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Cincinnati Babies
Photos courtesy of Jen Rose Photography
Anyone have depression during pregnancy?
I'm not sure what's going on, but in the past few weeks I feel like I'm going to totally lose it. I have no patience, snap easily and just feel really overwhelmed. I'm actually sitting here in tears as I write this. I have no desire to do anything and have to force myself to go to playdates, cook dinner, do activities, chores, etc. and there are very few things I actually enjoy anymore. I would prefer to be left alone. I told a co-worker the other day that I wanted to run away and never come back yet felt shocked as those words came out of my mouth. I can't imagine leaving Nick and Allie and I can't believe the thought crossed my mind, let alone came out of my mouth.
I feel like I blow up on Allie for absolutely nothing and HATE myself for it. I yelled at her a little while ago and she burst into tears. I felt terrible. I don't want to raise my child like this. I don't want her to be scared of me or worry about upsetting me.
When it all started, I kept blaming it on being pregnant and hormonal, but I'm starting to wonder if there's something more going on. I didn't feel this way while pregnant with Allie. Has anyone experienced depression during pregnancy? Do these symptons sound familiar? Are there medications you can take that are safe for the baby? I have an OB appt on Thurs and plan on talking to him about it then but wanted to know if it was a possibility to be treated during pregnancy.
Photos courtesy of Jen Rose Photography
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Re: Anyone have depression during pregnancy?
I think some of those feelings are normal... pregnancy puts a lot more stress on a mom than I think we realize and when you add in the normal stress of work, being a mom to active young kids, etc. its a lot to deal with. I definitely remember times during my last pregnancy that I probably said verbatim to DH, "somedays I wish I could just go away from my life and not have to come back for a while"...maybe I was depressed but I think I was more just overwhelmed.
I definitely think it is worth talking with your OB about how you are feeling whether it is normal stress, depression or maybe anxiety it never hurts to talk it out with someone to get a different perspective. And as Jess said there are anti-depressants you can take during pregnancy and it is definitely a matter of the benefits far outweighing the risks. I know my sister didnt have any problems when pregnant with her first and then struggled with some post-partum anxiety/depression that went away long before she was pregnant with her 2nd but about mid-way through her pregnancy she realized she was in over her head again and went back on meds and she said it helped tremendously and gave her a head start on all the post-partum feelings that she knew she would experience. GL with whatever you decide! ((hugs)) I will be sending T&P that you can find a solution that works for you!
HUGS......
Seriously.
I was severely depressed a few years ago and a lot of the feelings you are writing are how I felt for a long time before I admitted it was a problem bigger than me.
I know it helped to hear that other people had felt that way and made it through. I took medication for over a year and was able to wean off and have no problems since then.
Pregnancy is overwhelming, being a mommy is overwhelming, work is overwhelming, marriage ain't a walk in the park-
BUT it shouldn't make you feel like you want to go home, lay in bed and hide from the world.
I am glad you are going to talk to your OB. Hope it all gets better soon!
I had anxiety pretty bad when I was pregnant with DD. It was a combination of hormones, being overwhelmed with the fact i was going to be a mom of 3 and the logistics for the upcoming birth. oh and throw in a moody teenager, recipe for disaster. I did mention it to the OB, they wren't too concerned and as it was DH was a great help, talking out my feelings with me. On the other hand there are drugs that are safe to take during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Those are avaliable to you if you and your OB feel the need. Good luck and you're not alone by all means.
I have similar feelings, but I don't think mine's depression (not experiencing those types of symptoms.
I just feel like I could snap at any minute, and often I do. Today was a HORRIBLE day with co-workers and DH. I actually went off on both, damn hormones!
Sorry you are feeling like this. It's so, so rough. But the fact that you recognize something is not quite right and that you are going to talk with your Dr., are very good things.
I was diagnosed with PPD shortly after DD was born (I actually had many of the same feelings you described) and started on an anti-depressant (I was breastfeeding at the time.) I continued with the medication and started therapy. My Dr. wanted me to wean off the anti-depressant when I found out I was pregnant with this baby. So I have and I feel OK...although not great. Since I know how I felt when I was depressed, I can say that for now, I think it is mostly pregnancy hormones, etc. My Dr. did mention that we would talk about starting the meds again in my third trimester to address the PPD. I am OK with going back on meds and staying on them as long as I need to because I definitely don't want to go back to feeling the way I did after DD was born.
Hang in there...there are definitely options that can help you. And if you ever want to talk, you know how to reach me!!
Oh, Meg. I just want to hug you. Depression and anxiety run in my family, so I know how difficult these symptoms can be to get a handle on. While I didn't struggle with depression, while pregnant, I know what it (and anxiety/OCD) feels like. After college, I spent a few months on Rx for related symptoms; but I just didn't like the way the medication made me feel. Personally, I prefer talk therapy. Just another thought to consider. In the meantime, we are here for you.