They say Moms are prone to such after giving birth. It’s actually surprising that some Moms could feel sad after waiting for so long for their baby to come; feelings of great joy is expected but depression? How come?

This doesn’t mean that some Moms (like me, apparently) are getting crazy though. Medical books state that this is normal and that 80% of all women after birth experience this. Others may have “mild” feelings and thus they call such feelings as “baby blues”. Some though experience stronger and overwhelming emotions that may last for several months and even more than a year (now that’s scary!).

They say a Mom experiences Postpartum Distress Syndrome (depression) when these symptoms are seen: crying for no apparent reason, sudden exhaustion, unreasonable irritability, lack of confidence, anxiety attacks, lack of feelings/emotions for the baby, impatience, oversensitivity and restlessness. Oh my! I just described a monster! That’s a clearly depressed person alright!

Hmmm… This post reminds me of an article I read about depression (As a depressed person for years, I do know a lot of articles about it, hahaha!). A Dr Daniel Amen wrote this article and even published this in his website. Change Your Brain, Change Your Life. That is apparently the title of the book he authored wherein he explained the process of optimizing one’s brain to achieve one’s fullest potential. But I don’t think this formula can be applied to postpartum depression… or maybe I’m wrong.

There are actually many ways to deal with this problem, but it all boils down to emotional support. Yes, a support network is but important during these crucial times. Family members and friends can definitely help alleviate the feelings of depression. Though medication (tranquilizers and anti-depressants) may be necessary in some cases, emotional support is still the best way to deal with such.

The question now is that am I depressed? I guess I am. Don’t get me wrong, I am definitely elated with my little bundle of joy but well there are some factors that contributed to my depression. Financial hurdles are there and well there are actually more. But I know I’ll survive this. I’ve always been a strong person right? (I hope so).

So I wrote about this last Friday, about being ordered to have a complete bed rest for 3-5 days. Well, Mommy just went to a 2 day rest and no more. I can feel Little Nicholas having some rest too. Poor little guy, he’s been stressed up with Mommy all the time. Sad that I can’t pamper myself with a chamomile relaxing soak.

Mommy decided to come to work today. The reasons? Well, for one, I think I’ve had enough rest for 2 days. It’s not as if I can afford a complete bed rest when I’m alone and I have to do everything on my own (cook, clean, buy my vitamins and milk and yes, go to church too). Another reason is that, I will be sitting the whole day at work anyway or I can lie down on the couch if there’s really a need to. And yes, I admit, I can’t afford to miss a day’s salary. I mean, I’m fine, I feel fine, there’s no pain on my tummy anymore (except of course for Little Nico’s kicks). And I feel rejuvenated already for sleeping from 5 hours in the afternoon yesterday (undisturbed) and another 10 hours last night (though I have to wake up every now and then to change position). All in all, it has been a restful weekend.

I will not deny however the fact that, as usual, it was a rather sad weekend. Well, I spent it alone (as Baby Nico can’t talk to me yet) and I never received any text message from my Mama (I guess she’s busy). So I have been alone and lonely again. Another day like that may drive me to depression so I guess I really have to work today huh?

Well, I’m sure my Little Nicholas will support Mommy’s decision, right baby? Mommy promises to be extra careful commuting from home to the office…