Any July moms diagnosed with bipolar?

MommiFuego

Hi I'm about 24 weeks pregnant and diagnosed with bipolar disorder. It's not something I've ever liked to bring up, but lately I've been feeling really alone and struggling with a lot of symptoms I've had under control for years. Unfortunately I had a moment and broke my hand by striking a wall so I can't even work at the moment (I'm a hairdresser). Anyway I guess I'm just looking for someone who relates, so is there any mommys with mental health issues off meds due to pregnancy??? If so how are you coping? P.s I've learned my lesson about the broken hand trust me....

Jodi1980

I'm sorry you are having to deal @MommiFuego. While I don't suffer from bi polar disorder, I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety years back in my early 20's. Last fall, shortly before I found out I was pregnant, I was switched from Effexor ER to a low dosage of Prozac. Although I had never tried Prozac and was worried it wouldn't help, I stayed on it to give it some time to work plus once I found out I was pregnant,  it was safer to take than the Effexor or any kind of SSNR inhibitors.
Getting to the point....About a 10 years ago I was in the mind set of not needing any medication and that I could work things out on my own. Sadly, I had gone into an extremely horrible state emotionally and physically. I was laying in bed ALL DAY, eating excessively, not getting involved with friends, not talking or wanting to see anyone on most days. If I saw a bad situation with work, family, friends, I'd psych myself out, worry and it would usually lead to an emotional breakdown.  
I have learned with time, medication and counseling, I think I'm in a hell of a lot better place than I was 10 years ago! Everyone has problems and they don't just so away. The trauma, pain and memories will always be there, scars if you will. It's working constantly on your problems and trauma and scars, that will help and heal with time! 
I commend you that you are trying your best to deal with your disorder not only pregnant but trying to deal with everyday life despite the broken hand. I would simply talk to someone whether it's family, friend or a certified therapist. I find the therapist doesn't judge and is easier to talk to. Perhaps ask them what is the easiest thing for someone like you is to adjust to while pregnant, medication or no medication. Talking is the other half of help and that's the other huge part of what I learned.  Also having a journal is a huge help. Writing down your feeling for no one but yourself helps to get out some of that frustration you may want to take out rather than the wall or somebody!
I wish you the best and whatever you decide to do always remember that everybody has their issues and nobody is perfect in this world! You are having this beautiful baby and are going to be a great mother! xo  

megstervt

I'm sorry you are struggling.  I do not have bi-polar, but have dealt with anxiety and depression in the past and have been on and off medication for years.  I was not on meds prior to getting pregnant and at this point am not in place that I need them (my stuff seems to be manageable, but is triggered by situational events which can prompt the needs for meds at times).

Having spoken to my doctors about the potential for meds, my understanding is there are some that are safe(r) in pregnancy.  In addition, many studies show that a happier, more regulated mom has better outcomes than those who are not medicated even with the potential risks of the meds.  I would be speaking with my doctor and/or looking for a doctor who specializes in medication and mental health during and after pregnancy.  I strongly believe that moms do not have to suffer with mental illness during pregnancy, but you do need to reach out to the right people for support!

Serpica

Hi @MommiFuego thanks for sharing this with us... I have a different diagnosis but decided to stay on my meds following a terrible experience getting off of them and suffering a loss (which was unrelated to the meds, but showed me how much I needed them). The meds I take are not well studied, the risks seem small but they are unknown (on the other hand the risks of being off of them were big and known...); it's been hard coping with the guilt that comes with that. But my family and docs have been very helpful, and I do feel like I already am a more effective mom because I made that decision (I'm not saying a "better" mom because I don't think I want to judge myself as better or worse, we're just doing our best...). I do think it's important to talk to providers about the risks and benefits of different regimens, often it's not black and white, there might be some options out there that might be beneficial, especially if you're noticing things getting harder. I know it's hard when there are so many scary messages out there about medications.... And checking in with someone very regularly can be super helpful to help you problem solve and find skills to cope. I continue to do it even when I'm doing well. There are no easy answers, but you are not alone! 

PinkLady2015

@mommifuego Welcome and thanks for sharing with us... this is a great board for support.

I know we talked about it awhile back but not sure if we ever actually started a mental health weekly check-in?

Was someone doing that? Or does anyone want to start it back up again??

stillcozy

We can start it back up again! We had an ongoing thread I believe. Welcome @MommiFuego! 

Ill post it today. 

MommiFuego

Thank you all for answering! I didn't expect such a good response. And just so everyone knows I do go to treatment once a week and I'll be back on meds right after I deliever. I'm so glad there is support here because sometimes I feel my dr wont always truely know how crazy this feels especially while pregnant (he's a man btw haha) I suppose thats why I came here

whataboutscience

Sorry about your hand, I'm sure being pregnant adds a lot of stress to everything. My mom and aunt are both bipolar, so while I'm not, I'm very familiar with the illness and sympathetic to your situation. Best wishes and hang in there!

emnoahmom

Hi, I'm sorry you are struggling. It's been suggested to me that I am bipolar by my ob after severe post partum depression and anxiety. I went to a psychiatrist and she agreed. I don't take meds, I had a hard time deciding if they were even working as I never had the support in the beginning of taking them that I needed so I quit. It's hard every single day and my dh works a lot and I'm not sleeping well and that's a huge trigger for my emotional outbursts. I actually scratch and bite myself really hard when I'm having a moment. I have scars all over my arm that I have to make excuses for when asked about them. I don't even think about what I'm doing when it happens. I think my dh is actually a huge trigger for me as I don't think he even tries to understand what I'm going through and just wants me to take a pill and be better when what I need is some help so that I can take better care of myself. I don't have any suggestions and pregnancy makes this so much harder, I just wanted to say that you are not alone. I truly feel for you and wouldn't wish this on anyone. Hugs.