signs of antenatal depression

[weeonion]

Hi folks - I wasnt sure where to post this and hopefully in right section.

I am pg with Dc2 after a long gap of nearly 7 yrs. This was a planned pg but thought it woudl take alot longer to conceive due to age (42).

Anyhow - with DD1 - i had quite bad ante and post natal depression.

even though it is early days - i can already recognise my thought patterns going down same paths as before and i am scared. i dont want this to happen to me and my family again.

I tried to bring it up with my GP last week when pg confirmed etc. I tried to tell her that i know these thoughts and was worried. She really didnt listen - just said that it was no more likely this time than 1st.

she told me to discuss it with midwives at booking scan in 5/ 6 weeks time.
By that stage last pg - my thoughts were at and in some very dark places that it was hard to come back from and relax at all during pg.

any advice as to whom i could / should speak to?

sillylass. thanks for reply.

I agree i dont want to make it a self fulfilling prophecy but i do recognise what is happening. the same patterns are starting and i cant stop them. i dont think it is a case of thinking everything is a Sign It Is Coming Back... - it is only the same dark thoughts that are making me think that.

I dont want meds - I managed to avoid them the last time.

Mindfulness course seems good but due to lack of money and work committments, I cant make any that are running in my area.

Have spoken with dp today who wants to talk to my psychiatrist from last pg. Dp was already worried.

If you see a psychiatrist regularly then just ask for your appointment to be brought forward.

If you do not see them currently you can ask your gp for a referral, however most people are not seen by a psychiatrist for initial diagnosis and as they deal with diagnosis and medication usually then maybe your gp can refer you to a specialist mental health midwife instead? And a referral can take 4 weeks minimum even when pregnant. If you know what treatment you want from the psychiatrist can you get the gp to provide it so it is quicker?