@laurenmdrn16 I agree this probably isn't the best time to make a career move (but when is it ever really, you know?), but if working for the church is what makes you calm and happy, isn't that what's best for mama, baby, daddy and big brother? I'm so glad everything is ok with you and your LO though! Just starting to read your story had me worried! Take care of yourself mama, we're here for you
I have been researching a lot on the topic, even the "What to expect when you're expecting" book mentions low moods and hormone swings, including depression. Perhaps I am telling everyone information they already know, but since I didn't see any posts about non-medicated options, I wanted to mention a few I found: regular exercise, support groups to interact with other pregnant moms, omega-3 and b-6 supplements, light therapy, accupressure/accupuncture, and aromatherapy. I am trying to do them all if I can! Some days are just hard for whatever reason. There is definitely something to the whole hormone things so another thing to do is just to have a good cry and remind yourself that you are not alone- and then try to watch something funny or do something enjoyable for yourself. I don't judge anyone who goes for the meds, but I also feel that doctors are quick to prescribe those without telling you a bigger and more complete picture of options. Hope that maybe helps some readers out there!
I'm on Zoloft and am feeling fine. I did stop taking it for awhile when we first started TTC, and it wasn't pretty. So I went back on, OB ok'ed it, thank god for that.
Now, I am off my ADHD med (Vyvanse) which is a real struggle - my OB is ok with me taking it - but I don't have a psychiatrist at the moment (old one is too far away) and my OB and GP understandably won't prescribe. I should just search for a new psychiatrist, but I've just had bad luck with finding a good psychiatrist and am afraid whoever I go to will judge me for being pregnant and wanting meds
@PYLWhammy, finding a decent psychiatrist is like finding a needle in a haystack, isn't it? I have had some incredibly creepy/ incredibly cold psychiatrists. Do you see a therapist? My therapist recommended my current psychiatrist and he is the kindest and most empathetic doc I've had. I think any doctor who really understands their field won't judge you for wanting to address very real medical concerns, even during pregnancy. Sending you support with that.
@DebraG421 , thank you for all those ideas. I've been doing therapy, accupunture, light therapy and exercise but I love the idea of finding a support group of other pregnant women who struggle with depression and anxiety. I don't know if one exists in my area but it is def. worth checking out. How did you find yours?
Hi everyone! I'm glad this thread is here and even though I've seen it here for a couple of months. I have been on some sort of anti-depression medication since I was 14. I've been on several different types and finally realized that Citalopram was the best option. I started on 20 mg a couple years ago after a year of not taking any medication. I missed two weeks of Citalopram from my own laziness back in December 2014 and went into an episode of manic depression for several weeks. It was so bad to the point that I took a leave of abcense from work for about 3 weeks to get back on my meds and to let my body adjust to taking care of myself every day again, because I wasn't even able to really do that. Whenever I would miss even a couple days in a row of Citalopram, I would notice an extreme difference in my mood and my mental health. Anyways to get to the point of this, when we were ttc, I asked my primary care doctor (I didn't have an on/gyn at the time), if Citalopram was safe while pregnant and they said yes, to continue taking it. I have also been taking trazadone, 50mg to help with sleep for over three years.bI have only missed a handful of doses of trazadone in the past three or more years. When I do not take it, I honestly don't get more than 20 minutes of sleep a night. I was also told that trazadone was safe during pregnancy. Both of these are class C. My first three appointments with my OB/GYN, we went over my list of medications and they said fine, continue with that regimen if it works for you. On my forth appointment, out of nowhere my doctor tells me that they want me to stop taking my medication. They did not offer safe alternatives, just to stop taking it or work towards not taking it. They advised me to wean myself off of both medications over the next few weeks and I was able to do so over the course of about 7 or 8 weeks. I cry over everything, I cry when people ask "if I'm doing okay." And last time I was at the doctors they asked how I was doing without medication and I had a mental breakdown. So yeah, it's going great. I don't know where I was going with any of that but I don't really know what to say I just have really bad depression and anxiety and I feel like the only reason I'm here is for my husband and my baby.
Sorry you are going through this! I'm really confused why they told you to stop taking those meds, especially since I have heard of them being approved for other women during pregnancy, if absolutely needed. And it sounds like they are! I honestly would recommend going back on them ASAP, but I'm not a doctor, so I would say get a second opinion ASAP. You need to be happy during this pregnancy - this is important for the baby, too. Stay strong, I've been through this and there is light at the end of the tunnel.
