Mental Health?

afrazer521 · November 2015

Any other mamas out there struggling with mental health issues and being pregnant? I know it can be a personal topic, but what isn't on here, right? I have both massive depressive disorder and general anxiety disorder and have been having a VERY hard time with this pregnancy. I weaned myself off all the medication I was taking and am having a super hard time. It doesn't help I've been super emotional this time around in general, 3rd pregnancy, 2nd child, and just wanted to see if anyone else is going through the same thing and how they are coping. Thanks ladies.

Taymiller · November 2015

I tagged you in a post that you might find helpful

afrazer521 · November 2015

Thanks @Taymiller, I was actually just reading it lol

carcrashheart · November 2015

Yes. I have stayed on my celexa through all pregnancies. I'm currently weaning off of my migraine med and it makes me go through withdrawal and crashes my mental state. I literally feel the turmoil in my chest and feel dread and doom. It's awful. I'm sticking to my celexa. Neither my ob or psych have an issue with that. Sometimes you need to weigh the benefits and detriments.

afrazer521 · November 2015

My primary initially cut me way back, I was on a couple different meds and she told me to stay on a lower dose of the zoloft and cut everything else until I could see a psychiatrist to check the safety of the meds while pregnant, but I haven't been able to get an appointment so I just stopped taking it in general.

FiancB · November 2015

I felt like I would be fine off an antidepressant but I might go back on. I actually wasn't on one for a long time and then sought to be diagnosed with ADHD, and knowing my history of depression they put me on zoloft to rule that out first. I did feel better on it, so I stayed on it along with ADD meds. I didn't take the ADD meds late in LP knowing i could get pregnant, and I weaned myself off the Zoloft which was only 50 mg to begin with. Years ago I was on Prozac which I hated. I like Zoloft much better and I know it's one of the safer meds out there, but I still don't like the idea of taking it when pregnant.

For the most part, I have been too busy and excited to notice it much, but I have had some bad days and I might talk to my CNM at my next appointment. I'm struggling much more than I thought I would without my meds- I'll just have to deal with the lack of ADD meds, but an antidepressant is probably a good idea. Maybe it would make more sense to go back on and then wean off before delivery, since that's when the real concern is with baby having withdrawals and stuff. I'm pretty worried about postpartum depression though and that's not enough time to get a good level going in one's system to handle it right away.

glitterfingers · November 2015

As a general rule I use for myself - if you are having trouble doing everyday things you should seek professional advice. I am on a low dose of Zoloft for panic attacks. My OB was not concerned at all and recommended I stay on it. It can also help with post partum later. I did have side effects getting on to it so start slow if that is the path you take with an SSRI. Take care and hang in there.

afrazer521 · November 2015

@glitterfingers and @FiancB I was on zoloft as well. When I got put on it I was told it was much better for "birth defects" as opposed to Prozac which is linked to bad side effects for baby. I was up to 100 MG though, my primary cut me back to 50 MG but without the added benefits of the other meds I was taking on top of that for anxiety and panic attacks it didn't seem to be doing much and I honestly just kind of forgot to take it. I think I'm just super paranoid about the downside to baby of taking meds because I had a cervical biopsy, (colposcopy?), RIGHT before I found out I was pregnant and I've spotted the 2x my husband and I have "been together" so I feel like I have a weak cervix because of everything. It was just a very weird set of events that led up to me finding out I was pregnant and then the bleeding and progesterone prescription and being prepared for a m/c but then seeing a heart beat....all alot to take in and deal with lol

glitterfingers · November 2015

It's a lot to take in + pregnancy hormones! I support each woman's decision. I totally understand not wanting to take anything.

quartz02 · November 2015

My sisters both stayed on meds for both of their pregnancies and their kids are fine. I think you should talk to your doctor.

