I've had periods of depression for years and since I've been pregnant (I'm 17 weeks) it has been really bad. Does anyone know of any good resources, like books or websites, for prenatal depression (especially self-help). All the stuff I've found online so far is just advice to find a counselor and talking to your doctor about getting anti-depressants that are safe during pregnancy.
I have insurance that covers counseling sessions but I'm not really sure how to go about finding someone specific to my needs . Any suggestions on this or alternatives to counseling would be great!
Also, for others of you that have had problems with depression, my midwife recommended taking a B vitamin complex and fish oil capsules (or flax if your veg). I try and remember to take the fish oil and I think it's helped some, I would recommend it!
prenatal depression?
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Sun, 2008-06-15 01:49
#1
prenatal depression?
I had to go on antidepressants when I was pregnant with my first. I took the lowest dose of Celexa and I think it helped. With this pregnancy, I'm not on anti-depressants. I think pregnancy hormones do something to me a little, because I am having similar feelings to when I was pregnant before. My midwife actually recommended an antidepressant during pregnancy to help with the risk of postpartum depression because they take a few weeks to work and I would be high risk for post-partum. I thought it was kind of a weird suggestion so I havent talked to my doc about it yet, but I still might later on.
I would suggest stuff like eating healthy, getting enough sleep and spending some time outside each day for some pretty basic help with depression. The supplements, sound good too, I hadnt heard of that before.
Anti-depressants are sometimes neccessary though, and certain ones have been proven safe during pregnancy so I wouldnt stress about it too much. For Celexa, the only side-effect is that the baby often doesnt cry really hard or breathe well in the first few minutes after birth, but its something your careprovider would know to watch out for. The way I had it explained both times is that the small risk of taking anti-depressants is worth the risk to the baby of severe maternal depression. Things are things everyone has to weigh out on their own though. Good luck, I hope you feel better.
I've had to be put on prozac for my pregnancy. This is my 3rd child and my first time taking it. My dr warned me of the same risks. I'm going off of it right now though because prozac isn't safe for breastfeeding. I've been really sick this pregnancy and its been really hard. I tried just about everything before the meds and sometimes they work, sometimes they don't
Thank you both for the advice! I want to try making myself exercise (sometimes hard to start doing when you're depressed!) before I talk about anti-depressants with my midwife...I took prozac for about 5 years and the withdrawal part was really hard for me. I think it helped to be off it, but I started polluting my body a bit too often, with drugs/alcohol, around the time I stopped taking it so it's hard to evaluate.
When antidepressants are taken for prenatal or postpartum depression, do you usually do them for a short period of time or continue on them for years? I don't want my experience of pregnancy and later, taking care of an infant, to be dragged down by depression that could be helped by medication, but I don't want to go back on antidepressants long term either...
Depression can be a very difficult topic, as many people have many different schools of thought.
As a diagnosed "Major Depressed" person, and someone who is currently on pharmaceuticals, I advocate to stay away from the meds, as long as possible. Many times, there are a variety of natural ways, to help curb the depression. The meds to provide releif, HOWEVER, many times people who take them neglect to get to the bottom of the issue, that may require counselling, or social support, and quite honestly, meds are pure and complete HELL to get off of, and many people are unable too. General Practioners have a tendancy to hand out anti-depressent medication like it is candy, without proper diagnosis. Anti-Depressants cause fatigue, suicidal ideations, restlessness, weight gain, excitedness (Doctors tend to lump all depressive symptoms together...an individuals with Bi-Polar disorders, have often been given an anti-depressent, and the mania symptoms are elivated), and a whole WACK of unplesant, life altering side-affects. Google Effexor, Paxil, or Prozac. You will find many people seeking any help they can to get off of these drugs, AND dealing with wretched side effects.
Thats not to say that I dont think Anti-Depressants dont work. Some people, do very, very well on them. Some people feel that the pills are what they needed, to allow that beam of sunshine back into their lives. But it frigtens me, how many people I personally know, and statistically, have walked into the doctors, saying "ive been feeling down lately". And walk out with a script for prozac.
Before going to the meds, maybe evaluate your situation. Are you financially stable? do you receive proper support? are you socially isolated? That way you could evaluate the "risk factors" of PPD. Begin seeking resources. New-mom groups, PPD Support programs, etc.....and then discuss it alll with your doctor, (or best option...Mental Health Care Provider...I dont know where you are, so I apologize if that is not financially feesable).
Anyways, Ive been there with the Post Partum Depression, and it stinks! You gotta find whats right for YOU to get through it (and for many, MANY women, MEDS ARE NOT THE RIGHT THING, and thats O.K!!!!) Dont be afriad to be assertive with your doctor!!! You are your own best advocate!!
I had intense prenatal depression. I was suicidal, had a plan to kill myself after Z was born, and could barely function at times. I did not get help, because I was so convinced that there was something wrong with me (despite having dealt with depression on and off for years before then), that getting help wouldn't actually accomplish anything.
At the very least, go talk to someone (a therapist, I mean). It's so important to know that your feelings are valid, but a huge part of them is the hormones. I did not go on medication, and I wonder if I had, if I would have been able to enjoy my pregnancy more.