You're not being a burden to anyone Samantha. It sounds to me like it could be a couple of things. Firstly since it seemed to start after your second baby it could be a symptom of Postpartum depression which does affect a large number of women after they have a baby. Also since it happens before and during your period talk to your doc about Premenstrual dysphoric disorder(or look it up here and online).

The other thing is it seems like you pushed yourself for a long time to always do the right thing, make super high grades, perfect attendance (not silly at all by the way) and after a while that stress can take it's toll on a person. Also having 2 kids really takes a toll physically and mentally. I have 1 9.5 month old son and sometimes its REALLY difficult to give him enough much less have anything left over to take care of myself. My poor wife has it even worse since she stays home with him and has to deal with it all day long. I can only try to take some of that burden off in the evening.

Above it all NEVER feel like what you're going through is ANY less than what someone with a physical illness has! That's our societal conditioning talking AND the depression itself which makes you feel low and down on yourself. It's simply an illness that affect MANY of us here and there are ways of treating it dear.

Call your doc and don't worry about it. It's their job to treat people and if he doesn't respond in a kind gently caring way then find another doc or Pdoc.

The point is you realize something is wrong and are trying to take steps to correct it. In my book that's brave and courageous thing to do.

Please let us know what the doc says and how you're doing. By the way...Welcome to PC. You're never alone and you're not bad or lazy or any of the other things the illness would have you believe.

Chris