How you doin’?
Posted on | June 17, 2010
by | Kim
In all the excitement, I have been meaning to update on how I’m doing, particularly after my appointment with Dr. M to determine if I have post-partum depression (PPD) or not. My appointment was Tuesday, and it went quite well. I had a total meltdown (read: crying) as I told him all the stuff that was going on. He patiently sat and let me give him my spiel. Once I had regained my composure, he went through the nine symptoms of PPD with me. His determination is that I do not have PPD but rather am (understandably) stressed out. I may have some mild depression because of well, everything; but he doesn’t think it’s full blown PPD. Thank God.
We discussed options. I told him since we don’t use contraception that we’re not really wanting to immediately go to anti-depressants (and rather than ask about vasectomies and whatnot) he was fine with that and suggested counseling and exercise (anything outside that elevates my heart, he said). I did head to the store with the kids and find a nice (affordable) pair of running shoes and have done some runs with Greg. We want to invest in a double jogging stroller so that I can run in the daytime and bring the kids; or we can bring the kids should Greg and I decide to run in the evening.
I do have free counseling available to me through Greg’s work (yay) but I’m not sure if I’m there yet … if that makes sense.
I also took the advice of Antonia and Nicole and added some supplements to my system. I looked at my diet, prenatal vitamin, and Fertility, Cycles, and Nutrition, and made some changes. I dropped my prenatal for a multi-vitamin with more of things that I think I’m running low on, and take extra folic acid to make up for the low folic acid in the multi. I also started taking flaxseed oil to get more essential fatty acids. I think it’s too early to notice any differences but I’m optimistic that it will help me in some form.
I also want to get this book at some point. I’ve also been Sleeping In Without Guilt, which at some point will turn into Going To Bed Early. I don’t think I’m particularly sleep deprived (Mr. Benedictus sleeps AMAZINGLY, and since we co-sleep I don’t have to really do much to feed him), but maybe I am somewhat since I do sleep in so easily.
Like I told the insurance ask-a-nurse; at the very least getting more exercise, more sleep, and a well-balanced nutritional intake will be good for me in the long run, even if it doesn’t do much in terms of stress or mild depression.
We shall see.
Comments
5 Responses to “How you doin’?”
Leave a Reply
Associations
June 17th, 2010 @ 1:15 pm
Glad to hear you are getting support and positive ways to help.
I do well with Cod Liver Oil, Twinlabs brand in plain liquid. A teaspoon a day makes my head happy.
June 17th, 2010 @ 4:52 pm
Yay for answers! I hope the changes help!
June 18th, 2010 @ 8:34 am
My appointment was Tuesday, and it went quite well.
I am so glad to hear that!
June 18th, 2010 @ 2:45 pm
@ Anna – thanks! I came across Cod Liver Oil a lot in my readings. I’m still looking into it to see if I should add it to my line-up.
@ Laura and @Mike – thanks!
June 18th, 2010 @ 4:33 pm
Thank God it went so much better than with the physician! Sounds like you are in control and are doing a good job of getting things back on track!
xxx