I thought I'd start a new thread for May.
Last week, I got a prescription for Zoloft for my OCD and anxiety. I decided (for now) not to take it, because at a low dose it will take 6 weeks to take effect. In 6 weeks I'll be 33 weeks along and some doctors preter to taper around 35-36 weeks. Considering I would only get a few weeks of relief, I didn't think the risk of PPHN was worth it. It was a tough decision and on my bad days this week I've questioned whether it was the right decision.
But today - today was a good day! I had intrusive thoughts and engaged in self-soothing rituals but I didn't cry, I didn't let myself get overwhelmed by the bad thoughts, and for the most part I thought rationally and kept calm. The goal is to have as many days like this as possible between now and July 31, and then to start Zoloft (I'm at risk for PPD and PPOCD) pronto.
Hope everyone else had a good day, whatever that means for them.
Re: Mental Health Check in 5/1
AFM, I think I have been having good days as well! I had a moment yesterday with the kids at the bounce house and the parents where I got anxiety that they were all keeping their children from my son and that they all kind of keep their distance from me because DS is a bit "wild." I didn't engage the thoughts and just went about my time there with him smiling, then came home and had a good day. I didn't spiral. I have, in the past, found that it was easy for me to get down and spiral into that place of anxiety where I believe everyone is against me, and I was proud of myself for pushing those thoughts away!
@texasmainer I went on Zoloft a few months ago starting at a low dose and I found it helped in less than a week. I was on Lexapro for anxiety previously but weaned off of that once I found out I was pregnant.
I thought I could do without it but I just couldn't handle things and then DS kept asking "Momma, why you so angry?" so it was time to try something else.
Hope the good days continue for everyone
I’ll be talking to my doctor about going on anxiety and/or depression meds or at least know my options PP that won’t affect BFing. I’ve been pretty on the edge lately because of DH not helping how i would like him and his spending. I think it’s partially my nesting that is making all this worse than it really is. The pregnancy pains are in full force now and making it hard to sleep through the night. Now my mom trying to start drama and making it sound like I’m such a terrible daughter.
@hillbillywife I've been seeing a psychiatrist for over 8 years who prescribes my medications. I also see a psychologist every 6 weeks (insurance only allows this every 4-6 weeks). My ob refuses to prescribe me any medications for my mental health since I already see a psychiatrist. She just asks to be included in the conversations.
I am now back on Seroquel on top of lamectal. Both are low doses. I was extremely hesitant at first because there is not enough data on side effects for baby. My ob and psychiatrist both agree that it is extremely important that I take care of my mental health, pregnant or not. This is another reason why I've been classified as high risk now. They want to monitor how me and baby are being on these medications. I am feeling so much better, though. I am not feeling as though I am constantly on edge, stressed, not in control. I had a great visit with my therapist yesterday, which has made a HUGE difference in how I've been feeling as well. I will see her once more before baby is born. We talked about how our environment does affect our moods and/or triggers. She said it is very crucial to talk things out with our support (i.e. partner, family, friends, etc), even if it is painful, frustrating, etc. She said to always give the other person the option to talk, not to make them feel like they do not have a choice. This has been hard for me because I get frustrated with the person and demand things, which in turn causes the person to become defensive and not want to deal with me. So taking a step back, writing my thoughts down, then asking the person to schedule a time to talk about it should be beneficial in moving forward in a positive way.
Sending everyone hugs!!
I was a dipshit and just didn't go to therapy last week >_< I go every other week but leave it blocked on my work calendar every week for some me-time on off weeks, and with the wedding trip I messed up if it was on/off week. So she's squeezing me in tonight at a different time. Had such a spiral/downer after I missed last week. I've been having better days - and despite all the drama the FL trip did me a world of good since i've been house-bound for a month. Latest struggle is not completely losing my shit on my 2 year old...I have lost it on my husband a couple times when I'd normally have more patience, but my plate is full and running over.
@gingerbride26 it’s definitelt helpful to know what your triggers are. I’m trying to be more aware of myself and what triggers me so I can adjust myself. I also want to be more proactive if I’m feeling off after baby gets here.
I totally would never remember which week was my appointment if I had the same slot every week lol. Sorry you missed yours and it made things hard, but I’m glad your therapist could squeeze you in. Have you left of your trip yet? (I guess not since you’re going to therapy tonight lol) hopefully a last minute session will get you in a good place for your trip- I know you’ve been stressing about it a bit.
I have the run away feeling a lot too, more because I dont know how to solve our life problems, not marriage problems (not right now at least). Have you told DH that you've thought about these things?