Hi there

I have never replied to any of these posts before, but your's really touched my heart. I know exactly where you're coming from, having suffered from OCD and IBS myself for years. What I would like to suggest is that you look into the link between digestive/gut abnormalities and your OCD and depression. There is a lot of research going on at the moment involving the link between the gut and overgrowth of harmful bacteria like Clostridia and yeasts like Candida and psychiatric illnesses (i.e. depression, OCD, anxiety, bi-polar disorder, autism and austism spectrum disorders etc.) Seritonin, a lack of which is said to be a cause of many of these conditions, is manufactured in the gut. These pathogenic bacteria/yeasts produce highly toxic substances like ammonia etc. as a byproduct of their metabolism, which interfere with this process as well as a number of other processes in the body. Look into the work of Dr Mark Hyman and Dr Natasha Campbell McBride (Gut and Psychology Syndrome) for a full explanation of this process and how it effects the brain and general body function. You need to address your diet to eliminate the food sources for these yeasts/bacteria (disaccharides and polysacharides) and eliminate all dairy (the casein is the problem) and all gluten containing foods. You may be an asymptomatic Celiac, which would have predisposed you to developing bacterial overgrowth. Were you breastfed as a child? Did you take birth control or steroid medication for an extended period? How was your pregnancy? Did your symptoms get worse as you progressed through your trimesters? You may find that your son was a colicky, restless baby? Is he very inattentive and hyperactive? What about ear infections and tummy aches? If you had an overgrowth of harmful bacteria and yeast you probably passed it on to your son, which could make him more likely to develop ADD or ADHD and other problems later on if not corrected now. You really need to get onto a strong, therapuetic strength probiotic and begin to introduce fermented foods into your diet like kefir, homemade sauerkraut etc. which is teeming with live, beneficial bacteria. My IBS is so much improved since beginning this program. I seldom have stomach cramps and the runs anymore. I only just started on it 3 months ago, so will have to wait to see what kind of effect it has on the OCD. You can get better. Look to your gut for the answers. It is important that you start your son on the program too to ensure him a bright, healthy future. Hope this was helpful. Regards Jeni

Family daycare!! they can pick up and drop of your children, or child, to give you some respite. I will google and find some numbers in perth for you. minti mail me your suburb so I can find the nearest one for you.

i defenetly have been through what your going through and still m .

i have had  depression since i ahd my son 13 years go,i have never taken any medication and even thougth it worked for me it dont mean it will work for everyone .

my depression included voices in my head ,bad thoughts ,being snappy,thinking bad about myself and much more .

i still have depression and iam a mum of 5.having a great husband helps but not everyone is that lucky.

i to dont have a car,i dont have a licence and never will.i relly on buses and taxis to get everywhere .

i have anxiety something bad ,and ocd.

i have rang countless people and none helped me neither ,one of them even took my first born from me for 1 week becuase they thought i was dangerous but lucky i stood up for myself and i had friends that proved them wrong .

my advice is maybe start using cabs just in the important appointments,do you have buses ?

with teh cost i know its allot i can vouch for that but because you have a disability aka depression and ocd much like m eyou can ask the transport people for an application to get a half card the doctor fills in a form and you get a card which means each taxi trip gets cut in half .

maybe you could ask the mothers group for help maybe one of the mothers that has a car could pick you up or the worker there.

please dont ever put suicide on your mind ,when your son is going into tantrums ,breath deep and think happy thoughts dont let yourself be taken by bad thoughts .

i know not many peopl take my aproach but chanting rhymes like witchcraft has helped me control my depression,i dont take it real i make it fun ,and have my kids join in ,whe your depressed get some paints in your yard and make a mess with your son just go crazy,put load music on and dance ,dont watch depressive movies ,get popcorn and put on a comedy,i found that talking to myself when alone helped me control my anxiety,i dont do it in public i do it on my own ,because it tricks my mind to think someone is with me .

if you call human services and ask to speak to someone some times they can help by getting somene to drive you around to places  even playgroups,have a party and invite the mums to it ,or any friends you may have .

hang in there there is light at the end of the tunnel.

if ever you need to chat or feel low iam here :)

 Hi sweetie, you have been given some excellent advice from all these wonderful people and by reading your responses they have lifted your spirits, which is fantastic. This is one great site where you can make REAL FRIENDS and have support 24/7.

Sorry I don't live in Perth but I'm here most times if you ever need to talk. I hope one day soon you get to meet some real minti mum's and then you will have a reason to get out there  and do things together.

And I so hope you get the help you need, you are a very special person for speaking up and saying I have a problem.

Kindest Regards Janice

I suffered Depression as a Teenager and my parents werent much help they wanted the reasons why I was so depressed, and just kept telling me I couldn't be depressed, etc. This did not help me in any way shape or form, nor did the dr's. I did not have many friends at the time either, my life was wake up get dressed go to work, if i was working that day, come home have dinner, the rest of the time I was very lonely and very upset.

