LIFE UPDATE & CHAT | LIFE AFTER POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION

[@sherichazdon2573]

I’m a 2 time breast cancer survivor. Started at 37 first time, 41 second time and at 49 when they found a third lump, I had a radical double mastectomy with no chance of reconstruction... too much scar tissue. I went through hell with insurance, lack of info, refusal to pay for a wig, but she’s not 40 we won’t pay for the mammogram... so much crap! It’s awful. I taught through all of it! Needed to be around people. Made it a learning experience. I’m alive, cancer free, and loving my life! I have chemo induced menopause, not a clue where I produce hormones from since I don’t have ovaries, but the hot flashes kick my ass! Hang in there Kristin... you do you and continue to take care of you! Love your videos!

[@TheGoldProject]

I wish I could give you a big big hug. You are amazing.

[@sherichazdon2573]

The Gold Project ❤️

[@Bordeaux93]

This video just touched my heart so much!!! I would NEVER have known that you are an introvert and that you suffer from social anxiety from watching your videos!! I realize how presumptuous that must sound! I too am an introvert (with amazing extroverted skills - I am not shy - I just very much get my energy by being alone) AND I suffer from generalized anxiety disorder and I'm a master at not letting that show to other people! :) Loving your videos - I hope you keep on doing them! Blessings!

[@TheGoldProject]

We have a lot in common. You are so sweet. Thank you so so much. ;)

[@camillebreckenridge3382]

Thank you for sharing your struggle and your heart on your channel. I appreciate that you are genuine!

[@TheGoldProject]

And, thank you so much for watching.

[@peggysue.anderson5724]

You make me feel better I thought it was just me. Love your channel

[@TheGoldProject]

Thank you so so much!!! :)

[@lynnebohman]

Thanks for sharing your personal thoughts and feelings. I have struggled with the hormone roller coaster ride for EVER... until I found a Dr. who prescribed natural hormone replacement therapy. Through bloodwork, it shows what my hormones are doing and then the pharmacist makes the hormone cream with exactly what my body needs. It's been a life saver! Thanks for your sweet personality and positive videos!

[@TheGoldProject]

And, thank you so much for watching.

[@donnaeye8781]

Kristin, God bless you..I am about 10 yrs tour senior and the roller coaster only gets worse.. the months that my cycle skips are the worst.. I struggle with mood swings, depression and a whole lot of anxiety.. most days I am a complete mess mentally and emotionally.. stay strong, keep talking and keep reaching!

[@TheGoldProject]

I wish I could give you a big hug because I completely understand what you are going through.

[@donnaeye8781]

I wish I could give you one too.. you are such an inspiration.. I love your videos!!!

[@topchelseagirl9074]

Kristin you don't realise what an amazing person you are. Thank you for being real and sharing with us. I wish I had some pearls of wisdom for you. Despite suffering the physical agonies of endometriosis, for which I am taking the BC pill - which is actually working well for me, I don't really suffer the hormonal/mood problems thankfully. Try some of the helpful suggestions below and hopefully they may help you.I am glad that you find your channel a therapy of sorts, it is for me too - when I get home from work and find that you've uploaded I'm like 'Yay'. I sit down and it is helps me unwind and calm my mind.

[@TheGoldProject]

Thank you so so much. I greatly appreciate all of your love and support.

[@DiVaDownLoads]

Thank you so much for being open about this, my hormones even now at age 46 still sometimes go crazy, my doctor wanted to put me on Estrogen tabs, I guess due my partial hysterectomy years ago, I was like no, never took them, decided to ho got St John's Wart instead, my mood now is ok, Im thinking clearly, plus B12 for energy is great..Praying that it gets better for you...💕🤗

[@TheGoldProject]

Thank you so much. I need to add b12 to my vitamins. I think it will help.

[@lynettedaniels1236]

I am past all the hormone up and down thing but I have taken a vitamin B complex for years and it helps me so much.

[@TheGoldProject]

I might need to get some vitamin b.

