How do you handle depression during pregnancy?

JulesF84

I've never been one to experience depression, but I've noticed some mood changes off and on throughout my pregnancy. I'm not sure how to handle it. Today is especially crappy. I spent almost an hour just crying in my bed in the dark room. lol It really feels pathetic to me, but I can't help it!

Any advice on how to handle these feelings? I know my hormones are going crazy, but I really don't like feeling this way. I feel guilty for not feeling the drive to be intimate with H, I feel lazy and unattractive too.

Kathschu

I'm so sorry you're having these symptoms!  I've had a few major depressive episodes many many years and they are really terrible.  The first thing I would recommend is to talk to you OB or NM immediately (if you haven't already) and give them the details about what you're experiencing, the duration of symptoms, and any patterns you may have noticed. 

They'll likely refer you to a mental health provider for an assessment and possibly therapy.  I would highly recommend finding a provider you like and meeting as often as necessary.  

What do I do?  After talking to my NM, and my Clinical Nurse Practitioner who's prescribed my medication for years, I've opted to stay on a very low dose of antidepressants during pregnancy.  I take Lexapro, which is kind of a designer medication with very few side effects.  My NM had no qualms about me staying on this and two NM I spoke to actually encouraged it. 

I also have a good therapist who I haven't seen in a while, but can make an appt. if I need.  We also have drop-in and telephone counseling here, so those are also an option.  

My last line of defense is inpatient psychiatric care.  Thankfully, I haven't needed to use this for years and years and years, but I'm so glad that it's there and I know how to get it!  In the US (probably in Canada too), these mostly are in hospital and other emergency facilities.  

Share these options with your H, but do what you feel is right for you and your baby.  Babies/fetuses are so resilient and you are an awesome mom for reaching out for help.  

Best of luck and if I can help any other way, let me know.  

jkjohnsonwedding

https://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/depressionduringpregnancy.html

10-20% of women experience depression during pregnancy. If I feel myself getting into a cranky mood (the all day m/s gets to me) I shop online for nursery decor, bedding, and play around with my Babies R Us registry. I haven't actually purchased anything, but thinking about the future shopping trips I get to make gets my spirits up. Maybe that will help? I would try to get this under control though before delivery. Ask your doctor. I'm no medical expert, but does experiencing depression through your pregnancy put you at risk for post-partum depression? Find a new hobby, scrapbook, there's gotta be a solution!

 

Whitney DD

I was moody last time around, but my best friend committed suicide back in February (right after #1 was born actually) and I've really been struggling this time.

I was actually on Lexapro, and my doctor told me to stop immediately when I found I was pregnant again. I was on 10 mg a day if that matters and I had a lot of side effects (nausea, sleeplessness, extreme fatigue.) But I won't go back on antidepressants even though I'm struggling so much. I'm going to start seeing a therapist, which might help you if you don't want to take medication and risk birth defects on the baby. There are other medications that are recommended for pregnant women too so I would definitely talk to a healthcare provider.

However, I wouldn't consider medication unless you are really struggling or having suicidal thoughts. 2nd trimester and 3rd trimester are better (at least they were for me.) And then its tough again right after the baby is born, but then its much safer to start medication. Hope you get help soon. Hang in there.

sarahinthecity10

I have had mild depression which was made much worse by pregnancy. Things seem to be getting better but it is still a struggle. I see a therapist regularly and that really helps so I would suggest that. Also, exercise and getting a lot of sleep has been helping too. Definitely surround yourself with as much of a support system as possible. I have shared my issues with DH and he has been way more understanding and so has my mom.

I hope you feel better soon!!