After I met my current partner things started to improve I actually had someone to talk to about things, I even actually got to go out and meet people, I never have had a licence I just catch busses and trains everywhere, When I had my boy things started going down hill again, this was finally when my parents decided to help me as it was more evident that I was depressed. I ended up finding information on settling techniques for my son and if he stressed me out too much I would just leave him screaming in his cot.

My parents dragged me to the dr's when they visited for holidays soon after my son was born and again got no help there, I just kept leaning on my partner and got a few friends around me. Even today I have several people who I can call to talk to at anytime day or night just to get my feelings out and they always reassure me. I think the thing that helped me was having a loving partner and good friends who do not care when I call them as long as I do not do something stupid. I still haven't gotten much help from Health Care Professionals but just having someone there to listen to me is usually enough.

Also when my boy turned 1 I felt overwhelmed with him starting to walk and unable to cope, I put him in Daycare 1 day a week this really helped me, the staff are great, and I can go see a movie or get a haircut or something that I feel I need to do to take a break from life. At these times I take each moment as it comes I do not worry about my life, it also gives him a day to interact with children his own age. If you are lucky you might be able to find a daycare centre who has a courtesy bus so they may come and pick up and drop off ure child.

Hope this helps Sorry if it is a bit long winded.

cheers Queenie

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Hi,

There has been so much great advice already given, so there is not a lot for me to add, but I just wanted to let you know that you are not alone, and you are in my thoughts... Keep strong, and keep telling yourself you are strong and can get through this... I was extremely lonely when I was with my ex, as I was isolated on a cattle station, and I used to cry for days, I had panic attacks constantly (I didn't know what they were at the time) and also contemplated suicide a couple of times, but when I saw a doctor and he wanted to put me on anti depressants I refused, until I left my ex while I was pregnant with my second son, and had a complete mental / emotional breakdown... I was put in hospital with Post traumatic stress and anxiety/depression... I was put on aropax and large amounts of valium (which i would not reccommend), and I believe it saved my life... I used to have such severe panic attacks, they would last for hours and days.... I had to move back home with my parents, so they could look after my elder son, and they also looked after me, as I also could not walk out the front door sometimes, I actually couldn't even speak to my parents most days as my panic attacks were that bad...
That was 5 years ago now, I left home (again!) when my younger son was 4 months old and moved 1500 km away, and the first couple of years were hard, trying to deal with my severe anxiety on my own, but I had to force myself to face my fears, and force myself to walk out the front door, then go to the supermarket etc etc... I had to keep telling myself over and over that I was ok and strong enough to deal with it... I now have a job! And can now go pretty much anywhere I want to with out having panic attacks... Occasionally the anxiety feelings come back, but I try not to think about the anxiety, and have learnt the deep breathing technique which does help me... I don't drive either, but it is something I am working on building my confidence up to doing.... It has taken me 4 years to overcome my panic attacks and fear of going in public, but I am so glad I kept fighting to do it, as I could not imagine staying in my house forever! My kids are much happier too, as now I can take them to normal kids places like the playground, and the waterpark, and just shopping, which I couldnt do at one stage....

Keep trying to find someone to help you, I had to go through a few doctors myself, one guy I saw just sat there looking at me while I was having a panic attack (which is not a pretty sight!), then after about 10 mins said to me, are you finished yet?.... I was shocked that a doctor could be so indifferent, but I now have a wonderful doctor, and a pyschologist who I see once a month (or more if I am feeling a bit down)... I am still on a low dose of aropax, but am hoping to get off it in the next year... I think once you stop focusing on the negative things that are happening, you start to get better, that's how I think I got over my anxiety attacks... Once I started saying to myself I don't care, have a panic attack and hurry up, it sort of took a bit of the anxiety away, and I didn't have a panic attack when I thought like that, whereas when I would keep thinking I hope i dont have one, I did have one.... Your mind is a very powerful thing, and you need to turn it around to helping you instead of hindering you...

You are a strong woman, and you can make it through this... It will be hard, no doubt, but know that you have support and are not alone....

Hope this helps a little bit...

xxx Louisa...

well, to help with the depression,  first, try to make yourself take a walk out side, put your boy in a stroller and wlak around the block a time or two. the exersize adn teh sun will BOTH help considerably!  also,  if you are afraid to take strong drugs imeditaly, then  go to the store and get St. John' s Wart.    its a natural happy pill, it wont work as good as perscription drugs but it will be a start and there arent really any side effects and it will get you accustomed to taking something so you can go to a doc and get real drugs. 

