Wife has PPD ... how can I help her?

Makes a lot of sense. Possibly she is doing it already. In fact just this morning she mentioned some instance which she attributed to the 'conspiracy' against her, but sort of ignored it and moved on with her chores. I could live with this, but my impression is that she will never realise that all her thoughts are not real but they are caused by her PPD condition. Is my impression correct? She will never accept (or realise) she has PPD? Even if the 'conspiracy' dies off, will it remain in her mind as a 'real experience'? Thanks

Hi,

Yes, I think that you are 100% correct in what you're saying. It is just like 'overriding' the paranoia that's in her head, because thosde paranoid thoughts are pretty much 'etched' into her brain and will become activated for various reasons as she continues in her life. It sems like she really is at the stage where she can override them though. It's like a computer programme overriding a bad piece of code or something, or downloading an update/patch for the same. Know what i mean?

I like your 'computer' explaination. It makes a lot of sense. Im afraid yesterday evening she had a fallback after she received a call from what should be her best friend. She was on the phone for an hour chatting and laughing, and was happy after the phone call. Two hours later she came to me and said that she now realised that her friend phoned her to discover more things about her doings to list them on the internet! She was feeling so bad afterwards and did not sleep. She had chest pains as well. I closed my eyes at 0330hrs last night! But in the morning she was already better and just spoke to her now and seems ok, though she said she feels a bit confused. I changed subject and she was talking pretty normal. Now lets see what I find when I get home tonight! Its like walking on a mine-field. Once u dont hit the mine, ull arrive in one piece! The thing is that I cannot foresee who will call her or who she will meet which will activate her condition. At the same time I cannot lock her at home and cut the telephone lines! Its a tricky one.

Hi,

That's unfortunaste what happened, but you seem to have handled it quite well by changing the subject. If this approach has worked before too, then continue to do it. Be warned that she might soon catch-onto what you're doing though and will become angry with you for changing the subject all of the time. When this happens, don't raise your voice and just remain as calm as you can be. If you stay calm, then she'll feel a bit silly being angry towards you and will start to speak calmy too (and will then think more logically).

Kevin

Thanks Kev ... had the oportunity (unfortunately) to practice what u told me these last two days. Back to normal (?) now. At one point she starting doubting even the priest! Today she met him and he must have done a good job. He told her that he believes in her and that she has to start believing its all over! Well, thats something Im trying all the time, but maybe coming from him it is more effective. We see. Im looking forward to a calm weekend! Thanks always for your reliable adv! Nice weekend ...

You're welcome. I can feel myself entering a bit of a rough patch now though in my own life and won't be replying anymore here as I feel that you are in control. If you are not - and still need/want more help - then just say so. Send me a PM or something. I really can feel my own situation getting worse though, and I need to take a break for a while (or just cut-down my usage here). I hope you understand.

Good luck my friend,
Kevin

No problem mate ... u have been helping me a lot. I feel exteremely grateful. Hope u overcome your challenge soon; something Im sure ull do as ure a very intelligent person. If u think I can help u in some way, let me know. Good luck!

Hi again,

I just felt like replying. Maybe you can help me somewhat by just replying back again, if you can. I am even less happy now than I was when I posted my last reply. I don't know why I am like this, hanx. I am continuing to be active on other threads - putting on a brave face to help others - but inside I'm really sad. Any more news on your situation today (Saturday)?

Kevin

Hi ... thankfully she is, well lets say ok. Calm. I could live with that! You have helped me a lot, and surely Im not the only one. You should be very happy with yourself as you made a difference. I think this is all it is about. Personally I am no believer in faith, religion and all that; however I believe in same principles. While I will not try to save the world, I do my little part by following my social obligations, I dont to harm to anybody and when I can be of help to others, I try. I am ok like this. In fact Im convinced that if heaven really exists, I will make it all the same . Happiness, what means being happy? For me its being serene. For me its knowing I did all I could in facing every challenge. Being my job, my son's condition (nothing serous but had to go for surgery), kid's education, my wife, family standard of living (not rich, but lets say comfortable). I try to be happy (what a word) with what I have rather than with what I dont have. I appreciate every little material thing I own as I worked hard for it. Any way, I tried to give you an idea of my approach in this crazy world. I try to keep it simple, no big ambitions, think for the future but not over do it. Love a lot and give a lot, without any expectations. I dont know if any of this is of help to you but maybe there is something u like. Maybe this is no longer the right way to communicate since we moved away from the original subject. U mentioned one can make a PM. Any time, just go ahead. If Im slow in replying, its because I travel a lot due to my job and not always have access to internet, but usually I manage at least once a day. Take care ...

Hi
We are on the same boat. I've been married for 16 years and my wife has PPD. She thinks all people around her try to make her crazy including her parents. I've just finished reading "I am Not Sick, I don't need help" by Xavier Amador. It's agreat book.