To ask how to stay sane..

[amrscot]

I've been signed off work at 27 weeks pg with pregnancy related issues.

Already been off work since last Tuesday and I'm starting to feel so lonely and bored and have this deep sadness that I cannot shake.

I feel like my days exist of nothing but at the same time I simply don't have the energy to be out and about doing things.

I get emotional when DP leaves for work and it's such a relief when he walks through the door because I know I'll have somebody to actually interact with. Sometimes I feel like I could cry and am becoming too reliant on him.

How do I rid myself of this feeling? I've never felt anything like it. I simply feel as though I'm just existing.

Help..

I think it's usual to feel this way in your situation but if youre wanting to "do" somethng to try and feel beeter, corny as it is, I find the 5 ways to wellneing make a lot of sense.

It helps me to have a plan and take some action when I'm feeling low and this provides a framework. I'll try and find a link

www.mind.org.uk/workplace/mental-health-at-work/taking-care-of-yourself/five-ways-to-wellbeing/

@Bestseller thank you so much

Get out of the house, is there any ante natal classes near by. Our church do a bumps and babies. I remember as was signed off early good luck

You need to get out otherwise you will send yourself insane. Just fo into the local town. No need to buy stuff, just wander around and interact with other people.

If you cant, get people to come to you.

I get lonely very quickly too. Best way to combat it is by human interaction.

If you don't have the energy to go out, use the internet to interact with other people. There are groups online for people who are housebound.
I taught myself to crochet from tutorials on Youtube when I was bed ridden a while back.

@userschmoozer thanks, I actually never thought of perhaps learning a new skill like crocheting and perhaps I could make something for DS before he arrives!

Just have patience and realise this is just a phase. Pregnancy is hard and part of the reason it's hard is you have limited mobility and energy. It's not forever and will be ending for you in such a short space of time. Try and enjoy the moment if you can. I liked to watch YouTube videos about pregnancy and birth and life with a baby to gain tips and feel connected with others in the same situation. Your new baby will be with you very soon and life will change for the better. It's normal to feel reliant on your spouse when pregnant, you are dependent on them.

@Oneweekleft thank you for your words.

I feel like I am just being ridiculous because I'm being so needy for him but it's hard being so emotional

But you're right, life will change soon enough. I'm just worrying how I will cope with a LO.

I was off work for nearly 4 months after knee surgery. I did all of the following:

1. Got netflix/Amazon prime and watched all the box sets I never got round to watching.
2. Learnt how to cross stitch and made themed squares for a charity that makes quilts for children with terminal/life limiting illnesses (Lovequilts UK)
3. Downloaded the kindle app and read LOADS of books.
4. Joined a few forums and chatted with internet strangers
5. Joined Pinterest and spent ages making different boards/plans
6. Did a distance learning university module
7. Invited people to come over for an hour for coffee, chat and cake
8. Sounds a bit loopy but I spent time psychoanalysing myself, doing personality tests and worked on improving my emotional intelligence and coming up with strategies to address my weaknesses and reduce my stress levels.

I would let your care team know as well. It is very possible to get pregnancy depression. I forget the name of it. I would be on the watch for it as it can be a big sign for post-natal depression.

I was put off early for both of my pregnancies and ironically one thing that helped was connecting with online and offline pregnancy groups. I was able to chat constantly with people. I am still friends with a large group from my first pregnancy and my son is 12. A great bonding thing. My friends are all over the US and Canada.

Cross stitch, knitting, Netflix, crocheting, adult colouring or even kid colouring😁, games on the tablet or computer either solo or online so some interaction.

Coffee! Go to a coffee shop or the like and veg with a good book. Chat with people as they come and go. It’s stull relaxing as you are just sitting there. I do t drink coffee but tea, hot chocolate or whatever works.

Get your nails done. Or a pre-natal massage if able to.

@CanuckBC I think I'm going to mention it tomorrow morning to my midwife.

I was on anti depressants for over a year but stopped when I found out when I was pregnant - now I'm thinking I should perhaps go back on them.

PND is something that really worries me, and I know it is possible to also get antenatal depression  thanks for your suggestions and also @Treble9, thank you