18 weeks pregnant and really struggling

[Amsylou]

Hi all,

I'm currently about 18w with my first child. I've had anxiety and depression on and off over the years, with the most recent bout being January until May of this year (just before conceiving).

I have generally felt pretty well throughout the pregnancy, both physically and mentally, but the last few weeks I've been really struggling with anxiety and low mood. I feel like I have no energy or desire to do anything and I'm just pushing through. It's getting to the point now where I feel I can't do this. I feel very alone and like no one understand, especially with the pregnancy.

I have an appointment with mental health midwife next week, but wanted to ask if anyone has been through this before and any tips or suggestions about how to manage, or just someone who listen.

Thanks x

[EmilyG7]

@Amsylou
Hey hun, don’t feel like your alone ever! Because your not, lots of people are in the same boat, me included, I’m 15 weeks with my 3rd, and have struggled pretty much since we found out at 5/6 weeks! I had only just got my mental health under control and everything was starting to get back into place but I’ve completely fallen apart! I don’t want to go out or told to anyone, extremely irritable and paranoid and so on!! I stopped taking my meds because I was getting really bad side affects 😩 spoken to the midwife and she said to self refer back to health in mind, that probably wasn’t much help 🙄 but I’m here feeling the same if you do want to rant!! Xx

[Vb88]

Hi
I feel quite similar. Long history of depression and anxiety. When I found out I was pregnant they told me to stop 2 of my medications without offering me an alternative. Cut cold turkey if you like!! It’s been 6 weeks and I finally have an appointment with someone who can perhaps advise on different meds to take. I found my appointment with the perinatal mental health worker very unprofessional and unhelpful, and made me feel worse. I now have the worry this will go against me and social services may want to get involved if things continue.

Being off my meds caused more difficulties and I resorted back to unhealthy coping strategies. I’ve been off them for 6 weeks and my appointment is now in 2 weeks. I found it very upsetting that they told me to stop them but didn’t give me an alternative!

Anyways, I’m still struggling to cope, but have realised that to avoid potential interest from social workers and what not I have to put on a smile whenever I have appointments.