My partner suffers from severe depression which, it has been a long road of trial and error in finding the right way to deal with it. Dont give up. The help is out there, you just need to find out what suits you! The other people have listed a few different places to try, dont get disheartened if you dont have luck on the first one. You have made the biggest steps by asking and seeking help.....your on your way dont give up now.

I also dont have a license, I dont like public transport but its a means to an end! Its a bit difficult to start with, but think of it as an adventure, stimulus for your son! If you can master the public transport, what about putting your son in daycare one day a week? They are professionals so they know how to deal with overactive youngsters (mine way the same but hes 10 now and alot more manageable). That would give you the option of having one day a week for your own time, albeit to get a cup of coffee or to go and sit your driving test.

Also when I was at home with my son as a youngster, I searched the internet for activities and planned out every day at home. They would all have different activities but all designed around keeping my youngster occupied. It also will keep you occupied and be more fulfilling than just the drudgery of everyday monotony. Basically what Im saying is try and make your home time enjoyable!

Keep your chin up, you can do it! 

Hi, I can't really offer you any advice, but just wanted you to know that I am thinking of you and in some ways can relate. I have been battling with depression for 8 years, and up until this year was fighting it on my own and pretty much in denial that I even had depression until it became too serious for me to avoid.

After having my twins my depression became more and more of a problem. I was too scared to talk to anyone about it, and was terrified about going on medication. Early this year I finally opened up to my mum who had been wanting me to get help for a while (but I had always refused and denied there being a problem). Together we went to my GP and discussed how I was feeling, i was adament that I didn't want to go on any medication. My GP listened to my concerns regarding the medication and after detailed discussion I agreed to try a low dose anti-depressant, with regular follow up to make sure that the medication was working for me.

Only 6 weeks after starting the medication and feeling the benefits I fell pregnant again. The medication was working but with the onset of the pregnancy hormones and added stresses the past 4 months have pretty much landed me back to stage 1. Luckily for me the midwives have referred me to ACES, who specialise in depression during and after depression, they are doing home visits with me and will up until 6 months after the baby is born if needed. I have been back to my GP and have had my dose increased and am waiting to see if it is working for me.

There have been many times when I have thought i just can't do this anymore, but the smallest thought of my beautiful daughters, sends those thoughts crashing as I couldn't bare not to be in their lives and watch them grow.

I am here for you to talk to, please feel free to drop me a line whenever you need,

Trik

I don't have a license either, so getting around is a bit of a problem for me. I've found walking is the real winner. Not only does it get me out of the house but it also serves a dual purpose of giving my son plenty of things to look at (the mental stimulation is good for him!) and getting him to nap in the stroller as the sensation rocks him to sleep. Not a great deal of help for getting you some extra sleep, admittedly, but hopefully it keeps your little guy entertained and that makes him less of a handful.

The rigmarole around 'referral syndrome' is not only a pain but it can be really disheartening. It's hard to keep positive when people don't seem to want to listen and just shuffle you on to the next person. Try to stay positive. Have a word with your GP, about your concerns regarding medication. Perhaps he might be able to recommend something that will help, or some kind of alternative. Or at least medication with side effects that you feel you can be comfortable with.

I don't know if it's feasable for you, but have you considered hiring a babysitter for a few hours a week? Just to give yourself a break. My sister used to do it when she had her first baby, and found that it relieved a lot of stress to be able to have a little 'me time' to nap, read, watch a movie or what ever.

And my 18 month old son loves ice cream :) He's pretty hilarious when he's all hopped up on the sugar. You might also want to try donuts. I have a Wendy's near my house and I buy cinnamon donuts without the sugar. My boy loves 'em, and they don't hype him up. Filling too!

Hey,  I dont have any advice as such to give you but I live in Perth aswell.  Where abouts are you?   I have depression aswell but it is only mild and lucky I take medication for it and it helps me alot.  So if you dont know many ppl here maybe we can catch or something sometime just to get out the house.  Coz I know being house bound can drive you insane but luckily I have a car to escape to.

although i cant offer anything new in what has already been suggested  i just wanted to say that  we are always here to reach out to in time of need

there are  as you can see members who have been depressed and have experienced similar symptoms hopefully their advice will be able to be of benefit to you.  it certainly mustbe frustrating for you when you are referred to places that dont help your individual needs

try to put bubs in the stroller and go for little walks around your neighbourhood as well shout yourself an icecream or coffee at your local shops. walking helps as ir releases endorfons that help us lift up our spirits.

eating a small banana a day is suppose to have similar effects

take care 

hugs and kisses annie

Hi,

I am now a mother of 3 and have suffered from Post traumatic stress disorder and Major Depression for about 15+ years. These culminate into panic attacks etc....You know what I am talking about...

I was a self Harmer, and have attempted suicide numerous times...Now I have my children and things are not all roses but they are definately worth living for...

