Support for moms with depression/mood disorder

bsumter0330

Anyone know of any good online support groups? I'm not sure if this is the right forum for moms who are dealing with depression, anxiety etc. I'm one of those moms to be and just looking for a safe place. I'm really afraid to tell my OB how I've been feeling because I know she will just prescribe meds, I've dealt with this for a long time and even my last pregnancy but was so ashamed I just tried my best to get through it. This time I really feel like I need the extra support. Any help is appreciated, yes I've googled, but looking for personal experiences or referrals, thanks.

ambersjodin

hey! ive had issues with anxiety in the past. im feeling good currently, but still meditate every morning which helps. id say definitely talk to your doc! and if they somehow dont have a helpful reaction find a new one! if you dont want to take medication thats totally your choice, you could go to therapy for instance. however medication isnt always that bad of a choice considering how important your mood is during pregnancy for both you and your baby. you are not alone at all in this state. many many women have mood disorders before and during pregnancy and studies are showing ts important for mother and child to get support. so id encourage you to prioritize this and get real-life help!

melissalynnev

Hi there! I know how it feels to battle depression, I've been fighting both anxiety and depression since a young age and was on a heavy prescription growing up which I finally stopped taking around 18.( I've been noticing that the depression is worse with pregnancy and I feel guilty that I'm not happy or ecstatic)Since then I've taken to holistic and natural ways to beat both, it helped tremendously when I had Kaiser support groups as well; they help you learn what triggers your sad emotions which then spirals you into depression so if you're really in tune with your body and mind then try an exercise of remembering that it takes 5 happy thoughts to overcome one sad or angry thought. For me it's mainly exercise and eating right, I make sure I do some light activity as soon as I wake up and lots of fruit with anti oxidants and vitamin c help with your mood too. As far as support groups your OB is there to help you (prenatal depression is not uncommon) and give you information to classes, if you feel uncomfortable with your OB then if you have the option call the advice nurse or any front desk of your provider. They are equipped to have this information! If your OB is not willing to help then I suggest switching to another doctor. I hope this was somewhat helpful, stay strong and know that it gets better!

bsumter0330

Thank you ladies your responses were very informative and helpful. I'm going to talk to my OB and go from there, I do think more time outside my home will help as well (I'm a SAHM) so today I went for a walk to try to clear my head and get some fresh air and it definitely helped me feel a little more energized and positive about speaking up.

lm45678

I don't personally have a lot of experience but wanted to add a couple things: definitely talk to your OB, and like PP said if she's not supportive and helpful, find a new one!

Also- my husband has dealt with anxiety and depression his whole life and this is what has really helped him: a low dose of Prozac, meditating daily, yoga, exercise, therapy and reading books about other people going through the same thing.

He is truly a different person since starting these things. I wish you all the best!!

Amawanderlust

I suffer from general anxiety disorder and severe depressive disorder. I have decided to stay on my medication for my pregnancy. I would say talk to your ob and see what they think but I think doing what makes you feel better is best. I find when I'm getting anxious I tell my husband and just knowing that he's here for me and supportive makes my anxiety decrease. But talking with others always helps, we're all in this crazy world together

Atlast111

The previous posters all make great suggestions with exercise. The natural endorphins your body makes exercising is great for depression.

MynaBird

History of depression, anxiety and bulimia here -- for me, a low dose of meds during and after pregnancy really helped. Getting exercise, eating well, getting out of the house, etc., are all great suggestions. For me, though, therapy alone has never been effective, and I need something to restore the balance in my brain chemistry. There are safe antidepressants that you can take during pregnancy. I hope you find the course of treatment (Rx or otherwise) that works for you!

totsabounding

Just wanted to chime in and second the suggestion to try and increase your physical activity--my DH is a neuropsychologist and has told me there's a lot of research to support the benefit of regular physical exercise on depressive symptoms. I can see how it might not seem like a big thing, but apparently it *can* even improve things so much that anti-depressants aren't necessary. (Obviously, it's different for everybody... But worth a try!) I hope you have a happy, healthy 9 months, mama! Take good care if yourself!

purplefan1

Definitely talk to the OB about it. They can monitor you and give you support throughout the pregnancy as well as watch you closely afterwards for Postpartum Depression. Women who experience depressed mood throughout their pregnancies are more likely to experience ppd. Also, I highly recommend getting a therapist if possible. Having a support person outside of your circle seems to help a lot. If cost is an issue, you can often find therapists with sliding fee scales or see if you could be covered under your significant others' EAP (employee assistance program) through work if they have one. Many pregnant women find they can afford a therapist while they are pregnant because they are already paying so much for the OB appointments that they meet deductible and don't have to pay out of pocket for awhile.

Finally, I agree with all other posters. Exercise, healthy eating, mindfulness, meditation, and above all just breathe. Any chance you get, practice breathing throughout the day. Deep breaths in and slow breaths out. It clears your head, lowers your BP and pulse, and helps you focus on what you need to accomplish in that next moment.

Good luck!! Depression and anxiety are no fun, especially when you are pregnant with little ones at home. Exhausting!

Corts

I suffer from major depression and am on 80mg of prozac daily. The past few weeks have been really difficult. I can sit on the couch and stare off into space for hours if I let myself. I would love to find an online support group for moms like us.

Corts

Oh and ps, these are the things I find helpful-
Getting up and getting in the shower asap (the longer you sit around in your pj's, the worse you feel). Staying offline and off facebook until you have done a few productive things for the day. Even if it's a couple loads of laundry or paying bills online. It really helps when I get out of the house. We have a mall 5 min from us and even if I'm broke that day I will still try to go a few times a week just to walk around and interact with people. I plan on going mall walking with the baby to get back into shape, asap. We live in a heavily wooded area and the insects are horrid in the summer. Try and stay as busy as possible.

catherinekate

I suffer from depression and anxiety and I've also had a really hard time with this pregnancy. It's such a wanted pregnancy and I'm frustrated with myself that I can't find any joy or excitement in it. I'm using m/s and fatigue as excuses, but it's been hard to leave the house. Message me anytime that you want to talk. 

eta: I'm also resistant to taking meds to treat this while pregnant. I know that the benefits probably outweigh the risks but I can't bring myself to take the chance, especially since some of the medication I was formerly on are high risk and I don't want to fuss around with new medication while pregnant. I do find that being social helps when I can drag myself out of the house to go do something.