JDHoch · November 2015

I've been told by my Dr., (and by my cousin, who stayed on 200mg Zoloft and has 2 awesome kids) That the Zoloft is OK. Coming off it too quick can cause more damage than staying on it throughout your pregnancy. I'm currently taking 100mg daily for major depression/anxiety disorder. I think I'd be a mess if I came off of it. I also think we all worry (some more than others) about everything we put in our bodies because we want our baby to be OK. Talk to your Dr. or Psyc if it will help ease your mind. That's why they're there. Rest assured you're not alone.

juliagulia38 · November 2015

I'm taking 125 mg of Zoloft. My OB said it was fine. My mental health is important. I need to make sure I take care of me first so that I am healthy and can take care of my kids and family.

Serpica · November 2015

Hi everyone, it's good to hear about everyone's paths to making these decisions. I went off my medication (an SNRI) for my first pregnancy, and it was in retrospect not a good decision - my panic/depression symptoms came back pretty quickly though I coped ok for a while, but then I lost the pregnancy and needless to say did very badly for a couple months. I went back on it in the mean time, and now I'm staying on it for the second pregnancy, and so far this really feels like the right decision for me. When I look at the evidence from my own history, the risks of being off of it (pretty clearly high) seem lower than the risk of being on it (which are unknown, and studies suggest, probably small). I do a lot of work with my therapist to address the guilt I have about taking the medication, but I know that's the best option for the whole family right now.

owens0410 · November 2015

I am staying on my Celexa as well. I did while pregnant with my soon too. I did have to stop taking Xanax, obviously, and that has been difficult. I get panic attacks and I have had to seriously step back and make myself chill out. It's tough.

rnyland1 · January 2016

Soooo, I had severe postpartum depression after my first son was born. I started taking Prozac and Wellbutrin which helped quite a bit. Fast forward to this pregnancy and at this point I have successfully weaned off all my meds under the direction of my OB. But....things are not going well now, and I'm pretty much regretting weaning off the meds. I've been a total mess....I went from being a level-headed person to someone who has crying spells and angry outbursts regularly. I feel like this is affecting me at work and at home. My husband and I have been fighting quite a bit since I weaned off the meds. I'm worried that I'm going to ruin my relationship if I continue on like this. I thought I was doing a good thing by keeping my baby from being exposed to these drugs but I can't keep it together anymore. Basically, the main risks with Prozac is that the baby will be more restless/irritable/colicky. Obviously that's not good for a tired new mom with postpartum depression....but the situation I'm currently in sucks too. I'll be talking this over with my docs as well but if anyone's been in a similar situation it's nice to know I'm not alone

whataboutscience · January 2016

Hugs, ladies! I have a lot of family with mental illness including depression and anxiety. I'm sure it can't be easy trying to care for that baby and yourself at the same time. I'm rooting for all of you! Great idea to atart this thread!

LifeofLauren2 · January 2016

@Serpica I'm late to this thread but your story and mine are very similar. I was on Lexapro and decided to stop when I found out I was pregnant the first time. I was always crying and fighting with my boyfriend. I never wanted to do anything. I didn't cope well. Then I had a mmc and my world flipped upside down. I'm back on the Lexapro and with my doc decided that it's best to stay on the meds with this pregnancy. There's some concern about withdrawal in baby so I'm thinking about lowering my dosage and maybe getting off the meds during my third trimester but will talk to my doc more about that later.

@rnyland1I feel you! I fought with my boyfriend during my last pregnancy (and even kicked him out for 2 days) when I was off my antidepressants. This time around I am staying on them. I think it's a good idea to talk to your doc. Good luck! It's a tough decision.

Serpica · January 2016

@LifeofLauren2 thank you so much for your sharing your experience, it's really good to hear from others who have been there and have had to figure these things out! I haven't decided yet what I'll do third trimester but I'm sure we will have more time to discuss this when it comes... best wishes to you!

dolewhipper · January 2016

One of my good friends was on Lexapro her entire pregnancy. Gave birth to a wonderful, beautiful boy. She had horrible PPD and they decided they were "one and done". After helping her through that, I support any mom who decides with their dr it's healthier for their mind, body, and spirit to stay on anti depressants than be without.

