What has turned me into Linda Blair?

After I had Kambree, I knew I would have a battle with Post Partum Depression (PPD). I have battled it with two previous babies. I knew there were reasons behind it so I handled it the best I could. I took medication when it started affecting my daily life as well. Truth is, after losing my 2nd daughter to SIDS in 2001, I have battled depression a lot. PPD with lack of sleep and my fears just took over my life. I was lucky enough to have a supportive husband and family. After the first year, I felt MUCH better. This time was different though. I didn’t get better.

Thanks to exclusively breastfeeding, I delayed my period for 6-7 months. It was great! But then I started worrying because my periods were so irregular, (6-7 weeks apart). I knew they’d be irregular but I was concerned about the symptoms I would get for a week before I started.

• Food cravings
• Bloating
• Tenderness in Breasts
• Weight Gain
• Crying for nothing
• Exhausted
• Lack of concentration

I thought I was pregnant! Then month after month, these symptoms continued about a week before Aunt Flo would rear her ugly head. Then they’d disappear about a day after she made her appearance. Those weren’t the only symptoms I was having though.

• Extreme mood swings
• Irritability
• Loss of interest
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Feeling out of control

I thought maybe I was losing my mind. I honestly have no idea why my husband wasn’t leaving me! To say that I was a bitch is putting it mildly. Of course I had other stressors that was going on too. I didn’t understand how I was having some anxiety any other time of the month and dealing with them a lot better than I was this whole week. I understand why I just lost all interest in a lot of things the last few months.

Yesterday, I was talking to a great friend of mine. She told me she was having a hard day. Then she told me what was wrong. As I was reading her post, I about fell off my seat. She sounded JUST like me! Then I began doing some more research. Holy crap! Everything that was listed fell right into my symptoms. Right then, I decided I was going to call my dr. I want to find out if I have Premenstrual dysphoric disorder or PMDD. I NEED to know if this is what’s going on. After talking to Stoney, I felt a sense of hope. Not only can I get something to help me deal with this but it may just help lower my anxiety during other days that I am completely stressed. Thank you so much Miss Blondie! You really have helped me because you were strong enough to share yourself.

Now I know I am not alone! After going to the doctor, I am going to make it a habit to force myself to do something out of the house so I can gain my interest back! GOODBYE LINDA BLAIR!