Bellringer May 2010

Postpartum Depression

If you ask any of my friends to describe me in one word, they will probably say “happy,” or “worry-free.” My friends are always amazed at my ability to put a positive spin on the worst situation.

I’m a Ph.D. candidate in Developmental Psychology, and am quite familiar with mental health issues such as depression. I have friends who had and have depression. It is a real disease to me but especially since experiencing it myself.

My lovely baby girl, Ivana, was born last May. The first week after giving birth I felt wonderful despite the pain. However, my postpartum depression kicked in soon after that. One night when my little angel was sleeping in my arms after being fed, I was looking at my accessory rack, crying, missing the freedom I had before and feeling trapped. I thought it was just baby blues and would go away by itself quickly, especially once things got better physically. It did not! It got worse and I developed hives. It became another excuse; surely I’m depressed because of the hives. They were so itchy and annoying. At that point, all I could do each day was to wait to go to bed every night so that I wouldn’t feel the itchiness as much. I was depressed and had crying spells for more than three months. The western doctors could not pinpoint the reason for my hives. My husband, Kevin, was really worried and suggested I see a Chinese doctor my friend in Toronto recommended. We saw the doctor the first evening we got to Toronto. He performed acupuncture on me, gave me some Chinese medication and asked me to see him again in a few days. The hives were totally gone the entire second day. However, I didn’t feel better. I still felt miserable even though I was having a mini-vacation in Toronto and spending time with my wonderful friends. I told Kevin that I felt like I could NEVER be happy again. I just didn’t know how to be happy anymore even after the hives got so much better. My hives came back full force that night. I cried for two hours straight and told Kevin I wanted to die. I finally realized how serious my depression was. We prayed together and decided to tell the Chinese doctor and see if there was anything in Chinese medical practice that could help with depression. The doctor told me that acupuncture could help with my postpartum depression. It was amazing that my thinking was straight and positive again just a few hours after the acupuncture. I researched for information on depression and acupuncture when I got home and found that acupuncture had been used on depression in Chinese medical practice for a long time. I was so thankful that I realized my depression was not only due to my physical illness before I saw the doctor again or I wouldn’t have been desperate enough to ask him to help.

Although my hives are getting a lot better after having the Chinese medication, it takes time for me to quit the allergy pills bit by bit. I still have hives today and have to take the pill once in a while but I am totally myself again! My super power on putting a positive spin on everything returned to me!

Depression is more than just normal ups and downs in life. It is a serious medical illness that affects nearly 1 in 10 adults every year, and can occur at any age. It affects all ethnic, racial and socioeconomic groups. Symptoms include persistent feelings of sadness or anxiety, lack of interest, and may even include a change of appetite and sleeping pattern. If you have a loved one who is experiencing depression or if you are feeling depressed, please do seek help. Treatment helps, and I’m living proof of that. You can call The Mental Health Association at (607) 771-8888 and for information on depression and referrals to mental health professionals.