Worthless, worry, and lethargy in pregnancy

[Lbhughes85]

Hello,

This is my first time posting on here, and unfortunately it's a bit of negative start. I'm coming up to my second trimester (not yet had the scan), and I am feeling pretty low, which manifests in overwhelm, worthlessness, low energy, over eating, over sleeping, and feeling of loneliness.

I have struggled with poor mental health this year pre-pregnancy and went off work at the start of the year for anxiety and depression. Just before becoming pregnant, the same hopelessness feelings are seeping back in, and I'm really worried how I'm going to cope with a baby. I feel like I'm burying my head in the sand.

It's my first pregnancy and whilst I know there is are therapies and medication out there, I don't know where to start in terms of coping with this throughout the remainder of my pregnancy and when the baby arrives! Mental health feels like a different ball game when you're pregnant.

I'm nervous about talking about this to anyone other than my husband as I feel I'm letting people down or worrying them at a time where it's meant to be joyous. I haven't spoken to my midwife, not sure when I'll next see her.

Any advice from those who have experienced something similar would be welcome. I'd just like to know there's light at the end of the tunnel!

Hi OP! My first post too and I wanted to reply as your feelings really resonate with me. I’m nearing the 2nd trimester too and also feeling pretty low.
My first born is 7 months old now so I just wanted to let you know from my experience the depression can come in waves and even with a history of depression (pre pregnancies) I have coped absolutely fine with my LO. In the first pregnancy I felt fine until the 3rd trimester when I felt really low. As soon as he was born I felt incredible and this lasted until I got pregnant again. This time I’ve struggled with the 1st trimester and I expect it to continue - but that doesn’t mean I won’t cope with another child and it certainly doesn’t mean I will always feel like this. I’m sure you won’t too.
Do talk to your midwife they are very supportive.
One thing I’ve learnt from pregnancies is that they aren’t always the really happy periods you hope/ expect them to be. Hang in there better times are coming xx

Thank you for responding! It's nice to know I'm not the only one. Sometimes it's difficult to bring up with family/friends as they'll worry, but I'll definitely speak to my midwife.

Hey, so sorry to hear you're feeling like this!
Definitely have a chat with your midwife and if it's available in your area, maybe self refer for therapy? I had counselling during my first pregnancy to help with the anxiety I was having. During my pregnancy now I've been having CBT therapy to help with the trauma of my past labour but also to deal with my anxiety. It's sooo helpful.

as I feel I'm letting people down or worrying them at a time where it's meant to be joyous.

I find health professionals know that everything isn't always glamorous when it comes to pregnancy. When I would tell friends how I was feeling (they didn't have kids) they didn't understand that it's actually so common to feel down during your pregnancy for many reasons. Made me feel like I was the weird one until I spoke to my midwife and GP lol! I'd definitely recommend speaking to a professional, sometimes it helps just voicing your concerns tbh!

Hi lovely ! Just wondered if your symptoms went after birth. Currently really struggling with intrusive throughs just hoping it’s the pregnancy x