Depression .... 16 weeks pregnant?? Anyone feel the same :(

aleahjae

Unfortunately i have been suffering from depression on and off the last 5 years, it all started when I was 17 and was raped, and then at 18 suffered an abusive relationship with an ex boyfriend.

Im now 22 and the last few years I have not been no where near as bad as I have a happy relationship with a new partner now and we have a one year old daughter and I'm 16weeks pregnant with baby no.2.

He is as supportive as he can be but doesn't realy understand that every now and again my depression comes back, and I have feelings of wanting to die (tho I would never act upon these feelings) and I get so low I can't stop crying and I can't go into work because I'm not in the right frame of mind. My family and boyfriend don't understand n I feel so alone when I'm like this, I just lock myself in a room and cry and don't want anyone near me because they usually say or do the wrong things that make me worse because they don't understand what I'm going through.

It's been realy bad the last few weeks i was wondering how other people cope with this illness when ur not allowed anti depressants when pregnant??

annerz22

Prenatal depression is real and called Antepartum depression. Speak to your OB as all the hormones in your body can make your existing depression worse.

This is one of those situations where you need to weigh the pros and cons of taking an antidepressant while pregnant. There are some that are safer than others and many women stay on them through pregnancy. When mamas health is in risk, the pros start to outweigh the cons.

I'm so sorry you are going through this. Is there anyone other than SO that you can talk to about this who may be a bit more supportive?? Hugs.

chicagomomab

Agree with everything the PPs have said.  Talk to your OB for sure.  Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way.

anatrip

I'm so sorry to hear what you're going through. I'm sending good vibes your way

Lezzie82

I have been since dealing with a severe Hyperemesis.

I was put on a low and temporary dose of Prozac, to help me get through this pregnancy at least until the sickness subsides.  It's been helping I think, that and the fact that it is FINALLY starting to let up a bit.  At least no more hospitalizations and that is huge for me.

bczappas

My father suffers from severe depression and it was all I knew growing up. I watched him act the same way as you describes. When it gets to a point where you no longer have a desire to work or interact with your family, you cannot ignore it. My dads depression led to a divorce and him in and out of psychiatric hospitals. He has been on medication for a while and has been amazing! He also attends group meetings weekly which he thrives in. I suggest some kind of counseling/group. I also heard that some antidepressants are safe while pregnant. Ultimately you need to be healthy for the baby. Take care of yourself so you can take care of your kids! Sending you so many hugs and prayers, you can beat this!! Life is good

manacita

Sunshine! I had terrible antepartum depression with dd. I did talk to my ob and to a counselor and I even took a low dose of Prozac. But what really changed it for me was getting sunshine. I will gladly trade a bunch of wrinkles for the will to get out of bed and live! I went to a tanning bed for 5 min at a time 2-3 times a week during the winter and just hung out outside with ds all summer.

Xoxo- I'm sorry you're going through this. Good luck!

zbornak123

I agree with PPs. Talk to your doc, have your Vitamin D level checked, and try to find other ways to help yourself. I have not been through what you have, but have struggled with depression on and off since middle school. I don't expect your partner to understand, few people do. If it's any consolation, I felt pretty down last week at 15-16 weeks and I do feel better this week. Good luck!

jennadesigns

Definitely talk to your doctor. Antepartum depression is a very real thing. I think you have to weigh the risks versus the benefits of taking an antidepressant while pregnant. I too have suffered from severe depression since I was in my late teens. I've had two children and am pregnant with my third. With my first, I took Prozac during my pregnancy. With my second, I took Lexapro. With this pregnancy I'm taking Prozac and Wellbutrin. My children are all healthy and happy. And most importantly, I am healthy and happy. Please know you're not alone and there's nothing wrong with feeling the way you do. Depression is scary and a lot of people don't know how to handle someone going through the darkness. Please, do some research and find a doctor to talk to. If you think some talk therapy might help, consider that as well. Best of luck!

Cliffhaven

@aleahjae‌
I feel really badly that someone gave you the impression that antidepressants are not safe in pregnancy. I am a psychiatrist and have also suffered from anxiety and depression myself (runs strong in my family). I'm currently 20 weeks with DD2 (lurking from A15) and taking Wellbutrin, Cymbalta and Trazodone. I took Lexapro throughout my pregnancy with our daughter who is now 7 years old and literally perfect in every way.
I have reviewed the research on antidepressants in pregnancy over and over (and over!!) again and strongly suggest you talk to your care provider about the notion that meds are not safe. IMO they are definitely safer than pregnancy with the level of depression you are describing.
If you want to play it super safe, Prozac and Zoloft appear to have the most evidence of safety in pregnancy. Prozac will self taper due to having a very long half life so no risk of neonatal withdrawal/discontinuation symptoms.
Sorry this was such a novel but it's a subject near and dear to me both personally and professionally. Hope you feel better soon!!!

lgsdesigner

I am having bouts of depression, but mine is seasonal (SAD). I use special daytime lights in my home and get out as much as I can to avoid it.
That being said, I think your case is much more severe, and it's time to seek counseling. I wish you the best.