u/faithle97

Those who take an SSRI intermittently for their PMDD, which one do you take? I’ve tried taking SSRIs continuously but never loved all the side effects. I recently tried Zoloft intermittently but felt way too much emotional blunting (I felt so numb and paralyzed I couldn’t even get basic tasks done around my house until it wore off). Now my doctor just prescribed Paxil to take intermittently but I’m worried about the weight gain side effect of it (amongst the other possible side effects, I just know weight gain is a really common one). She said those are my only 2 options for intermittent dosing.. so I’m wondering what is everyone here taking intermittently that’s working for them?

**Want to start this off by saying, this is in no way a dig towards the OAD parents who don’t have a choice or have chosen to be OAD due to difficult circumstances.**

Just need to rant for a second about how when you say you’re OAD, people just jump to the conclusion that it must be for a negative reason -like that you hate motherhood/parenthood, have a difficult child, can’t afford it, etc etc. Granted, my husband and I are oad for MANY reasons, some of which are “negative” and some of which are “positive”. But it’s just annoying that people can’t seem to fathom willingly choosing to be oad for positive/happy reasons like simply *being content* with your family of 3 or wanting to pour your full focus/energy into your one child.

I think this is just hitting me because while I did have a difficult pregnancy, traumatic delivery, difficult postpartum, and generally just struggled with the transition into motherhood .. I also truly do see all of the positives with having one child. (I’m an only child so now it’s kind of cool to see the parenting side of it after living through the childhood side of it). I also finally asked myself, “if I *didn’t* have those difficulties/trauma surrounding pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.. would that *actually* make a difference right now about my decision to have another?” And my answer was no, it wouldn’t. Even if I had the most textbook pregnancy and delivery and had a flawless postpartum, I still wouldn’t be chomping at the bit to have another child right now (for reference my only is 3yrs old so many of my friends are pregnant with their 2nd or even 3rd babies right now). I honestly LOVE pouring my whole self into my one baby and I love not having to feel like I’m missing out on meeting his needs because I’m stretched thin caring for another baby.

Anyways, if you read this whole rant you’re a trooper. I truly love this subreddit 🫶🏼 it’s been so helpful and given me so much support when I’ve really needed it and have felt so alone in this OAD journey (I don’t have any oad friends lol)