How to approach Dr. for 1st Appt

Pixie1225

Hello ladies.  Never have posted on this board before.  I actually was scared too.  I am expecting my 2nd baby and I have my first appt with Dr. on 4/26.  This pregnancy has been so different than my first.  I'm telling you, I was lucky, I had no symptoms at all and enjoyed the whole pregnancy.  After my DS was born I went through some emotional times.  My grandfather passed away, I returned to work as a Wedding Consultant, My sister was getting married, and I was having a hard time feeling like I was good at anything....wife, mom, daughter, etc.  I have always had up and down emotions but never spoke to anyone, just thought it was all me and I would have to just live through it.  I spoke with someone right after my son was born but that only lasted about 2 months as her schedule didn't work with mine.  Basically "my schedule is full for the next 2 weeks, don't know when i can fit you in, let's see about a month from now"  What?!? I am pg with #2 I am just an emotional mess.  I can't focus on work at all, my house is a disaster as I don't have the energy for any of it, and my poor DH has to deal with my mood swings.  I feel so bad for him.  I'm sick and nauseaus and just want to lay in bed and not deal with anything at all.  Which is horrible because I have a beautiful 3 year old and an awesome DH.  I don't want to lose my job and I am crying at my desk now and I don't know how to stop it.  It's like I don't have control over my body/mind, it's really weird.  Anyway, how can I bring this up to my doctor.....do I just ask for a referral for someone to speak too?  Any advice would be appreciated, so sorry for the wordiness...

Spenjamins

Hi Doc. I have a history of postpartum depression and mood swings. It is coming back and I feel terrible and out of control. Can I get a referral to see a psychiatrist? Then make an appointment immediately.

Shine2015

I would either make an appt with your doc and just discuss how you have been feeling.  Or, depending on your insurance, you may be able to just call them up and ask for a referral.  Good luck - getting the help you need is a good thing!

jenny1980

Spenjamins:

Hi Doc. I have a history of postpartum depression and mood swings. It is coming back and I feel terrible and out of control. Can I get a referral to see a psychiatrist? Then make an appointment immediately.

I definitely concur with the advice to ask for a referral. Some OBs are great at treating anxiety/depression and some aren't. With a psychiatrist, you will be seeing someone who specializes in mental health and can connect you with other professionals (like a counselor or psychologist) who can be helpful in your treatment.

Generally, if you are really struggling, do not hesitate to tell your care providers that. When I had my bout of PPOCD, they told me they could get me into a psychiatrist something like 3-4 weeks out. I told them it was urgent for me to be seen soon and they were able to get me in the following day.

Good luck and keep us posted!