Antenatal mental health issues

[PlayOnWurtz]

I have a history of recurrent depressive disorder, anxiety and ocd as well aso severe post natal depression following birth of previous dc. I also have complex physical health issues and recurrent miscarriages.

So I'm 6 weeks pregnant and using progesterone to help keep things in place however my mood has fallen through the floor, my anxiety is through the roof and I've lost all motivation to do anything or engage with anyone.

I want to be happy. I want to enjoy my pregnancy I want to stop being depressed. If I approach the dr what realistically can they do to help? My midwife won't speak to me until I'm 8 weeks and was dismissive of my worries when I spoke to her.

Please help

Hi,

I've not been pregnant so can't speak from experience, but I believe the GP could refer you to a perinatal mental health team. With your history they may want to look at antidepressants too, there are some they do use in pregnancy if they think its needed. Definately ask for help sooner rather than later, especially as there may be a waiting list for the perinatal MH team.

Thank you. I've booked into the gp today. My husband can't see what the fuss is about but I want to get it nipped in the bud before I end up in a full on melt down. I feel crap

wurtz I have a history of depression and ocd. I've never used antidepressants, only cot and counselling.

I had pretty nasty antenatal Depression, and my community midwife was an absolute godsend. She wasn't a MH specialist but really helped me through a tough couple of months in the second trimester. I'd suggest at your booking in appointment, you ask for some MH support- and an appointment with a mental health specialist midwife if your own isn't able to help. In the meantime, see your gp- and please please please keep in mind that you're tackling hormones, MH issues, and the emotional sledgehammer of pregnancy- you are ALLOWED to feel crap. It says NOTHING about you as a mother to be.

I lived my pregnancy terrified of PND or worse-PPP. I was high risk for PND but convinced myself I'd end up psychotic.

I actually only had a single weepy day when my milk came in- and didn't get the baby blues, let alone PND. I did have a wobbly Few OCD days at about 6 weeks PP, but get those now and then regardless of baby or no.

I'm currently lying in front of the fire next to my snoozing DS who is 5months old. In 5 months I've had 2 trips to a&e with DS (random fevers), had his tongue tie separated, had 2 biopsies for possible cancer myself, and dealt with a very postnatally .... Bewildered.... DP. And I've held it together the whole time, even with my history of MH. I've never been happier or more stable.

You might surprise yourself, Wurtz. By all means, see your gp, and see if you can get some talk therapy separate of the midwifery service in the meantime- or ADs if you think you need them- but don't make the mistake I did, and waste your pregnancy worrying about a postnatal nightmare that never happened. Good for you for being proactive so early on- and congrats on your pregnancy !!!!

Thank you not I feel like I've just been pushed off my due in board for voicing my worries and not being positive enough. Which is partly why I'm so scared of this pregnancy and beyond. Other mums can be so so nasty to each other and groups can be so intimidating. I'm already scared of spending a year on maternity leave and having to break into it all again and then the school gate beyond. Totally irrational.

play I always think its best to prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Its better to have more support available than you need than the other way around. I don't see anything negative about asking for support early on.

I had awful anti natal depression and anxiety with both pregnancies (history of OCD), I was under psychiatrist care from 20 weeks with my first, and from 5 weeks with the second. They were brilliantly supportive.

Please do see your GP and ask for a referral. I was really impressed with the care I received.

I hope you start to feel better soon.