[@rachelhill9641]

I appreciate you sharing what’s happened to you. My husband said since I had my hysterectomy I’m a different person for the better.

[@TheGoldProject]

That is wonderful. :)

[@theblindmomnextdoor]

Oh MAN!!! Kristen.... I know this isn’t the “positive” commentary you’re looking for, but I’m 39, I’ve had two live births and one miscarriage. I’ve had a hysterectomy. I also have a clotting disorder which means I’m not allowed any hormonal therapies. So.... This girlfriend has some CRAZY hormone instability going on, at least that’s how it feels! When “I” asked for help in this area, especially with a TOTAL lack of libido (NOT related to how attracted to or how much I love or how happy I am with my husband), I was told to go on more dates with my husband, and READ A BOOK! Men can get a little blue pill for erectile dysfunction, and we get to READ A BOOK?! We HAVE to be further than that with all the medical and other technological advances we’ve made! By the recommendation of a friend, I added a DHEA supplement in hopes of helping energy and libido. No dramatic difference. My mood instability is pretty good, but I’ve been on Effexor for some years and it has helped with seasonal depression substantially for me. Still, WHY isn’t there more for us?! It’s ridiculous, and I completely agree with you. It’s 2018 folks.... women need some good options as they age and change and want to remain happy and active.

[@TheGoldProject]

Wow! What horrible advice from a doctor. That makes me so mad. What we experience isn't a joke and should be treated seriously. Big hugs to you. I hate you had to go through that.

[@angiepayne6104]

Kristen, thank you so much for sharing. First, 50 mg of Zoloft is a very low dose. 100 mg is the standard dose for therapeutic treatment. You should raise to 100 and see how you feel for a couple months. It may really help you. If it doesn't, you can always lower it back down. Second, to raise your HDL (good cholesterol), you should do some sort of impact exercise, such as brisk walking, or jogging, running, aerobics, etc. The pounding of the feet/legs into the ground somehow will raise that number. I think they usually want it to be around 50 or 60. So, I am also an introvert and have social anxiety. I hate my depression. Yes, keeping busy helps so, so much. You can also try CBT, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, basically counseling with a therapist. It is therapeutic to just talk to an impartial person first of all, but they will also give you insight into yourself and offer ideas or thoughts, etc. to help your daily functioning. CBT is the therapy of choice for that negative self talk. Yes, everyone has that to a degree, but some of us are prone to depression and it impacts us a lot more than just a bad thought that passes through. Has your primary, or GYN doctor done a full CBC, full metabolic, etc. blood panel on you? I am diagnosed with hypothyroidism. I know you get yours checked for being low. I don't know how low your is, but low thyroid can cause depression. Even if you don't have "hypothyroidism", it could be very beneficial for you to go on a low does of levoxyl. Thyroid controls just about every aspect of our functioning in some way, even our heart rate, how dry our skin is, energy level, etc.... I also hate birth control pills. I just found out that when they put women on "hormones" for menopause, it is really just birth control pills. That makes me so mad. Medicine is routinely tested on MEN. I think Europe may actually do a better job of looking at women's health than the U.S. I am so happy for you that you found your utube channel to be such a great outlet for you. I can tell from just knowing you on utube you are an excellent mom. When you have those bad thought tell them to go away because they are lying to you. One thing I wish you would have answered in your vlog was how you do get out of bed on those really bad days. For me, I drag myself out if it is a work day, and I am always good with the kids I teach, but people who know me probably know I am tried, or stressed, or whatever. If it is a weekend, I stay in bed off and on. Sometimes that is helpful, and other times it can make it worse. I agree with you, I think you mentioned this, that I don't think our kind of depression will every totally go away. I am always hopeful, and looking for ways to better my life functioning, but I think it will always be a struggle of some degree. One thing that helps me though......is you. Thank you for sharing. I think you are so beautiful, kind, smart, energetic, etc., that for you to post about your inner feelings and life actually makes me envy you even more. It makes me feel a little more normal as well, that I am not the only one. I feel I can relate to much of what you say. I was wondering when you were going to post this vlog. =) Thank you! Last year my depression was the worst ever, and I actually had to take two months of mental disability. I am a lot better now, but I am nervous about the school year starting again, because I don't want to get that depressed again. ugh Ok, I'm rambling now. Take care of yourself. You are AWSOME!

