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2nd Trimester
Has anyone else struggled with this?
I am pregnant with our first. My husband and I could not be more ecstatic about the baby.
However, I have a history of depression, and it is seriously flaring up the further into my second trimester I go. I'm not having the thoughts of harming myself or anything, but since my husband works nights, the house gets quiet and I get miserable. I am an angrier, more stressed person when my depression is affecting me and that isn't the best for the baby. I feel guilty because I'm supposed to be excited all the time now that we're halfway to meeting our baby, but I'm just not.
Is anyone else going through anything similar?
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Re: Has anyone else struggled with this?
I have depression and anxiety really bad. So I can relate. Pregnancy seems to have made it worse too, so I plan to talk to my OB about it at my next appointment.
I wish I could be more help! Just wanted to tell you that you are not alone!
I don't have depression, but I get anxious a lot. & I'm in the same boat as you - my hubby works nights.
Sometimes I get anxious, then I get sad because I get scared I will have to raise this LO by myself.
Elonah [3], Bentley [1]
This sounds like a great thing to talk to your provider about. The hormonal changes in our bodies are a big deal! Your provider may just want to come back to it in a few weeks, or may suggest meds as an option (some are safe for PG), or --in certain situations--there may be an imbalance that can be attributed to a nutritional deficiency. Not enough Vitamin D, fish oil, magnesium, and B-vitamins can all impact mood. (I am no way saying that these are cure-alls for clinical depression, but they can be complementary medicine in some situations.)
I brought my moodiness and anger up to my MW and she mentioned these to me. I realized that with my nausea I had slacked off in taking some of my vitamins for longer than I realized. I had just done one of those mood surveys with my provider and there were no red flags, so for me it seems to be a deficiency issue rather than depression. That said, it is important to navigate this with your provider rather than assume (or suffer silently).
More Green For Less Green
oh honey, yes. i completely understand. most all of us with a history of depression do. i was on meds until i found out i was pregnant. i decided to go off of them and it has been a serious struggle since. i think it's important to talk with your doc about it - especially since they'll help you navigate through postpartum.
in the meantime, be sure you have good sounding boards - friends, therapist, husband. anyone who cares about you will be happy to support you. what you're feeling is completely normal - being scared, lonely, lack of enthusiasm. and it's magnified with all the hormone fluctuations and depression. please don't get down on yourself
you're already being a completely attentive mommy by paying close attention to these things and how it's affecting your little one. trust me, i've had these same feelings. it's important to know that you're doing your best and that's really all you have to do.
take care of yourself and feel free to vent anytime. lots of squishy love!!!
I am going thru the same thing! I am bipolar and I just cannot get excited about this baby whatsoever. And for that I feel SO guilty
Unfortunately, my cocktail of meds is not safe for pregnancy and I am not too keen on trying something new for fear of making the situation worse! I'm trying my best to keep myself busy with sewing projects and work and DD and DS, but like you ladies, it is hard when you are all alone with your thoughts...
**hugs**
Oh yes, I have definitely been there! I was so depressed & anxious with my first pregnancy. I have OCD as well, but chose not to stay on my medication (Zoloft) throughout the pregnancy with him. The depression was the worst for me during the 3rd trimester. I felt like I was constantly walking around in a haze or under a dark cloud that just wouldn't go away. I couldn't shake the feeling & I couldn't get excited about the pregnancy either. It was a scary feeling.
I talked to my OB about it, but I refused to go on any meds, because I was too afraid.
Part of my issue was my full time job, so my OB ordered me to only work part time in the morning, so that helped a little.
When I got pregnant with my 2nd, I decided to stay on my medication (with the guidance of my OB) & it has helped tremendously. I know medication isn't for everyone, but it has definitely helped me. Another suggestion would be to talk to a counselor or therapist. I have done this in the past as well, and it's also been a huge help. Maybe he/she can give you some relaxation tips or other ideas to help with the depression/anxiety.
Good luck! You are NOT alone!
i have anxiety, not depression, but i can definitely relate to feeling more angry/stressed when it's not being treated.
at a minimum, you should see a therapist. they can help you with coping mechanisms to get through the times when you're alone and feeling miserable.
there are also plenty of pregnant women that take meds for depression/anxiety and haven't had any subsequent problems w/ their children. ideally you can start them after your first trimester, i.e., after most of the critical fetal development has occurred.
I've had depression before but I haven't had it come back during my pregnancy so far.
Exercise can help balance you out and cure mild depression. So if you aren't exercising already, consider starting. It might cheer you up if you took a prenatal class in the evenings when your husband is away. Or spend some time talking to friends/family before going to sleep.
If it is affecting your life, you should talk it over with your doctor.
I have depression and anxiety and can relate. I find my emotions are heightened due to the increase in hormones as well. I am able to notice when my warning signs increase and I do things that naturally alleviate my symptoms: exercise, watch a comedy, read a good book, journal, do something for me (manicure, pedicure, etc)...
I used to be a Mental Health Professional and learned many skills that I tought to the individuals I worked with that have helped me recognize my symptoms before my emotions got the better of me. You can look up "Dialectical Behavioral Therapy" by Marsha Lindehan. On some sites, they offer coping skills and explainations of how to utilize them. Just a suggestion, especially if medication is not a current option for you.
Please dont worry and try not to feel guilty. This is not something you are choosing to happen, as they are illnesses. When you are ready you can begin to look into options to help alleviate the symptoms. I would definitely recommend talking to your doctor about these concerns and potentially seeking a counselor/therapist to talk to as well. Sometimes, an objective, non-judgemental listener helps so much! Best of luck!