Anybody here have Bi-Polar or similar mental illness?

mkayblanch · October 2014

I am 19 weeks and this is my first pregnancy. I have Bi-Polar and although I have good drs and a supportive family, nobody has "been there, done that." I am hoping that there is somebody here who can relate to this and if not offer any advice, at least tell me I'm not alone.

Joon+ · October 2014

I don't have bipolar disorder, but I do suffer from severe depression and anxiety. I made the choice to stay on medication for my pregnancy, but have gone through three different kinds, as pregnancy seems to have really messed with my chemistry. I had a full-on nervous breakdown at 6 weeks and am just now starting to feel like myself again (at 21 weeks). Glad to hear that you have a good support network of doctors and family - that has made all the difference for me so far. All the best to you, and please know that you are definitely not alone in your struggle with mental illness!

MalVough · October 2014

I have ADD complicated by a mood disorder and have stayed on an antidepressant throughout my pregnancy.

You are not alone!

mkayblanch · October 2014

Thank you so much! I also have anxiety disorder and not taking my emergency meds for the panic attacks has been the hardest part. I've had a really rough couple of days with the depression part and am feeling like I will fail at everything especially being a mom. And feeling like nobody gets it. Rationally speaking, I know there are women out there that struggle with this type of thing, but I guess I just needed to hear it. They put me on a low dose antidepressant for the rest of my pregnancy, what anxiety meds are helping you?

MrsPope1770 · October 2014

I was initially diagnosed with mild BPD, but the diagnosis was questioned and then changed to ADD-Combined type. My meds helped me so much and helped tremendously with mood swings. I chose to come off of my medication during pregnancy since it is a stimulant, but it is definitely really difficult. I'm hoping to BF which will mean even longer off of my meds. I'm driving myself and my husband crazy, but I can't bring myself to go on any other kind of med due to my bad experiences with anti-depressants in the past.

Sorry if that came across as a "ME!" novel, I just wanted to share my experience and let you know that you aren't alone in having to learn to deal!

Mary and Dave · October 2014

I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder a few years ago. You're definitely not alone. Every day brings a whole new set of highs and lows, but I somehow manage to get through them. Best of luck to you!

Whitfry · October 2014

You're not alone! I've had chronic depression since the third grade and struggled with suicidal ideation, self-harm, disordered eating and body dysmorphia along with chronic insomnia and anxiety. BPD runs in my family, as does addiction. I can't tell you how many years of therapy I've had just so I could function with minimal medication.

Mental health is no joke! Find a good therapist if you don't have one already and see if there are any support groups in your area. We're all here with you, chugging up similar hills.

Ardmhs83 · October 2014

I dealt with PPD/PPA after my son was born, and now the anxiety still hits and just has never gone totally away. I see a therapist and a psychiatrist and have decided to stay on a low dose of my medication as well. I plan to nurse again too and still take the medication if I need it. Everything has been going great so far and I feel great being pregnant! I think the biggest thing is getting help right away and from someone in the mental health field. Mental health is super important and just as important as physical health. I applaud everyone speaking up and getting help...it is really hard to do! I'm here to chat for anybody that needs to too.

*I've found a great app that is run through Texas Tech/Infant Risk/Dr. Hale and it deals with meds and pregnancy/breastfeeding. It is a very reliable app and the one that LC and the LLL ladies use to look up meds. It is called Mommy Meds and I think it is like $2.99.

lawsonellis · October 2014

I had really, REALLY bad anxiety from 2011-2013. I was not sleeping days out of the week, and had done sleep studies etc. I finally found that zoloft helped a TON. During this pregnancy I have been allowed to continue it, and it's helped TREMENDOUSLY.

If you can't continue any meds you may be prescribed, I URGE you to at least go to consistent behavior therapy and/or counseling, as these hormones are a beast, even WITHOUT a mental issue.

You're not alone as expressed by the ladies here, and I hope you find something that helps even you out and lets you enjoy the happy part of this process!

kellbell1982 · October 2014

I too am diagnosed with BPD as well as ADHD, MDD, anxiety disorder, PTSD and MST. I'm a recovering addict in a program so I've been clean for two years, however I am on medication to keep me that way. I sent you a pm and am available to talk whenever you'd like. The women of M15 are strong and intelligent and you will find many on here who struggle with mental illness and will be happy to help you in anyway, good luck;)

lisap0924 · October 2014

Def not alone. I have dealt with anxiety and depression most of my life and I have been on and off meds for about 10 years. I am currently off, but I am scared to death of PPD.
I dealt with some mild depression in first trimester but I was able to work through it without going back on meds.