[@TheGoldProject]

Thank you so much for the info. The first was to increase my zoloft. I had my dr up it to 100 mg last week. Then, I will try some other things you mentioned. :)

[@shartman2150]

You're awesome!!! Thank you for making a video on this. I hate that birth control (which should be called hormone control in my opinion) is our only option. It comes with serious side effects, including depression. Go figure. You mentioned that you have thyroid issues. That can effect your mood too. As for cholesterol, eliminating most dairy has helped. And those fish oil horse pills!

[@TheGoldProject]

Thank you so much. I had no idea how much your thyroid affects until getting diagnosed with a low functioning thyroid. :( I am going to try to eliminate the dairy. I was eating yogurt every day, but I have stopped that to see if it will help.

[@shartman2150]

You mentioned eliminating gluten. Is this for thyroid? My doctor believes in no gluten, which I still eat occasionally, but not specifically for thyroid. Thanks for any help. :) Also- myo-inositol was recommended by my doc for hormone balance. It's a powder supplement that helped me a lot. I'm older than you and my cycle has gotten a bit wonky. But since thyroid is a hormone, and when any hormone gets off balance they all do, it may help you too. Of course ask your doctor. Women's health shouldn't be so complicated!!

[@Jake92574]

Good Grief! I'd love to see this group of women *including me* marching on Washington for Women's Health after reading the comments. They don't make enough space in a computer to lay out my story over the years of fighting doctor's over my health. My last Vitamin D test was 7. The doctor told me to go home and take 2,000 units of Vitamin D a day. My hubby's doctor laughed and said, That's like throwing a tea cup of water on a house fire! Where do some of these doctor's get their degree's? Then I laughed. I no longer see that doctor. ugh! Prayers K. for you and the women here that have faced the same problems and haven't found anyone to take them seriously. Laura H had a good idea about seeing a nutritionist. It couldn't hurt.

[@TheGoldProject]

Yes! Our health is definitely something to March about. We are all frustrated and not being taken seriously. I am going to keep talking about it in hopes that we will all spread the awareness. Big big hugs!!!

[@angiepayne6104]

Kristen, I forgot about the Vit D. Your levels may be fine, but get that checked also. Mine is always low. The doctor always is telling me to take D3 supplements. I know this can play into energy levels, and moods.

[@TheGoldProject]

I had my vitamin D and iron checked during my last visit two weeks ago. They didn't plan to test those, but I told them I wanted them checked. Thankfully, they were both good. :)

[@ashleyoliver5885]

Thank you so much for your honesty! I've had 5 miscarriages, fertility treatments to try to help us have a live birth, and have suffered with hormonal issues ever since. It is ridiculous that women have so few options for hormonal issues.

[@TheGoldProject]

Bless your heart. I wish I could give you a big big hug.

[@rosainig]

Ah...man....thank you for sharing this.... I had my daughter 6 years ago and yeah... I think my postpartum anxiety/depression never left... I'm like in a blur...no energy...just turned 40 and so I'm going through premenopause now...so I have all these symptoms...there are days that I just walk but Don't do much...this happens to me a week before my period and during my period as well...and I personally don't want to take medication other than natural stuff... again... thanks for sharing this.. blessings. 🙏❤️

[@TheGoldProject]

And, thank you for watching. I hope we are both able to get through all of this. It is definitely a battle.

[@robinbaez4089]

I'm glad I watched your video!! I have been having issues too. I ended up having an IUD put in, as much as I have been against it. But it has been helpful. I;m scared about it still though, there is a hole other separate issue of it is now inside with no way to pull it out.

