Post partum depression is a condition that manifests itself in women following the birth of a child. The most notable symptoms experienced by sufferers of post partum depression include sleeping disturbances, recurrent sadness, loss of appetite, loss of energy, hopelessness, frustration, exhaustion, guilt, low self esteem, social withdrawal, and many other negative experiences.

Although much time and effort has been expended trying to unlock the secrets of this condition, no definitive single factor can be identified that in itself leads to post partum depression. Several issues have been singled out as important factors that contribute in part to the condition. These include prenatal depression, lack of self esteem, prenatal anxiety, and chronic conflict with a spouse.

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My husband just retired from the US Army and was diagnosed with sever post traumatic stress disorder. A lot of our soldiers are coming home with this. His mood swings are really, really bad. We have been married for ten years and I love him with all my heart so I won’t leave him. I just need to know if anyone can give me some pointers on dealing with this or something that might have worked for them. It is not an easy thing to deal with.

What are some ways that one can overcome the symptoms of Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, such as lack of trust?
I have a workbook at home, but I’m just checking to see if maybe there are some people out there who have used a more effective method to combat the symptoms. Thank you.

Im am wondering, of the amount of Iraq war veteran’s, how many are affected by post traumatic stress? A source to where you found your information would also be greatly appreciated.

I have read plenty about how to deal with post traumatic stress. But how about the people who live with these folks? I am so exhausted, so confused, my self esteem is zero living and trying to cope with this person.
Pls, can I hear from someone else tonite for some support or guidance on how to take all this? The silence, the emotional abandonment, the lonliness, the depression. I feel like I have no life anymore but taking care of him.

And is it hard to do?

I am curious about the effects post traumatic stress syndrome and depression would have on raising kids/regular life/etc.? I know people like this and want to understand it better — like how PTSS and depression would make everyday life harder? What are your stories/experiences?

I need some work/ art to compare with actual accounts of post traumatic stress disorder. Does anyone have any good movies/ or other works that I can use.

Thank you.

Is there an age when you are more prone to developing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder? and why?

How does post-partum depression happen and why? This kind of depression is similar to other forms of depression, except it happens after giving birth. It is not totally clear why some women develop PPD (as it is called) while other women may have the “baby blues” (a normal affliction including mood swings, crying jags, mild depression/ sleep problems/loss of appetite) and others have no symptoms of depression at all. As with any form of depression, if you have had it in the past you may be more likely to develop it during or after your pregnancy. If you had PPD with a previous pregnancy that will also increase your risk. Other risks include: significant stresses in the past year, marital conflict, insufficient support system, or unplanned pregnancy.

Some of the symptoms of PPD include loss of appetite, insomnia, intense anger or irritability, overwhelming fatigue, feelings of guilt, shame, or inadequacy, mood swings, difficulty bonding with your baby, withdrawal from family and friends, and thoughts of harming yourself or your baby. This is a long and scary list! The main thing to remember is that getting information as in reading this post or other information online, and getting early treatment are very helpful and important. And since isolation is a hallmark of depression, finding ways to reach out are extremely helpful.

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