Maternity leave depression

[NurseandMama]

I have a three month old and a two year old. I have severe post partum anxiety and depression. I have been on maternity leave for four months. I am

wondering how to deal with the depression about going back to work. I'm thinking of taking Zoloft. Or maybe Lexapro but I'm worried about the side effects.  can't go per diem because it's too expensive to pay for us to be on my husband's insurance plan. I work ED and I really don't enjoy my work at all. I hate being away from the kids. I need advice on dealing with post partum anxiety and depression as well as severe depression about being away from kids. Thank you

[barcode120x, RN, NP]

You definitely should be seeing your PCP first and see if he/she can provide some quality therapist and psychiatry referrals to you in which you should also look into attending. Your OBGYN might have some resources/referrals for you as well for PPD. Psychiatry might able to provide some time off. My aunt (who is also a nurse) has been off work with disability for about 6 months due to anxiety/depression in which her psychiatrist provided the appropriate required paperwork for disability and to be off work.

[hppygr8ful, ASN, RN, EMT-I]

On 11/24/2021 at 9:56 PM, barcode120x said:

You definitely should be seeing your PCP first and see if he/she can provide some quality therapist and psychiatry referrals to you in which you should also look into attending. Your OBGYN might have some resources/referrals for you as well for PPD. Psychiatry might able to provide some time off. My aunt (who is also a nurse) has been off work with disability for about 6 months due to anxiety/depression in which her psychiatrist provided the appropriate required paperwork for disability and to be off work.

This is excellent advice. I was dianosed with severe PPA/PPD after the birth of my son (Now 19). Turned out I was always depressed but it took having a baby to get properly diagnosed. As a psych nurse I will tell you that the specific medications you mention have mild side effect profiles but you should see a psychiatrist to determine which medication if any is right for you. It goes without saying that if you are breast feeding is pays to be cautious. A psychiatrist can coordinate your care and refer you to a therapist. They can also recommend and monitor the results of medication. In the mean time you might consider transitioning to a clinic our out patient surgery position which would give you more time to enjoy your young family and find work life balance. 

The very worst thing you can do is nothing. Untreated depression is like an abcess that festers even when things feel OK on the surface. I spent a lot of time struggling before I availed myself of help. You owe it to yourself and your family to find a way to be whole and present. Good luck to you and do try to have a positive holiday season. 

Hppy