Post natel depression?

I had my baby 4 weeks ago tomorrow and the midwif said to me that she thinks i had the baby blues, and said to me if it didnt stop (the way i was feeling) i had to go to the doctors. So i did and he said i have PND, and thinks it could go into full depression as my husband had to go away to Iraq a week after i had my baby, and is there for 6 months. He has put me on anti depressants and said that they will take about 2 weeks to start to take affect, so just wondering if you could help me on coping with these two weeks untill the tablets start any tips on how to keep myself from braking down?

First... make sure it's the baby blues and not situational depression. The stress of a newborn added with the departure of your husband can create situational depression. PND or post-partum depression is based off hormone levels and chemical imbalances in the brain. If you do not have this you shouldn't be taking pills.
As someone who went on antidepressants for situational depression I can tell you not to go there. Some people react VERY badly to them... including homicidal and suicidal thoughts. If while on your meds, you feel either of these, get to your doctor ASAP! They can destroy you if you're one of 3-5% that they do this to.
If they seem to work and you're doing okay... my advice is to make sure you have LOTS of contact with family and friends. Don't sit at home alone all day. Get out into fresh air. Online, join a support group for fellow military wives and/or mothers. Don't shut the world out or hide yourself away.
Keep a journal. Write your emotions and thoughts for the day. Have an outlet for your stress and frustration.

That's what I have. Hope it helps.

Wow. Well first congratulations on your baby! :) I'm glad that you are taking the antidepressants and hopefully they will start working. (Post-natal depression is sometimes referred to as post-partum depression depending on the region that one is in :) I have never had a child myself but do have clinical depression (as well as ocd/obsessive-compulsive disorder) and take the ssri (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) antidepressant prozac, which really helps.

If you feel as though you are going to have a mental breakdown, please do not hesitate in calling 911 or your local police/ambulance emergency! We want both you and your baby happy, safe and sound :) The ssri's (not sure if that's the type of antidepressant that you have been prescribed) generally do take 4-6 weeks, however, the person may start to feel better in the interim. Just please don't suffer alone and get outside help immediately if feeling as though you can't handle this by yourself.

Here is a website though Not in place of professional help: http://www.postpartum.net

hi, hope this helps. after all i am male so probably don't know totatly what you are experiancing. Although I have had connections with people who go toiraq and afghan..

At the end (or any time) of the day, when you are feeling low, look at your baby, think about the joy and miracle that you and your partner have created, love it and embrace it with all that you can. This is life. This is what you have both created. This is the future. and this is why your partner is enduring such grim times. to try and make a healthy safe world for you and your child.

From a woman who has been there with Post-partum depression, & is presently dealing with a husband who is also in Iraq, my heart goes out to you. My best advice is to not be afraid to ask for help from friends and family & to cry if you feel like it. Ask someone to watch the baby so you can have an hour to yourself. If you are able to do so, get a webcam so that you & your husband can see each other & talk & he can see the baby. Do your best to find something to do with any free time you might find yourself with, like a hobby, so that you don't dwell on the fact that he is gone. Sometimes it just helps to talk to someone. Let it all out to someone who is a good listener. I always liked to hold my baby close & shut my eyes & just focus on breathing to clear my head. Please don't hesitate to contact your Dr. if your symptoms get worse before the meds kick in.
Good Luck & God Bless
RN & mom

I agree with the first person. you should really make sure its not situational. If its situational then you should meet other militrary wife in your hubby command. This usually helps to ease the pain of your hubby being gone for the other wifes are going through the same thing.

Baby blue suck I wont lie but what I did when I felt them I would go for a walk with the girls a car ride would help for some reason they put the kids to sleep. if you have family thats close to you see if they can watch the baby for an hour and go get your feet done! it will take your mind off things. I hope these little tips I found helpful will help you out. Best wishes and congrads!