Antenatal depression. Feel ashamed and scared.

[BeachYogi]

Hello. I had my booking appointment yesterday and I'm 8 weeks plus three.

I feel kind of ashamed to admit this but I think I am experiencing prenatal depression. I feel like a burden to my husband as I keep crying at such a supposedly happy time. My GP has written me a prescription for Sertraline but I'm scared to take it in case it hurts the baby. I've had a lot going on recently as my father died suddenly a month ago so some of the low mood could be related to that but it feels like more than just grief. I've had mental health problems on and off for the last ten years (depression and anxiety). SSRIs have helped me somewhat in the past. I've had CBT and counselling and I'm having EMDR therapy now.

The midwife has referred me to the perinatal mental health team but I'm anxious about seeing a psychiatrist there as I have a diagnosis of bipolar (type 2) on my records and I think they'll start trying to put me on heavy duty tranquillisers/antipsychotics even though I've never experienced psychosis or mania. This has happened before & I don't trust psychiatrists one bit.

[JennyAuker]

Don't feel ashamed. I'm 31 weeks, first pregnancy, no real history of mental health issues and I'm too struggling with prenatal anxiety chronically. With your dad dying recently credit to you for even having the insight to realise you may have a problem and to try and get help. I wish there was something concrete I could recommend, I'm going to try and get in with a private therapist, maybe that's an option for you too.

[Starlight84]

I’ve been posting in pregnancy about general pregnancy things but I’m glad I’ve spotted this section.
My friends are concerned I’m suffering prenatal depression. And I don’t know where to turn. GP? Midwife? I’m actually sat here crying now as my heads just so overwhelmed.

Please don’t feel ashamed. Sounds like you have had a lot going in. Don’t be so hard on yourself. I know it’s easier said then done though xx