depression/anxiety question

belmont1785

First off, let me say that depression and anxiety run on both sides of my family. Mostly undiagnosed because the family members that probably need help worst, refuse to seek help.

I have been treated in the past for a period of about 4-5 years while I was in high school and college. I saw many different couselors, doctors, psychiatrists, etc. During that time I probably tried between 15-20 different medications (or combinations of meds) for depression, mild bipolar, anxiety, etc. Nothing really helped and I found that the side affects of the medications FAR outweighed the benefits. As well as I never really felt like the doctors were confident in what they were treating me for, I felt like they would throw a dart at a chart to decide what was wrong and how to treat. I ended up going off all my meds entirely and turned to exercise, prayer, self awareness methods, etc to cope with my stress and mental health issues. For the most part, I have been the best I have EVER been up until this point. I was really feeling good and at a great point in life.

Since I got pregnant, more so during the last 6 weeks or so I have been crying a lot (probably about 3 times a week- something bothers me and I lose it). I have major anxiety about the future and all the changes taking place. But pregnancy hormones are raging and I really don't think thats really out of the ordinary for a pregnant person(?). My question is: How do I know what I am going through is normal? OR has gotten to a point where its not normal and maybe I need to consider seeking help again? Will it get worse post pardum?

I have never been suicidal or anything like that. So my life is not in danger or anything. I also would like to add that other than crying, I haven't really had any other symptoms that I couldn't link to pregnancy. In the past when I was depressed etc, I had some other symptoms too.

Maybe other mama's are dealing with it too?

minibean16

You give two options: how do I know if it's normal, or if I should seek help? I think: it's normal and you should seek help.

You sound just like me.

I reached out a few weeks ago to a public health nurse that specializes in anxiety during pregnancy and PPA/PPD. I'm not going back on medication, but just having someone to speak to, and know that I am normal has been amazing. She connected me with a group of women who had similar issues during their pregnancies and it was incredible to know people felt the same way as I do.

The big message I got from them was 1) if you have ever had depression/anxiety, it IS NORMAL for it to come back or be slightly worse during pregnancy. 2) if you learn some good coping techniques now, it will lower your chances of issues post-partum, or at least make them better. 3) I am not alone, and should never be embarrassed or ashamed of that I am feeling.

I was referred through my OB, so I hope your doctor/midwife has similar resources for you. In the meantime, there are several of us who deal with the same thing everyday. I don't want to call them out, but I hope they come in and share!

Good luck!

silverwings72

I think it is a good idea to get outside support if the crying is interfering with your daily life. Are you getting up in the morning, taking a shower, paying bills, going to work/appointments, etc? I have had a couple anxiety flare ups and I don't usually have anxiety, but who knows what's "normal" for me when im pregnant?

I like the idea of using talk therapy to keep an eye on things and learn some new coping mechanisms. That way you will have a plan if symptoms escalate or be able to prevent symptoms from escalating.

One thing is for sure- you are NOT crazy. You are doing a great job at reaching out, keep up the great work!!

lil_shocker

I have had anxiety and depression issues in my past, but I didn't get post partum depression, so try not to think that you are going to have to struggle with that based on history. You just never know what your body will do.

Getting a network of other moms helps you to realize that the facebook or pinteresy mom is very much fake. You don't have to always be happy, or have some grand purpose for everything you do with your child. Or even feeling this deep unconditional love the moment you birth your child. Getting past that helps reduce a lot of the anxiety and internal judgement.

Hormones are high, and it sounds like that is the main drive behind what is going on now. I don't think it is abnormal. If you want to seek out someone to talk to, that wouldn't be unreasonable. I don't know anything about you, so I can't tell you that everything is fine and don't worry, but I think that by recognizing the change in behavior and being cognizant of any potential issues puts you ahead of the game already, whatever path you chose or outcome you have.

Bandia12

Hugs to you hun! You are certainly not alone. I think there is a fine line between what is normal pregnancy hormone caused emotion and what is more. Imho, if it's enough to make you question it then it's enough to seek help for. Though, it's a good idea for anyone who is having a hard time ("normal" or not) to talk to someone about it . Just talk therapy can make a world of difference.

I'm bi-polar, manic depressive and suffer from anxiety anyway. Pregnancy hormones really just intensify my already there problems, unfortunately. I ignored it with my first thinking it was all just normal, and I waited too long after he was born (my issues put me at risk for severe PPD, and it was) to seek help. 

We are here for you and I know many of us are willing to be an ear whenever needed. I'm proud of you for being open that you are struggling, and I'm so sorry that you are! I would at least mention it to your OB and see what he/she thinks about how severe it is. Trust your mommy/self gut and don't hesitate to reach out if you feel it's necessary. Pregnancy is hard on you with even the normal hormone stuff, so I think it's great for every pregnant woman to have an outlet . 

Sending more hugs to you!!  
(please forgive the horrible wording, battling a bad headache atm)