 Lindsay05 2008319@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <br /><p><i>This comment has been deleted by the original poster.</i></p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-overcome-ppd-without-medication#post-2008281 Sat, 03 Jan 2015 19:55:33 +0000 SweetiePie 2008281@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsHansen82: Good luck to you! If you haven't already, it would be wise to let your healthcare provider know now that you may be more susceptible. That way they can keep an extra vigilant eye on you.<br /> The best advice I can give to you is to get help as soon as you feel you *might* have PPD/PPA. It's a destructive "disease" and I wish I had reached out to someone sooner. It could have saved me many tears and many arguments with my husband.<br /> Hugs and luck to you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-overcome-ppd-without-medication#post-2008270 Sat, 03 Jan 2015 19:47:14 +0000 turquoisemama 2008270@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>No advice, but I'm wondering the same thing myself. I'm 39.5 weeks and have been worried about PPD/Anxiety since I have a history of anxiety. Following this! Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-overcome-ppd-without-medication#post-2008257 Sat, 03 Jan 2015 19:39:18 +0000 SweetiePie 2008257@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hi all,</p> <p>I've been wondering if I had PPD since LO was born in September. For a while I felt better, but right around 3.5 months PP I started to tank again. I've finally taken the steps to contact a therapist and she confirmed that what I described sounds like PPD/PPA. </p> <p>A lot of what Ive read says that PPD is best treated with medication. Has anyone beat PPD without medication? The therapist I am meeting with next week doesn't prescribe (well, she can't). She takes a "holistic approach" by keeping in contact between meetings, encouraging nutritious eating, excercise, hygiene, "me time", etc. It's more about postpartum care along with the counseling.<br /> She did say that if I felt I needed medication she could refer me to someone who can prescribe. I would like to try wirbout meds first, but im wondering how successful that is?<br /> Anyone successful with this methodology? Anyone unsuccessful and ultimately needed meds?<br /> I just want to feel better as quickly as possible!</p> <p>Thanks! </p>