[@TheGoldProject]

So glad the IUD has helped you. Big big hugs.

[@robinbaez4089]

Yes, I chose that because the hormones are put right in where they needed to be, verse going all through my body and finding the right spot.

[@marilync9271]

Try taking Metamucil (sugar free) once or twice a day. My doctor recommended twice daily. One of the reason is that women do not get enough fiber in our daily diets. Metamucil does promote heart health and helps lower cholesterol, maintains healthy blood sugar levels. I use the powder version and just mix it with on glass of water first thing in the morning and then again before dinner at night. Its really not bad tasting at all. just be sure to shake it up good or mix good with the water.

[@TheGoldProject]

Thank you. I am going to look into that. I agree. I know I don't get enough fiber in a day.

[@diannaq5762]

Thank you for being so open. I’m 48 and had a partial hysterectomy at age 32. I refuse to take hormones and also have my ups and downs. I take St. John’s Wart and vitamin B.. Actually I take a few more vitamins. My hair falls off like crazy and I worry about that. You said you do not get a Pap smear annually? My doctor will not let me miss mine not even by a month. I have it done almost a year to the day. Keep holding on.

[@TheGoldProject]

Well, apparently they have changed the pap smear time. It was annually until last year when I was told they changed from annually to every 3 years. I am not happy about it at all. My grandmother died of ovarian cancer in 1992 and I know a pap smear can't really detect ovarian cancer, but it makes me feel better to have it done. I could really sit here and type a nice paragraph on my negative thoughts towards insurance dictating what I "need to do."

[@diannaq5762]

I’m from Texas and our school insurance even compensated me for having my annual wellness check up which includes Pap smear and mammogram. I’ve been having my pap since I was 25, I think.

[@TheGoldProject]

That is wonderful. We get an annual wellness check up, but definitely doesn't include pap smear and mammogram. :(

[@winkelmann248154]

Thank you for sharing and being honest. It is so important for us women to talk about these types of issues!!!! The overall lack of women's health in all areas is still astounding. I had a hematoma from my quick delivery with kiddo 2 and when I went for my check in the doctor (not my normal one) was like so how is your scar healing?....umm no I have a hematoma....oh ok well let's see....well it looks like a hematoma, not much more I can tell you since I didn't see it originally. Well why did I drive myself and my 2 week old kid into the office than? I also think we as a society need to do a much better job of discussing the various forms of PPD. My breaking point was getting so angry with my toddler for nothing that I pinched a wall (not in front of him though luckily) I wasn't depressed but I sure was angry as hell and anxious beyond belief. I didn't go anywhere without worrying about where the exits were, how fast could I get both kids into the car, how many outfits do we have etc...and I sufwrred mostly in silence for 4onths. Occasionally my husband would say "what's wrong? Are you okay?" And of course I would answer yes, fine blah blah blah because that is what I felt he expected. Anyway thank you for sharing and being honest!!! Good luck this school year. I hope it's a great one!!!!

[@SuperTech59]

I had a total hysterectomy when I was 36 and have been on hormones since then (I'm 57 now) -if I even miss 2 days I feel myself spiraling down. I would love to get off of them but I have to be able to "do life" so I just keep taking them-very frustrating.

[@TheGoldProject]

Definitely continue with the hormones. I know how you feel.

[@danidevers8164]

I use ClaryCalm from DoTerra! It is very sad. I have endometriosis and PCOS and my only options have been birth control or a hysterectomy. The ClaryCalm has helped me tremendously! I get it in the roller bottle and rub it directly on my tummy where my uterus and ovaries are!

[@TheGoldProject]

Bless your heart. I know so many women who are going through the endometriosis and PCOS. I am going to look into the ClaryCalm. Is it an essential oil?

[@danidevers8164]

The Gold Project yes it's an essential oil! It has helped me so much!

