Oooookay. I'm no expert on childbirth, but I'm surprised nobody has mentioned this yet.

Have you heard of post-partum depression? It's extremely common. Many women become depressed after childbirth. You should be talking to your doctor about the possibility of you having it, and what treatment options you have.

Other than that, I can tell you from second-hand experience that life is not over. My mother was only a year older than you when I was born. She had no help from relatives, and she and my father were totally broke. She had to drop out of school to look after me. She stuck it out, though, and she's now a very happy mid-40s empty nester with a fantastic career netting over 100 grand a year. My parents are whooping it up because they're free now, when most of their friends' kids are just getting into the toddler/school age stage.

Nobody has a normal life. There's no such thing as a normal life. Everyone meets their own hiccups along the way. You can overcome yours and make your life what you want it to be: don't go thinking that life is over now. You're just doing things out of order. Now you have more reasons to be successful: for yourself and to be a good role model for your baby.

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Just to expand on what I'd said, based on your feedback... depression isn't necessarily just being sad. I get depressed, and sometimes I'm not sad. In some people it manifests in a lack of energy and drive to do things. I know that when I'm depressed, I stop showering, doing laundry, talking to people, etc. That's why I thought I'd mention it. :)

Yes I've heard of it. My doctor asked me if I had it & I don't think so, I'm happy sometimes & stuff I'm not just sad. Just about I can't do things people my age does. But maybe I should talk to her about it. Idk if not feeling like doing anything is included in it. But thank you very much I needed this.

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My name is Amanda and I'm 26 years old. I'm currently studying electrical engineering. Armed with a fairly odd sense of humour and a sunny outlook on life, I'll take on just about anything. I'm also cussedly stubborn, which has its ups and downs. Things get tough sometimes, and I've never been one to run from it.

In my last 8 years with Advicenators, I've gone from honours student to failing out of university (and getting back on top again!), from single to married, from tenant to homeowner.

Until lately, I have been struggling with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder and OCD, which had basically ruined my life and taken just about everything from me. I'm thankful every day for every experience I've had because of this ordeal, because it's helped to make me who I am today. Things like that really make you appreciate what you do have. Now that I'm back in work and school and starting to become myself again, I couldn't be happier. I credit Advicenators with saving my life back when I was a teenager, which is a big part of why I'm still here.

I won't necessarily give you the answers you want to hear, but I'll always be honest and do my best to help.

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