You have your struggles to deal with that is for sure,now you need to find someone to help you get the help....Do not give up...It took me a long time to find the help I needed and deserved and now I am still in treatment (been close to 12 years) but it helps keep me balanced and my head above water...I am on medication and for awhile when I was first on them it was trial and error to find the one that suited me best, but you can get support for this as you go on them especially if you let the person (who prescribes them) know your fears about them...They can be helpful - do not dismiss them completly...

Please go and see another GP...Let them know that you need a long appointment when you make it...Go in with a list of questions that you need help with...Speak with the maternal health nurse in your area....You said you were new to the area...They are a great point of contact for lots of info, they may even have a friendly GP that they know of that can help with depression issues...

You said you have had depression for a long time but having jesse may not have brought it on but it may of exaserbated it.

Please seek as help, and if it does not seem right keeping seeking until you find it, your precious little cherub Jesse is definetly worth it...

Minti mail me if you like...Any ear is better than feeling totally isolated...YOu do not have to be and are not alone right now, remember that...

Hugs Spinnychic xx

do you have MSN?

If you do can u please Minti mail me as I have realy bad Depression and I also have a suicide plan and a few years ago I couldnt leave my house. I can help you a lot with my experience with this. I live in the Perth foothills (near Kalamunda)

If at any time you want to chat to someone I can come over and help.

Depression is a hard thing to deal with and getting help is hard.

I currently see a shrink at Bentley and he has been a godsend.

good luck and I hope to hear from you soon.

Liz

The red cross has a family support service, they are very good. Also you may be able to get some in-home care. If you ring Wanslea on 92453364 and explain your situation to them. If you are feeling suicidal please reach out to life line or beyond blue. I hope you get the help you need. Minti mail me if you need more details as your community health nurse can organise this for you. You would get 3 months help at least to support you while you get better.

i am also battling depression and ocd. i have had them and anxiety since i was 12yo. i was also at one stage agorophobic and would go out my front door, i have been where you are now and beyond and attempted to take my life. after i had my daughter i got post natal really bad which highlighted everything else, i ended up in hospital for 9 wks only to be sent home on a ton of meds which only made me tired, eventually i gave up taking them because for me i didn't feel any different on them. i dont think you can ever get over your depression but you can ease it and learn to accept how you are feeling and control how deep you let your nasty thoughts affect you. it is hard especially since you are isolated, lonliness is a big part of depression. try thinking how your son would be without his beloved mummy, theres no one more special and important in his live than you, i promise you that. medication can be a god send for some people, there are many many many different type of meds so if one doesn't work or you have too severe side affects they can change you. your gp can arrange and monitor you closer and also be a sholder to lean on. hope i sort of help. hugs for you hun, xoxo by the way if you do feel the urge to hurt yourself or others make sure you let someone know.

ok first of all you need to stop telling yourself you CANT becuase you are a strong independent mother and regardless of what challenges that are thrown at you, you most certainly CAN overcome them.

i have been there myself and i still am, im a single mum of two and i suffer from depression and anxiety and for a long time i told myself that i couldnt do things too.

your not stuck at home you can go for a walk or visit friends or get them to meet you, there is public transport and yes its difficult but once you get used to it you will feel alot better about getting things done and getting out and about.

first and formost you need to get help with your dp and you can recieve alot of help online being able to talk about things but you need to see a proffesional too, medication can help a great deal and your kids and YOUR health and saftey are most important, talk about your fears of the first week with the new meds and im sure you can get a referal for more support for you in the form of home visits or something.

good beggingings is a place you might consider looking into as they offer home visiits and it might help you feel less isolated.

even if you cant or dont want to catch a bus you can budget  for the 15 min cab ride to the mums group once a week or fortnight and as you meet ppl and make friends they may offer to pick you up? or tell the mums group your issue with transport and they may even be able to help or sort something out if you are open and honest with them.

look for a community health centre and talk to someone there and they will talk to you about councilling perhaps and what activities there are for young mums in your area that you might be interested in joining.

theres alot of help out there for you you just have to be open and ask for help.

good luck

You really need to be in treatment! And don't even contemplate another child until you have yourself sorted out! Are you able to move closer to or with your Mum? You sound like you need more support and need to be near people who love, care and support you, and also who can help you out with the things you need. It would also make it easier for you to get treatment, get your licence, and a chance for your son to be closer to his other relatives.

I had a nervous breakdown at 16, began seeing a psychiatrist at 17 (for 2 years), and am OK most of the time. I have never been on medication, have worked through most of my major childhood issues in therapy, but still have depression and breakdown threats every 5-6 years. Knowing when they are coming on, and how to cope help, as does having people around me who know how to help and 'handle' me!

Good luck, hope this helps, and hope things start to look up for you really soon!