TTC with Bipolar/depression

[BeccieT]

Hi
Is anyone esle on ehre TTC with bipolar or depression or any other mental health problem? Me and hubby have just decided to TTC our third child and i have ongoing depression becuase of bip[olar which is under control by meds. i am worried that people are going to judge me becuase of this. It has never affected my parenting and i have had two berautiful children without being on emds so think it might be slightly easier this time now i am on meds.

Beccie
xx

Hi, I've only ever lurked before, but really wanted to answer you - I was diagnosed with schizophrenia in my late teens and spent many years in and out of hospital and have been on meds for all that time. I have two little girls and am currently TTC #3 with the full support of my mental health team - like you my illness has never directly affected my parenting. BUT...(big but coming)...the pregnancies/births did make me quite ill which i think is quite common if you have an enduring MH problem. I had one pregnancy on meds and one off and I ended up in a mother and baby unit after both which obviously was horrible but it passed and I got better. I worry a fair bit about whether elements of my illness affect the girls now or whether they will when they're older. I do worry about people judging me, and I don't share the ins and outs of my illness with many people apart from my husband, but when I have a wobble about it I try to look at my achievements - I'm working, I have 2 gorgeous daughters, a happy marriage and I keep pretty well most of the time. There are lots of people who don't manage that well who don't have a serious MH problem. So, I try not to beat myself up and neither should you! :o Good luck.

Oh, I should say, if you haven't already, see if you can talk to a perinatal psychiatrist - really important to get good care and to have all the info about your meds and the pregnancy. Sorry...long post!

Hi, I was diagnosed with ocd at 19 and have one son who is 22 months old. My husband and I are also considering ttc next year and i'm going to start weaning myself of my meds(under the guidance of my gp and psychiatrist).

I have always had positive comments from people that i manage my illness and look after my son full time. You can provide a loving and caring environment just as much as anyone without mental health issues. Good luck in ttc x

Hi - if you are able to conceive naturally that that is totally your choice and what you as a family would like, so other people's attitudes should not matter.

I have mental health issues, need fertility treatment due to male factors and have been refused fertility treatment. This is despite me working full time with young people, never having time off etc... go for what you want!!!!

hello Beccie and welcome. :) I received a severe diagnosis about 7 years ago and had my son this summer. I was lucky enough not to need meds during my pregnancy and I think to everyone's surprise have not (so far!) come down with PND. I think as long as your team (like nickle and freddie's) support you and can help with your meds then it really is NOBODY's business but yours and their's. People will judge you in life for all sorts of silly shit - but none of it really matters at all when you close the doors at night and it's just your family. :)