Depression

Typically when I go through a low it lasts a night or day at the most. Then the next day I may still feel sad but I'll be able to carry on. Right now I'm in a bad funk or depression and its almost day 3. It doesn't normally last this long. I feel horrible pains of worthlessness, thoughts of suicide, empty, pain, I can't focus, I feel so tired, drained, sad, hurt,pain,pain,pain. Would depression pills even work? I've felt this way for so long (not as intense as these past few days) but I'm still able to function. I can still force myself out. I can look like a happy person. I can wear makeup and dress up but inside I feel like I want to die. Most people think I live a pretty happy life. My facebook is nothing but smiles and positive stuff. Little does everyone know the demons Im facing. Would prozac helps that or is it just me?

Also, I feel sort of guilty for focusing on my mental help. About 2 years ago, I was hospitalized and that whole year immediate family knew I was working on my mental state so they helped me with my son. Now, I have a newborn so it feels like my turns up. I feel like I have to focus on my kids now and that the "me" is going to have to wait to fix itself. I wouldn't mind but it just hurts.

Hi,
You shouldn't feel guilty about taking care of your mental health, because its going to make you a better parent by taking care of yourself.

It's possible any anti depressant could work, but I'm not aware of any that is fast acting. Generally they can take upto 4-6 weeks for full effects.

LIP, I'm sorry that you're feeling this way. I can't imagine how hard it is to go through this and deal with a newborn at the same time.

Anti-depressants will and won't work. As I found (and my doctor confirmed), AD's are mainly to keep you off of the ledge. They don't really do anything to make you happier, despite their name. They just sort of numb you enough to keep you alive. And, as CH said, they do take a little while to build up in your system. So while they will work, they won't work as people often expect them to.

Do you have a therapist? If not, talk to your GP. There may be counseling options available for postpartum depression. I know what you're going through is a little bit more than that, but if they list it as such, it may be easier to push through on insurance. Just a thought...

And CH is right; don't feel bad or guilty about taking care of your mental health. Don't feel guilty now or ever! You have two kids now, so keeping you mentally healthy is even more important than ever. Kids pick up on their parents' state of mind more than we'd like to admit. A happy mommy makes for happier kids, so if you need a reason, just keep thinking that you're doing it for them.

If you need to talk, you know where to find us. You can always PM me or MissAli if you want to talk, but don't want to air things publicly. Just remember that you're not alone in this, okay? We're here for you.

I will add that Effexor seems to have helped me a lot in the past month with my depression. Hasn't helped me in my unhealthy patterns of behavior (which then make me want to crawl into a hole and hide), but it's definitely toned the depression down and made me feel, yes, actually happier. I've been on it a month.