PugsandKisses · January 2016

My OB said that why she prefers her patients to be off, if they are thinking of harming themselves or others, or are a struggling to function, then it is better to stay on them.

queengoldee · January 2016

I appreciate this post being made because mental health can be a touchy topic and battle during pregnancy. I have a inconsistent struggle with depression and I've been trying so hard to not let myself fall into a negativity funk for the sake of my pregnancy and loved ones. I've dealt with past traumas, as some of us all have, and the scars seem to try and reappear in the midst of my pregnancy. Therapy was really helpful to me though I'm currently not seeing a therapist. Yoga, other exercise, and writing has been helpful as well. Any other self therapeutic suggestions?

MamaBish · January 2016

queengoldee said:
I appreciate this post being made because mental health can be a touchy topic and battle during pregnancy. I have a inconsistent struggle with depression and I've been trying so hard to not let myself fall into a negativity funk for the sake of my pregnancy and loved ones. I've dealt with past traumas, as some of us all have, and the scars seem to try and reappear in the midst of my pregnancy. Therapy was really helpful to me though I'm currently not seeing a therapist. Yoga, other exercise, and writing has been helpful as well. Any other self therapeutic suggestions?

Those adult coloring books are amazingly helpful to me. They are relaxing and allow you to just zone out and focus.

queengoldee · January 2016

Thank you! I'm going to get some today. Coloring is fun and therapeutic so it should be helpful.

LifeofLauren2 · January 2016

I have a coloring book but I haven't yet used it. I always forget about it. I think I'm going to put it next to my bed so I remember.

givemepenguinss · January 2016

I love the Headspace app. It's guided meditation. https://www.headspace.com

The first 10 sessions are free.

stillcozy · January 2016

@queengoldee exercise like you mentioned has helped me also finding a hobby to do with my hands I'm attempting to re-teach myself how to knit and crochet it's been good to make something and work on something where I can see tangible progress

Also I love coloring and cooking

queengoldee · January 2016

@Lindsayleigh1989 yes, cooking is relaxing and fun! (Off topic) but what do you cook the most? Also, what type of exercise do you do? Walking? Or typical gym workout?

stillcozy · January 2016

queengoldee said:
@Lindsayleigh1989 yes, cooking is relaxing and fun! (Off topic) but what do you cook the most? Also, what type of exercise do you do? Walking? Or typical gym workout?

I love baking but working on cooking more entree type of foods

I like to run when I have energy and typically run a 5k and if having bad sciatic pain I speed walk at a high incline.

I also really like the Beachbody work out dvd's I have cize a dance one and 21 day fix dvd's

austinjl · January 2016

I second yoga. I also found out if I do something baby positive each day, it helps me deal with the crappy symptoms. I watch educational videos, read blogs, talk to other FTMs or pregnant women. It helps to know there are others who have struggle with pregnancy and have made it through!

quartz02 · January 2016

@MamaBish I'm getting myself an adult coloring book as a b-day present for myself. They have some cool looking ones in my grocery store of all places. Not cheap but it'll be a nice activity that I can do with DD (3 years old).

afrazer521 · January 2016

@quartz02 they had some very pretty ones on sale at Barnes & Noble last weekend

GeekMomma03 · January 2016

I love that this topic has come up because mental illness isn't talked about enough. I have depression, general anxiety and social anxiety. When I'm unmedicated I also get panic attacks. My doctor and I have decided that I should stay on low doses of my medications (prozac and buspar). We may decide to wean off in the 3rd trimester. I do find that now that my hormones have settled a bit in the 2nd trimester that I'm feeling a little better. Unfortunately I had a reaction to zoloft which is the most recommended for pregancy.

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