16 Pregnant & The Mom

Ch. 17 Postpartum Depression

Author's Note: Thank you for the reviews. The information in this chapter came from a mental health site we use at my work. Chapter 18 will involve Dave's Mom and sister I talked about in earlier chapters. Also Molly's Christening will be in chapter 18. Thank you again and enjoy.

Cindy

(Dave's point of view)

I had been on back to back cases. It had been three weeks. I was exhausted and missing Erin, Melissa, and Molly. On top of all that I was really worried about Melissa. Erin said Melissa seemed depressed. Melissa was also acted like she was scared to touch Molly.

Erin had to go back to work last week. She had to leave Melissa on her own to care for Molly. When she arrived home Melissa was crying. Erin barely got Melissa to calm down. I suggested getting someone to help Melissa with the baby. Erin hired a baby nurse.

The baby nurse did help some. Melissa mood was still dark though. I was talking to JJ and Emily about Melissa. Reid interrupted us and asked if Melissa was experiencing Postpartum Depression. Derek said something about teenager not having it.

Reid said one in four teenage Mother's experienced some form of Postpartum. I was shocked at those numbers. Reid went over some of the types of treatment. Hotch said that Haley had experienced a little Postpartum. Haley's sister Jessica had came and helped out with Jack.

"Erin." I said as I arrived in her office.

"I'm so glad you're home David." Erin said pulling me into a kiss.

"I'm happy to be home." I said.

"I missed you." She said.

"I missed you too Bella. Reid brought up something on the jet I thought I should discuss with you." I said hoping that she didn't mind I had discussed Melissa with the team.

"What was that?" She asked.

"He suggested that Melissa might be suffering from Postpartum Depression.

"That could be possible. I thought teenagers were less likely to get it though?" Erin asked.

"Actually Reid said one in four teenager Mom's have some form of it." I answered.

"Well I trust Reid. It's worth looking into. I don't think we should mention it to Melissa yet." Erin responded.

"Penelope is sending me some information from the internet for us to read." I said.

"Let's get home I'm sure Melissa will be happy to see you." Erin said.

"I missed Melissa and Molly almost as much as I missed you." I said honestly as we got into the car.

We talked more about PPD on the way home. I read some of the information Penelope sent to Erin. Erin said Melissa was going back to the doctor next week. Erin said she might talk to Melissa and bring it up then.

I was shocked when we arrived. Melissa started sobbing as she hugged me. I held her. I looked at Erin. I noticed that Melissa had already lost a lot of weight. Melissa also looked like she hadn't slept in weeks.

[One week later]

Luckily our next case was only three days. I stayed at Erin's house when I got home. I was very concerned about Melissa. Both Erin and I tried to talk to Melissa. Then I decided to contact Kendall. He had talked to Melissa. He said that we were right. Melissa was depressed and worried she might somehow hurt Molly. He was also worried about Melissa.

I was glad she was talking to someone at least. I hadn't planned to go to the doctor. I was going to watch Molly. Melissa said she wanted both Erin and I there and that we could just bring Molly with us. I quickly agreed.

"Dr. Ash I think I have PPD." Melissa said after the doctor finished examining her and let us come back in.

"Why do you think that?" Dr. Ash asked her.

"I'm sad all the time. I'm so scared I'll hurt Molly. I hate that I'm not being a good Mom. And I hate my body." Melissa answered.

"Melissa I will agree that you do sound like you're having some Postpartum Depression. I think we should start you on a low dose of Zoloft and also I would suggest you see a therapist once a week. The most important thing is that you ask for help and bond with Molly. You have people willing to listen so admit your feelings and let them help you." Dr. Ash said.

"I have a surprise for you." I said to Melissa as we arrived at their house.

"What did you do Dave?" Melissa asked smiling for the first time in weeks.

"You'll see." I said smiling.

"What's going on David? I know it' not Garrett or Amber since they are both working this summer." Erin said.

"Just wait." I said as Melissa screamed from inside the house.

"Oh my gosh." Melissa yelled.

"Hey there." I heard Kendall say as he caught Melissa in his arms hugging her.

"Oh David." Erin said with a water smile.

"Glad to see you made it Kid." I said to Kendall.

"Thank you again Dave." Kendall said releasing Melissa.

"You're welcome." I said.

"Oh Melissa she's even more beautiful in person." Kendall said looking down into the carrier I was carrying.

"Come here baby girl." Melissa said holding Molly.

"Glad to see you Kendall." Erin said shaking his hand.

"Me too Erin." Kendall said.

"Finally you stopped calling me Chief." Erin said laughing.

"Yeah Derek told me to." Kendall said turning back to Melissa and Molly.

"Would you like to hold her?" Melissa asked Kendall.

"I would love to. She looks just like you." Kendall answered reaching out.

"Well leave you alone for a while." Erin said taking my hand.

"Kendall let me know when you want a ride to Derek and Penelope's." I said.

"You can both just stay the night. Kendall you can sleep in Garret's old room." Erin said.

"Okay I'll call and let Aunt Penny knows." Kendall said.

"How long are you here for?" Melissa asked as we turned to leave.

"The whole summer if you want me to." Kendall answered.

"Yes that's awesome." Melissa exclaimed happily.