When did you know you needed to start antidepressants

[Lozzalou9191]

Hi

nkt really sure where to start. I’m pregnant with third baby. Have high need toddlers at home. Very happy relationship but minimal outside support with childcare- have nursery whilst I’m at work but otherwise no family. Have a parent with a terminal/long term illness.
Im feeling very up and down emotionally at the moment which I’m aware could be due to pregnancy hormones plus I think with situation with my parent/exhausting young children it’s normal to feel burnt out and a bit tearful and anxious at times.
I don’t particularly feel depressed as such although I do worry about whether I’m doing a good job parenting and there are quite a few dynamics/issues surrounding my relationship with my ill parent.
i suppose I’m just wondering what’s normal. A friend has suggested I should go on antidepressant medication, however I feel like I’m reacting more to the situation I am in rather than it being a chemical imbalance if that makes sense. I guess I just was looking for advice as to whether I’m being a martyr and medication would help me feel less burnt out or whether I’m actually coping under the circumstances and I would be looking for a medication to solve issues that can’t really be solved.
any advice welcome although please be kind!

First of all that sounds a lot you have on your plate and I feel for you. Its tough to have so much on your shoulders without much support. So as u say, no wonder u would b feeling overwhelmed.

There is such a thing as situational depression, but if the situation is long term it might not work to just try to ride it out? I am not sure if u can even take anti-ds while pregnant, but it sounds worth sounding out your gp/ midwife at least and see what they suggest? U could just get some more information/ advice?

In answer to the question of ur post. I resisted going on anti-ds 4 a long time unsure if i 'needed it'/ was actually depressed. But I'd tried CBT and been having some therapy and was still feeling overwhelmed / struggling with anything above the daily grind, and having difficulty feeling joy in moments which objectively might feel happy. Having tried the medication I feel so much better and more like my old self. I wish I'd been open to trying it sooner and feel I've struggled through the 1st 2 years of my daughters life instead of taking joy in it.

Resilience isnt just about having a bottomless coping bucket- its about asking for and accepting help when u need it.

Wishing u well with finding a way forward and your new baby Xxx

You do have a lot on. I have bad experiences with antidepressants. As in when coming off the side effects are horrible. Antidepressants will not change your situation so maybe some cbt will be better. I'm much less harsh on myself after therapy. Also I recognize when I get stressed and accept what I can do and not be hard on myself. Good luck a lot of therapy can be done over the phone now to save travel and babysitters.

Thank you both for lovely comments, you’re right when you say that this situation does look to be a long one so perhaps my ‘muddle through’ idea might not be sustainable!
will definitely look into CBT as I know friends have had great success with this 😊