Anonymous asked this question on 4/27/2000:
Do you feel that Manic Depression is caused by or made worse by the onset of a monthly period? My friend is still breast feeding her baby, has suffered from 'depression' for years, but has had a bad experience recently of wanting to commit suicide. It seems she got her first period after the birth of baby, at 8 months. She is not coping very well at all at present. Please help us to understand what could be going on within her brain. She has been taking Zoloft but it seems not to be working effectively any more. Would Prozac be a better option. She is going to see a psychiatrist but is getting desperate as the waiting list for these people is so long. Thankyou for any help at all.
frisbee gave this response on 4/27/2000:
my heart goes out to your friend... i know depression well and the havoc it can cause. if she suffrerd from depression before... and now it is much worse after the birth of her baby... she may have post partum depression as well. this type of depression is caused by the dramatic change in her chemical activity in her body and brain from being pregnant and giving birth. Zoloft may work well for some and not for others. breast feeding makes taken strong medication rather iffy. But i would suggest to your friend that she continue the zoloft (if her doctor says to) and ask if perhaps she may also try paxil or valium as well. Never try them without seeking a doctor first. Also please tell your friend that what she is feeling is normal... she is not a bad mother or a bad person. Hormones and chemicals in our bodies go thru hell during childbearing years. Tell her to try to set aside a minimum of a half hour each day (perhaps when baby naps) to just relax. no cleaning, or cooking or anything like that. just for her to relax and be calm. maybe listen to music, or sit outside or do her hair or nails. Something that is just for her. It is calming to her mind and body and helps with the depression. Be sure to ask the doctor about adding another medication too... i think this is very important for your friend. Help her with the baby when ever you can too... being a new mom is tough! we all need help and friends. I hope this helps! take care!