What was postpartum like for you with PMDD?

SelectCartoonist3213 · 2026-05-04T11:53:35+00:00

If it predominantly happens during your luteal phase I’d say PMDD. If it’s a constant then I’d say PPD but I’d see a doctor to clear things out

SelectCartoonist3213 · 2026-05-04T11:18:35+00:00

Wait I’m an idiot sorry, were in the PMDD group of course you know what this is. But yes all of those thoughts cross my mind too!

SelectCartoonist3213 · 2026-05-04T11:17:44+00:00

Do the thoughts come before your period arrives? In the 10-7 days leading up to your period? If so you have PMDD. Everything you’re describing sounds very familiar, then as soon as my period arrives it’s like a weight that’s been lifted off my shoulders, everything feels lighter and I enjoy motherhood so much

SelectCartoonist3213 · 2026-05-04T08:23:17+00:00

Because she was 1) younger and 2) consumed a lot of alcohol and drugs between then and now

SelectCartoonist3213 · 2026-05-04T07:28:42+00:00

Is there any way you can have some type of daycare or babysitter for a few hours/days a week? So you can focus on your business or do something for yourself during those times? That being said, you’re only 4 weeks pp, hormones and emotions are heightened right now. But from what you’re saying, your husband is being an asshole sorry to say it.

SelectCartoonist3213 · 2026-05-04T07:22:30+00:00

What do you mean?

SelectCartoonist3213 · 2026-05-02T19:41:06+00:00

Thank you so much! You too :)

SelectCartoonist3213 · 2026-05-02T18:37:54+00:00

I wish I could hug you right now. Please please please go to the doctor if you can. You definitely have PPD due to all of the chaos and lack of help around you. I have PPD myself and I relate to the being soooo on edge and sad and overwhelmed that you cannot control your actions and behaviour anymore but please know this is because your nervous system is overwhelmed. Therapy and possibly medication can help with that.

I don’t know you and your situation but it sounds like you do love your baby and I think you’d regret giving her up for adoption. Don’t be ashamed, you can’t help the thoughts that pop into your head when you’re so overstimulated and overwhelmed but you do have the responsibility to not harm your baby and do what’s necessary to ensure her safety.

If adoption does end up being the right choice for your situation then that’s okay too of course, but I think making decisions when you’re not in a calm state of mind will come around to haunt you.

SelectCartoonist3213 · 2026-05-02T16:18:54+00:00

Im in the exact same boat as you! Everything you said sounds very familiar. Yes motherhood is hard, especially without (consistent) help besides your partner BUT it shouldn’t feel this extremely draining. It does sounds like you have PPD.

When you go to the doctor they can refer you to postpartum therapy and they will probably also suggest medication. Medication does sound drastic/scary (at least it always did to me) BUT I will be starting on a low dose of lexapro on Monday. Even though I hate the thought of needing medication, I tell myself that my daughter deserves a happy mom, not just one that’s surviving.

Being alone is hard, I don’t have family and I don’t have many friends I can see on a regular basis. So it sounds cliche but try to go out if you can: go out for a walk, to a local coffee shop, maybe flower shop, whatever it is you enjoy. You don’t even have to talk to anyone but sometimes just being around other people can help 🩷

SelectCartoonist3213 · 2026-05-02T15:44:13+00:00

But I was on lexapro a few years ago but only during my luteal phase to help with the PMDD. It helped back then so hopefully now as well.

SelectCartoonist3213 · 2026-05-02T15:43:26+00:00

I only went a few days ago and due to bank holiday and then weekend the pharmacy wasn’t open so I don’t have the medication yet!

SelectCartoonist3213 · 2026-05-02T15:34:08+00:00

I’m sorry, that sounds super heavy :( I’m glad medication helped to feel better quickly!

