Anxiety and Depression During Pregnancy?

JoanSamantha · January 2016

I've struggled with anxiety and depression for years. I was on medication for over a decade and have been off medication for 3 years. I am 18 weeks pregnant and just saw a doctor at the advice of my midwives. My score for anxiety is severe and my score for depression is moderate. The doctor has sent off urgent referrals to psychiatry. I am assuming this is because I am pregnant as I am not at risk of hurting myself. I do not want to take medication during pregnancy but am also struggling with self care as I work long hours and have home obligations. Does anyone have any tips or things that worked for them? Thanks

SisterMaryNapalm · January 2016

I found Cognitive Behavioural Therapy really helpful and journaling or recording any "red flags". They work well together. I also find surrounding myself with supportive people and being honest about my wants/needs (which is admittedly difficult) helps as well.

In terms of a psych referral it's awesome that your doctor is taking your history and symptoms seriously. Antenatal and postnatal depression are serious and so getting support now is a really good idea. It's not just self harm but also correlations of untreated or late-diagnosed antenatal depression-anxiety and the baby's growth and NICU stay. Monitoring it and treating it minimises this risk and helps you establish support for the post partem period.

saladflambe · January 2016

I went off of my anxiety and depression medications when I got pregnant and have struggled a lot. The only reason I've been able to get through this without medication is with therapy. I have a fantastic therapist, and I go multiple times a week. I also am allowed to contact my therapist between sessions via email & text, and I take advantage of this.

KaKip · February 2016

I am one of the folks on here who did not go off their meds and I've still had a really tough time with my anxiety and now depression. I second everything the pp's have said but I also want to say that I think sometimes medicine may be a needed complement to therapy.

Cowboycorgi · February 2016

I'm sorry you are having to deal with this!
Just wanted to let you know that I think it is awesome you and your doctor are being so proactive about it!
I hope you are able to work with psychiatry to find a non-med way to treat and manage your anxiety and depression, but if your end up having to go on something that is ok as well. You are a good mom and deserve to be a healthy mom as well.
Good luck and keep taking care of you and baby!

runningpenguin · February 2016

**dirty lurker here**

I went through anxiety and depression during my last pregnancy. I thought it was just hormones and being pregnant but after going on medication after my son was born because something still wasn't right, I realize now how I wish I had taken a more steps take care of myself emotionally and psychologically. It sounds like you and your doctor are working together to come up with a great game plan. I decided this time around to take meds during pregnancy because I'm so sad I didn't enjoy my first one.

peregrinefalconx · February 2016

I have also stayed on my med, which is safe for pregnancy. My attempts to off would not have been successful and bad for me and the pregnancy. And I just realized this week that my emotional roller coaster I have been on is not just pregnancy hormones or my regular high level anxiety. My psychiatrist indicated that due to the increased blood flow in a pregnant woman's body, less medicine is getting through. So I am attempting to deal with this through increased exercise (hard while pregnant), acupuncture, more therapy, maybe a massage, etc. and will go up on the med if it doesn't get better in a couple of weeks.

If you aren't seeking professional help, you should. I have an arsenal of people! And there is an anxiety handbook for pregnant ladies you might find on Amazon. Not helpful for me, but there is literature for all of that--but I think you need to start with a person. GL!

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