TTC & Depression

[barberellaa]

I've been feeling extremely low for months now and realise I probably have depression, I've had it before years ago.
TTC is draining for me and I don't know how much longer I can put myself through this.
Has anyone gone to the doctors with depression when TTC? I'm worried about going 😞

I'm sorry to hear this. Depression is horrible. I haven't suffered myself but 2 friends have and both have conceived whilst under care for it, one IVF and one naturally after years of struggles to conceive. The best thing you can do is get help. xx

Hi @barberellaa - Really sorry to hear you’re struggling

I went to my GP about 6 weeks ago with depression and like you I’ve had it before in the past but always been able to handle it without additional support by working on my diet/exercise/using s diary etc.
This time though it’s been much worse for about 6 months and I know even though it’s not the main reason TTC is definitely contributing but I was nervous about telling the doctor that. I requested a female GP as thought they might have a better understanding of the impact if that’s something you could do too? She referred me to a talking service and I start a group therapy course in a few weeks. The only negative I would say was that she implied that as soon as I got a positive pregnancy test the depression would be magically cured which i found a bit offensive but on the whole she was supportive.

I’m definitely really pleased I went and like pp said it’s important you take care of yourself. It can be a very emotionally draining time and it’s so easy to put total blame on yourself and your body for “failing” at something lots of other people manage very easily. Definitely speak to your GP if you can and good luck with both TTC and getting back on your feet mentally xxx

Yup. Ttc two years and it was all becoming too much. I went to my gp. She signed me off from my very stressful job (teaching), which I then resigned from. Two weeks later I started taking anti-depressants. Not sure they're helping yet, but I've had some better days. Not quite fully functioning yet (it's been four weeks since I went and had a meltdown).

The female gp listened to my story and had tears in her eyes...

The final straw for me was the realisation that clomid hasn't helped me get pregnant and our consultant says the next step is ivf. I've heard ivf really messes with some people's heads, so I needed to be in a place where all day every day isn't shit. I'm getting there. The gp was really understanding. It's well documented how long term ttc, infertility and depression are linked. I saw the counsellor at my fc and she said it's the only service that offers free counselling because it's so well-known for causing issues.

Hi everyone just read your stories and totally get how you are all feeling. @barbarellaa did you make that appt? I’m thinking I’m the same, was clinically depressed in my teens and can see that black hole coming back again. We’ve been TTC for over 3 yrs now, one MC and just all the stress with Charting & DTD at the right times and symptom spotting is all too much. I was going to make an appt but worried it would put my fertility appts on the back burner. Got an appt with the consultant on Wed and I’m happy things are moving again but scared their going to tell me I need to sort my head out first. I’m 37 and fed up of folk telling me ‘you need to get a move on..’ like I need reminding! If I knew how stressful this would all be I would have never put a contraceptive pill in my mouth all them years ago when I met my DP. 😔 xox

Dnt know if anyone still posts on this thread but ive been feeling the exact same way ttc for 2yrs now, I feel as if life keeps throwing hurdles in my way to happiness. I just want what most ppl take for granted a family and to take some joy from the simple things in life is that so much to ask for?

No it's not too much to ask for. You aren't being selfish or greedy or irrational. It sounds like you're being a bit unkind and possibly blaming yourself though?

I must admit it took going to rock bottom (job, self-confidence and mental health wise) for me to try to stop blaming myself and being irrational. Accepting a shot situation still means you can recognise the emotions but that you don't let them ruin your life all the time.

I know im throwing a pity party for myself at the minute but i just cant help it. Sorry to hear uve been struggling aswell x its just the fear that it might never happen is the worst.