@allisonmunson94I'm so sorry you're going through this. You're right - some doctors are way to cavalier about saying "oh go off your meds." Like we're taking them just for the fun of it or something. When I started TTC my GP told me to wean off Zoloft and SURPRISE I got really depressed. Am back on now and my OB is totally fine with it. Haven't seen GP since but would like to go in just to tell her to shove it.
OH ALSO - wanted to mention on this thread that a friend of mine (also in the DC area) was on meds for her depression throughout her pregnancy - that her OB was fine with - and the day after she gave birth she got a surprise visit from a social worker in the hospital to who was there to like evaluate her and make sure she wasn't going to hurt her baby or whatever. It wasn't a "hey we want to make sure you're doing ok" but rather a "hi, I heard that you're crazy so just know that we're watching you." It was super effed up. I'm wondering if that's standard and something I can expect after I deliver.
Anyway, just wanted to throw that out there. I think part of the reason she was upset by it was that she was just so surprised.
OH ALSO - wanted to mention on this thread that a friend of mine (also in the DC area) was on meds for her depression throughout her pregnancy - that her OB was fine with - and the day after she gave birth she got a surprise visit from a social worker in the hospital to who was there to like evaluate her and make sure she wasn't going to hurt her baby or whatever. It wasn't a "hey we want to make sure you're doing ok" but rather a "hi, I heard that you're crazy so just know that we're watching you." It was super effed up. I'm wondering if that's standard and something I can expect after I deliver.
Anyway, just wanted to throw that out there. I think part of the reason she was upset by it was that she was just so surprised.
I'd be really curious to know what hospital she delivered at since I'm in the DC area too! I've never heard of such a thing happening, though I can kind of understand it. I wouldn't be upset if I knew it was gonna happen ahead of time.
@allisonmunson94 , I really question that decision by your doctors. I would urge you to seek out a second opinion from a mental health professional. As @GoatSnakeMouse said, some doctors are so flippant about mental health medications in way I think they'd never be if we were talking about diabetes or a heart concern. That really rankles me. I just switched to a new ob-gyn but she very casually struck one of my medications for anxiety, even under some repeated questioning from me. I emailed my psychiatrist and I feel like his advice was basically to ignore her. She told me I could increase one of my other meds, Buspar, which I actually can't as I'm on the maximum dose. So she clearly is not an expert on the matter. I am keeping that in mind.
I am sending you a virtual hug--- depression and anxiety are a b*tch and it's really hard when you don't feel supported by your docs.
@GoatSnakeMouse , I think I'd have some choice words for the social worker. Although that probably wouldn't help matters. I can't believe that there are people out there who think that "depressed" or "anxious" equals "unfit" or "unbalanced." Makes my blood boil.
Re: Depression and anxiety moms - how are you doing?
I don't judge anyone who goes for the meds, but I also feel that doctors are quick to prescribe those without telling you a bigger and more complete picture of options. Hope that maybe helps some readers out there!
Now, I am off my ADHD med (Vyvanse) which is a real struggle - my OB is ok with me taking it - but I don't have a psychiatrist at the moment (old one is too far away) and my OB and GP understandably won't prescribe. I should just search for a new psychiatrist, but I've just had bad luck with finding a good psychiatrist and am afraid whoever I go to will judge me for being pregnant and wanting meds
@DebraG421 , thank you for all those ideas. I've been doing therapy, accupunture, light therapy and exercise but I love the idea of finding a support group of other pregnant women who struggle with depression and anxiety. I don't know if one exists in my area but it is def. worth checking out. How did you find yours?
Anyway, just wanted to throw that out there. I think part of the reason she was upset by it was that she was just so surprised.
Gotcha, thanks for replying. I'm in MD
I am sending you a virtual hug--- depression and anxiety are a b*tch and it's really hard when you don't feel supported by your docs.
@GoatSnakeMouse , I think I'd have some choice words for the social worker. Although that probably wouldn't help matters. I can't believe that there are people out there who think that "depressed" or "anxious" equals "unfit" or "unbalanced." Makes my blood boil.
edited: words