Seeing a light at the end of the dark tunnel

[lostfan]

Hi everyone,

I just started taking SJW 8 days ago and I finally see a light at the end of my very dark tunnel.

I suffered from PPD after weaning my son (who is now 10.) I had a pretty mild case of it and didn't really even realize it. I then went on to have my daughter (who is now 6). I had a little bit more severe case of PPD and went to a therapist and was told to take time for myself and exercise.

I HATE taking meds of any kind so I avoided trying SJW for a LOOOONNNNGGGGG time. Also, I have some allergies to weeds, etc so I was afraid I would be allergic to it. Besides, the exercising seemed to be helping so I just stuck with it.

Well, I quit exercising, got lazy and things started going downhill. I actually can't remember when I last felt like myself. In the last couple of months I have been barely functioning. I have come soooooooo close to getting in my car and driving away forever so that I didn't have to deal with anyone or anything. In January I started exercising and eating healthy again and the depression didn't get any better - not even slightly.

So 8 days ago I started taking SJW. I started with only 1 pill to see if I would have any allergic reaction to it. Other than feeling a little short of breath that was purely pyschological, I had no other side effects - maybe a little bit more tired after taking it.

So I started taking 3 at night and I'm amazed at the difference. :dance:

I'm still not sure whether it's actually working or if I'm just having a "good spell" but I'm leaning towards it's working since I should have been PMS'ing big time and hating the world, and I've been calm, cool and collected.

This week is the first time since I can't remember when that I haven't felt utterly hopeless. I'm so excited to have found this forum and to find other people who know what I've gone through and am going through.

I can tell that you all have a wealth of advice for newbies like me and I'm looking forward to getting to know all of you!

[BelleKelle]

Hi Beka,

I can relate to your experiences with PPD. I had it with one of my children, and when I look back now, the symptoms were so obvious, but I didn't know it, and none of my health care providers seemed to have identified it either, although I did tell them about the terrible anxiety and insomnia that I had. With my next baby, I made it very clear that I was going to do things differently, and I did, with great results. I made sure that I got a lot of sleep and that no one was going to succeed with putting a lot of pressure on me for anything. I am so glad looking back that I was assertive enough that time. I got through that newborn period with no depression at all. I think it's imperative that we know ourselves really well so that we can try to head things off before they spiral out of control.

Like you, I'm very new to SJW. I hope things go well for you. It sounds like they're getting better already, and I'm glad to hear that. Depression is hard to describe, but even harder to live with.

Oh, and keep exercising. Eventually, it will make you feel better, or barring that, at least you know you're doing something really good for your body. Something that I like to do is go to a drug store and take my blood pressure after a good workout. I love winning the blood pressure contests! (My bp is great anyway, but it's even better after a good workout!)

Take care. Wishing you the best.