Can't Stop Crying
By Judith Lolas, MSW, ACSW

Q. I don't know what is wrong with me lately! I feel really out of it. I trip over things and stumble everywhere. I am SO emotional! Everything makes me cry. It's almost like PMS but I can hardly remember! I have a 5 month old son that I breastfeed and I haven't had a period for 15 months. It just seems strange to me that I can't stop crying!

A. It sounds like you are just experiencing hormone changes and the "letdown" that sometimes comes after a birth, known as Post Partum Blues. Our bodies go through so many changes during and after a pregnancy, both physically and emotionally. It sounds pretty normal to me, though I know it's hard to deal with.

If you need to cry, then do it. Crying is a great stress release. But follow it with something pleasant for yourself: a hot bath, a walk if you can manage some time away, read if you can, or anything that makes you feel good. We all need our space, no matter how much we love our babies. The emotional stuff will pass and if it doesn't, then you can always seek some help with it. Give it a few more months.

With Care,