Depression and anxiety pre and post natal

alexandrae90 · November 2016

hi ladies , ran a quick search and did not see anything similar on the board . Just wanted to open up the conversation for anyone who may be struggling with anxiety and or depression this pregnancy. With my first I didn't experience any anxiety or depression till after birth , this go around at 22w I'm starting to have pretty severe anxiety . I am seeing a therapist and considering restarting my medication. Any other mommies out there going through a similar situation?

sunshine507 · November 2016

I'm not as bad now, but earlier in pregnancy I was struggling- especially when I was inside all the time, on the couch or throwing up most of that, no exercise. I'm definitely working to keep my sleep, sun exposure, nutrition, and daily activity levels all balanced to help mitigate as much as I can.

vprod · November 2016

yup, I've been dealing with this the whole time. My doctors had to convince me by giving me tons of study results that clearly showed that my specific anti-depressant was not going to harm the baby. Because I've been consistently on my same medication (actually, I went down to a lower dose), I've felt more OK than I ever thought I would. I've had the ups and downs with morning sickness and other annoying symptoms, but depression hasn't reared it's ugly head, which is amazing!

I'd definitely find out what class your regular meds are (A,B,C,D,X) and make an informed decision with your Dr!

KellyT22 · November 2016

I really struggled with feeling depressed during my first pregnancy. It's a major life changing event. I felt very lonely - my friends were still going out to bars and concerts, and I couldn't do that.

Thankfully, all of those feelings disappeared when the baby was born. This time around I do get a little sad about the lack of physical freedom, but it hasn't been nearly as hard.

Hang in there! Hope things get better and stay that way.

sunshine507 · November 2016

@vprod those classes of medications are so key... it drives me crazy when someone who knows nothing about them goes off about how dangerous a prescription might be. Thanks, done the research and do actually have a doctor.

vprod · November 2016

@sunshine507 yes, they are seriously important to know! even OTC stuff can potentially be really harmful, whereas an anti-depressant or whatever can be category B.

MahiMama · November 2016

I have suffered from depression for most of my life, including a couple of very severe episodes. So I take multiple antidepressants all throughout my pregnancies. The risks of another severe episode while pregnant outweigh the risks of taking these meds. I was actually on higher dosages with my son who turned out perfectly. I also see my therapist regularly. Big proponent of taking charge of your mental health without shame!

alexandrae90 · November 2016

Thanks everyone for responding. I've always struggled with anxiety and depression that I was able to manage seeing a therapist. I was riding high on hormones and that first time mom glow my first pregnancy that the blues afterward was kinda a shock and hit me pretty hard . I wish I knew to expect that hormone drop. Pregnancy this time around has been tougher as in chasing a 1 yr old and working full time . I've been working closely with my ob and therapist and starting to feel better . Thank u everyone for your input

Goodmorning12 · November 2016

I've nothing to offer as far as medications etc but I know that exercise (yoga is a must for me), midday walks to absorb some sun & added benefit of some exercise, do a lot to lift my spirits. When I start to feel a bout of anxiety coming along I plan. Make lists. Everyone has a different outlet that may work, but even if I make a list 5 pages long, I breathe a deep sigh.

sunshine507 · November 2016

Has anyone used a SAD box / light therapy during pregnancy?
Ran across this article: https://womensmentalhealth.org/posts/light-therapy-a-good-alternative-to-medications-during-pregnancy/

npaulie · November 2016

@sunshine507 I'm a psychologist who suffers from Seasonal Affective Disorder. I use a SAD box every winter (because it's dark here by 3:30 pm AAGHHH!!!) and it's cloudy EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. OF. WINTER. The last two months I've continued using my box every day even though I'm pregnant. If you suffer from sleep problems, it'll also help you reset your body's circadian rhythm. If anyone has questions about tips for picking one out or how to use one feel free to PM me and I can send you the info.

PattersRN · December 2016

So my anxiety has been awful lately (last month or so). I have a history of anxiety and depression (diagnosed as a teen) but tapered off my meds a few years ago after my divorce and a month of counseling and had been fine. I struggled in my 20's trying to find a career niche and was in a bad marriage and I think that was a big contributor to my problems. That all turned around when I became a nurse, got divorced and met my now husband. Now my problem is the exact opposite. I have a great career, wonderful husband and I finally feel like I'm making progress in life and financially. My anxiety is over the fear that I don't deserve any of this and it could all be ripped out from underneath me at any moment (because I'm used to struggling). I've started to fixate on my job as a nurse and for some weird reason am constantly fearful that I'm going to make a mistake that will result in me losing my license. I perseverate on situations where I worry I may not have made the right decision or wonder if I advocated enough for a patient. I don't have any history of problems at work though, I never get complaints, only get good feedback and my boss constantly tells me how much he appreciates me. Of course I've made mistakes, but I learn from them. I'm thinking it might be beneficial to start counseling again because this has been driving me nuts. If anyone has words of wisdom, I'd appreciate it. Sorry for the novel!

MahiMama · December 2016

@PattersRN that sounds miserable, I'm so sorry you're struggling like this. It does sound like you have pretty good insight about what's going on, and just need help figuring out the right tools to help you cope and manage your anxiety. I am a mental health professional, and I also see my own therapist. I think it sounds like you know you could benefit from seeing someone.... I'm wondering what's holding you back?

kjd291 · December 2016

@PattersRN Sounds like you know talking about it with someone would help! So absolutely make an appointment! Totally normal to get anxious about this sort of thing: especially with added hormones and changes coming with baby.
Have you journaled about it? I personally find when my mind is racing with anxious crazy thoughts writing it down on paper is my personal favorite tool for coping. But again, if you know a councelor works for you--> don't hesitate to use them!

sarahbobby · December 2016

I have anxiety. I just talked to a therapist on Tuesday. My anxiety stems from being pregnant after two losses and also being high-risk. She gave me some coping mechanisms. I'm specifically nervous about pre term labor since that it one of my risks and anytime I get an ache or pain my mind goes into a tailspin. She said to come up with a name for those pains so I can brush them off. I've been doing that and it's been working! I think I will probably go back to see her.

I also keep a journal. I think it helps and at times I'll go back and read it and remind myself how far I've come!

I'm not on medication now although it was discussed for postpartum. I'm really nervous I'll get post postpartum depression given my history and because depression/anxiety runs in my family.

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