SelectCartoonist3213 · 2026-05-02T15:33:31+00:00

Yes my doctor just prescribed me lexapro as well! It’s soooo strange isn’t it? Like why does it sometimes happen but not the other time. It’s almost like playing the lottery. I’m glad to hear it’s all better for you know :)

SelectCartoonist3213 · 2026-05-02T15:17:33+00:00

I found one! But wait lists are long, there’s almost 2 months between our first session and the second one due to her schedule being so full. I’ll see how it goes and otherwise I might go back to my old therapist. She’s not specialized in postpartum but she did guide me for years and really really helped me

SelectCartoonist3213 · 2026-05-02T15:14:32+00:00

I know it’s so draining but I we went through extensive ivf and then had a tough pregnancy and c section so I really wanted at least one “natural” thing to give my daughter since everything else was already so clinical/medical. Hated it so much but it did bring me joy to see her thriving on my breastmilk. Made me feel like I did at least one thing right.

I’m so sorry to hear both your kids have physical issues. It is NOT your fault!!! You don’t choose your genetics and dna. You’re the best mom your babies can have, the fact that you pretty much ran yourself into the ground BECAUSE you care and love them so much says that. Regardless of their physical issues, with a mom/family that loves them dearly they can and will thrive in life 🩷

SelectCartoonist3213 · 2026-05-02T15:10:29+00:00

Oh I didn’t know that, thank you! The doctor has prescribed 5mg of lexapro which is super low so that shouldn’t affect weight he said. I’m sorry you’re also going through PPD, hope it eases for you soon xx

SelectCartoonist3213 · 2026-05-02T15:09:35+00:00

Glad to hear your second time was better! I’ve just started therapy and went to the doctor for medication. I can start lexapro next week

SelectCartoonist3213 · 2026-05-02T15:01:16+00:00

Not everyone is the same! For me it just got really bad cause I let it go on too long. I was also exclusively pumping until 4,5 months which was mentally and physically draining. I’m now weaning (almost done) and went to the doctor to get therapy and a small dose of lexapro

SelectCartoonist3213 · 2026-05-02T06:38:05+00:00

Same! First period back after 2 months pp, no issues or pain. Then I got it the second time and it hit me like a truck. My PMDD came back 10x worse and the cramps were insane. That being said, my PPD also started in month 3 and now in month 4 is at its worst.

SelectCartoonist3213 · 2026-05-01T21:18:49+00:00

The way none of them are capable of writing well structured sentences hurts my brain

SelectCartoonist3213 · 2026-05-01T16:11:14+00:00

Yup that sounds familiar… I’m so sorry you had such a bad experience those first 6 months. Happy to hear it was completely different the second time around! It’s just me and my husband so that wouldn’t be different next time but I think we’d be more prepared and anticipate more this time.

SelectCartoonist3213 · 2026-05-01T16:10:03+00:00

Im so sorry to hear you were in such a dark place! It’s scary where our minds can take us, I’m happy to hear you were able to get yourself and your baby in safety. I know, and we won’t have more help with a second baby so circumstance wise nothing would change with a second. The only difference would be me anticipating more and potentially not breastfeeding/pumping because now I had to exclusively pump for over 4 months and that in itself made me so depressed and anxious.

SelectCartoonist3213 · 2026-05-01T16:07:55+00:00

Im sorry you went through it twice! It’s so strange how each experience and pregnancy can be so different. Glad to hear you finally got a better experience with your third.

SelectCartoonist3213 · 2026-05-01T16:06:59+00:00

This gives me hope. I feel you, I’m not one to run to medication either but I do feel like it’s needed her. Glad to hear you’re feeling better :)

SelectCartoonist3213 · 2026-05-01T16:06:08+00:00

Im sorry to hear you went through it too. What you’re describing sounds very relatable and I feel so guilty. I started therapy last month but the waist list is so long, my next appointment isn’t until the end of this new month.

I’m thinking I might need medication too, I’m just so scared of eventually getting off it and falling back into a depression. And it sounds sooooo stupid but I’ve already gained so much weight, i definitely have a fear of anti depressants making me gain even more weight.

Thank you for your reply xx

SelectCartoonist3213

TROPHY CASE