[@TheGoldProject]

Thank you. :)

[@tanyalynn5264]

I went through a partial hysterectomy and now I'm not bleeding anymore I'm thinking I'm going to go through menopause my doctor told me I'm going to be missing my periods I'm like really I'm 46 years old and I'm not wanting to get painful cramps anymore

[@TheGoldProject]

I don't blame you on the cramps. My cycle is starting to get really bad. :(

[@tanyalynn5264]

The Gold Project I nearly bled to death I had to have a blood transfusion oh I didn't like it Ouch!!!

[@morgan4474]

Functional medicine doctors have better hormone testing and try to get to the root of the problem. Compounded bio identical hormones has helped my daughter so much.

[@danabrooks7313]

You can check into essential oils and and certain supplements or vitamins can be helpful. This is when I wish that insurance would cover natural path doctors. Yes big pharma pays drs to push vaccines and medications and testing.

[@TheGoldProject]

Yes! Don't get me started on what insurance will cover and won't. Makes me very angry. And, that is why I have a hard time listening to doctors. After they tried to push the Mirena on me, my whole thought process changed. I guess you would say, it opened my eyes.

[@danabrooks7313]

The Gold Project this opens up a whole other topic but I’m a believer in CBD products and medical marijuana for anxiety depression and everything that causes someone distress and not function ‘Typically’

[@julieturner4168]

I'm 33 so not quite in the pre menopausal era yet, but I found this video on KZbin very informative for when the time comes. Check out Dani Spies channel Clean and Delicious. She has a video on menopause (pre through post) and all the hormones that go with all of those changes. She talks with a doctor and touches on pre menopause. It's a very informative video. I'm constantly recommending it to people. I've heard you speak about your thyroid so you would probably find some useful information in it about all the hormones that go into play during this time in womens lives.

[@julieturner4168]

Here's the link. kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6aVlHt4fMmnndk

[@julieturner4168]

I'm like you, I get so passionate about these types of things. I think doctors throw too many people on medications when we could change such simple things like hormonal imbalances and change our diets and make huge differences to at least try to start some changes before medication.

[@TheGoldProject]

Thank you so much for sharing. :)

[@Bordeaux93]

And I know that this kind of comment sometimes across the wrong way when written - but please know that its coming from a place of love - I really feel that I shouldn't be looking to Big Pharma for answers for women's health. I have a huge distrust of mainstream medications. I truly feel that I can research nutritional and naturals ways in which I can address most health issues - without fail natural methods and even natural supplements have helped with any health issues that I've had! After taking 3 rounds of fluoroquinolone antibiotics, my anxiety spiked so high that it wasn't manageable with my usual natural methods so I DID take Lexapro for a few months, which helped me over the worst..but I weaned myself off of that as it made me feel so exhausted!

[@TheGoldProject]

I totally agree with you. After I got on thyroid medication and still was not feeling like myself, I decided to take my health into my own hands. My husband and I did a lot of research and decided that it was best for me to try the gluten free diet. I have never told my doctor because I don't feel the need. It has helped me tremendously. Are there any resources that you would recommend for natural medication alternatives?

[@betsystander5949]

I am a women’s health Nurse Practitioner. I deal with hormones all the time. Look for a practice that deals with natural hormone replacement. I see women every day in your situation. It is horrible how women in this situation are treated.

[@TheGoldProject]

Thank you so much. I am going to look into the natural hormone replacement.

[@AlohaSissi]

B12 vitamin helps with energy

[@TheGoldProject]

I probably need to add that into my vitamins.

[@lisakohler6141]

Have you considered bio-identical hormones? I'm not sure if it's good for your age but check into it. They are non- synthetic horniness that are much better for your body.

[@FedUpWithFatigue]

Research bioidentical hormones.

[@TheGoldProject]

Will that help? I have never heard of those.

[@jennarohrig744]

Look up testosterone injections. Uve had friends try it and swear it works. I'm with you on the menstrual cycle changing after kids. Days can be so dark before the period starts I am reluctantly on the bc to help

[@TheGoldProject]

I am definitely going to look into that. My husband did mention the testosterone injections to me, so maybe he is right.