A lot of woman stay on meds while pregnant. I think it's a personal choice.
If your mental health is not where it needs to be, that is not good for the baby. It's far worse than any side effect of the medicine.

rita213 · October 2014

I don't personally have bipolar my youngest son does though I suffer from Generalized Anxiety Disorder, I have been on medication with my first 2 pregnancies and continue to stay on it, we tried coming off before and I can't manage off meds, I currently take Buspar it is safe during pregnancy and during breast feeding, plus I am limited as I also have low platelets and most anxiety meds affect that. It's hard having any mental illness but you can survive and baby will be healthy meds or no meds. I wish you best of luck.

lana241 · November 2014

I have bipolar, it's nice to know there are others with similar struggles. I hope everyone is still managing to enjoy their pregnancy and look forward to the future.

I've come off most of my medication, although had a depressive episode a few weeks ago and had to add a new medication. My psychiatrist doesn't want me to breast feed as he wants me straight back on my meds after birth. I've accepted this but I'm struggling with judgement from others about that choice. Has anyone else had to make the decision about breast feeding?

finallyourturn2 · November 2014

I have only watched from the sidelines as my sister went through 2 pregnancies with BPD, severe depression and anxiety. Her biggest struggles were post partum. At one point she felt like she was going to harm the baby. Get a supportive group around you and share all of your feelings no matter how scary. My sister only now seems like she is getting back to "normal" and her youngest is 2. Oldest is 5, so it has been a long rocky road.

kmiller1992 · November 2014

I have depression and generalized anxiety disorder... I am about 21 weeks... I feel that it has made this pregnancy tough, along with the fact that I am doing it alone. I try my best to keep my head up and stay strong.

thejucheidea · November 2014

I have bipolar disorder. I've stayed on my Lamictal and Wellbutrin, and my doctors have said that I can continue on both of these and breastfeed as well. In my situation, my doctors thought it was MUCH more important and safe for me to stay on my meds.

Shkolnikov · November 2014

I have depression and anxiety and after consulting with my psychiatrist she determined that it was better for me to stay on a low dose of meds because when I tried getting off of them, depression was twice as strong as before pregnancy. You are not alone.

lana241 · November 2014

wonknessmonster said:

lana241 said:
I have bipolar, it's nice to know there are others with similar struggles. I hope everyone is still managing to enjoy their pregnancy and look forward to the future.

I've come off most of my medication, although had a depressive episode a few weeks ago and had to add a new medication. My psychiatrist doesn't want me to breast feed as he wants me straight back on my meds after birth. I've accepted this but I'm struggling with judgement from others about that choice. Has anyone else had to make the decision about breast feeding?
I saw a breastfeeding specialist (a physician) last time and she told me to stay on ALL if my meds and go ahead an breastfeed. She said the benefits far outweighed the risks and that only up to 1% of my dose could possibly get to the baby.

At the same time, I went a little overboard. I should have at least supplemented with formula to give myself a break because I had PPA and breastfeeding contributed somewhat.

Can you see if there is a breastfeeding specialist physician in your area? Or if you want to PM me your location I can try to find one for you (I am a librarian and know some tricks re: tracking such things down)

I'm in Australia. But the hospital I'm at have breast feeding specialists so I'll ask to speak to one. I just took my psychiatrists word that I couldn't breast feed but it seems like if you and many others here have been allowed to maybe I can too

kellbell1982 · November 2014

meladoriestar said:

wonknessmonster said:
. I hope that you won't feel bad about taking your rescue med for a panic attack. Panic attacks are not something you have to suffer from. Of course, everyone has different comfort levels and you have to do what you think is best. Panic attacks are so bad, I hate them.
Confirm this with your doctor since most of the rescue meds (Xanax etc) are NOT considered generally safe in pregnancy. However, my doctor said the risk to baby from a one-time low dose of Xanax is less than the risk to baby from a severe panic attack.

I wasn't aware of this, I saw three different docs and was told that xanax was cat C meaning they haven't studied the effects enough to know whether it is harmful, the doctors said they didn't know of any issues it could cause for my baby. Can u include some links to research backing that up? Not at all being argumentative, this info is really important to me Because if what you're saying is true I need to have a long talk with my ob or perhaps find another. I go to Jefferson in phila, they're supposed to be one of the best in the country but even doctors make mistakes

CamilleJon · May 2015

I started a private group concerning this topic:

https://forums.thebump.com/group/641-mental-illness-and-pregnant-bfing-or-ttc

If anyone is interested in joining I welcome you to request an invite. This is a private group so anything discussed within the group can only be seen by other members of the group

Anybody here have Bi-Polar or similar mental illness?

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