Mood swings and depression

Re: Mood swings and depression

• pinguino11 member

  July 2014

  As a disclaimer, it's always best to talk with your doc about what you're experiencing. That being said, some things to ask yourself could be... How long are these feelings lasting? Are you still finding enjoyment throughout the day? Are the feelings keeping you from meeting your responsibilities? Are they making you feel like you can't go on? You can factor in if you have a history of depression as well. Also, if you feel scared about it, I'll reiterate, definitely talk with your doctor or a therapist because there is no shame in what you may be feeling--whether it's pregnancy hormones or something else. 

  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• RedBaramid member

  July 2014

  Basically what PPS. Can you go about your daily activities? Does it stop you from participating in every day life? Do you still feel happiness at times? There is NO shame in seeking help to deal with pregnancy related bouts of depression.  The hormones that your body uses during pregnancy can really work a number on your mental health, especially if you already have a compromised mental health status (like being depressed already, or suffering from things like BPD like I do.) You can see counselors and therapists, there are SAFE medications they can prescribe you to help take the edge off mood swings and sadness. Do NOT struggle alone and in silence. Your baby needs you, and if you are too depressed to function, you aren't going to take good care of them. 

  
  

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• brittneyandadam member

  July 2014

  The ladies here pretty much covered it. Pre pregnancy, I dealt with anxiety and depression...and would have good and bad days. The depression felt like a heavy, tired feeling...I wanted to sleep all the time and didn't want much to do with anyone. Silly things were affected...I never wanted to open my mail or email, I'd blow off my friends to stay at home, and my sleep schedule was thrown off. I'd stay up until 1-2 am and sleep until 1-2 pm. I shopped and ate a lot to deal with my feelings.

  After things got a little better (via meds and counseling) I was able to tell a regular emotional day vs a bad depression day. I can tell the difference now b/c on regular days, I'm still tired but I can function ok. I might cry at a commercial or when thinking about my baby...but I'm just fine a little while later. On a depression day, I feel distracted and foggy. I don't want to do anything but sit on the couch and simple responsibilities (like putting dishes away) seem impossible.

  Like PP said, if you're worried I'd encourage you to talk with your doctor. If you nip it in the bud now, it'll be easier to address postpartum. Also, if they know ahead of time, they can note it in your file and have several solutions lined up for your care. Since my OB/Gyn is aware, they check in with me at every appointment and have offered several support options for postpartum. Also, listen to your friends, family, and SO. They will more than likely raise concerns if they think your behavior/mood is changing.

  GL to you and please let us know how everything works out.

  {Me:27, Dx:PCOS, LPD, & rob(14;15)}
  

  {DH:31 all clear, "super sperm"}

  Ecstatically married July 30, 2011--TTC since Jan 2013:::Baby #1 due 9/11, Conceived on cycle #5 of Femara + Hcg + IUI

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• widgetsnm member

  July 2014

  Definitely tell your doctor so that he/she can keep a close eye on you post partum!
  Unfortunately most meds take 4-6 weeks to take effect, but you should ask your doctor. There's no harm in asking. Then you can think about the new info he/she gave you to make a better informed decision.
  There are also different exercises that you can do to relax. There are natural "remedies" too: like to eat more omega 3's. They're supposed to help with mood. They work for me. I actually switched butter to Smart Balance with omega for a while, because I wasn't feeling so well. Research what types of food have omega 3's and eat some of those. Like if I feel like I'm about to go into a funk, I'll cook some salmon or choose salmon when we go out to eat.
  One of my dr's told me: Keep a journal of what you eat, what you've done throughout the day, include how much sleep and rest you get, and how much exercise & what type. Be specific with times. Sometimes there's a pattern that emerges. Maybe keep track of your stress level (bc we know that stress effects everything!). Maybe also write down what's on your mind, so you can work on that later (like a to do list).
  
  Good luck! You're not alone

  Didn't your mother teach you, "If you can't say something nice, then don't say anything at all." Let's all (me too) try to remember this. Thank you.

  
  

  Depression is ugly. Depression without meds is uglier. Robin Williams would agree with me.

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• dal2aus member

  July 2014

  Like anything else, if you have to ask, it's time to talk to your doctor.  No sense 2nd guessing, and no shame in getting your doctor's evaluation.

  

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