Antenatal Depression and Me

[JessicaMG]

Hi everyone,

I recently posted this as a thanks to all the ladies on the Antenatal/Postnatal Depression thread as they were such a great source of support for me during that time, however I wanted to branch into pregnancy as when I was first suffering from Antenatal Depression, I had firstly never heard of it and secondly would never have thought that other people go through the same thing. Sounds silly looking back and knowing support was so close, but as a first time mum, I had basic knowledge about literally anything to do with babies or pregnancy!
I made a video which I happily can now speak candidly about my experience with Antenatal Depression, and I want to thank every woman who has been a source of comfort for me by speaking about this topic and ensure to others that they always can when they feel ready, if they need to.
Thank you so much Mumsnet users, you have been a huge support without even knowing.

Lots of love to all.

Great video, I feel like PND gets lots of coverage (and rightly so) but antenatal depression is much less known about. I suffered in my pregnancy around 20 weeks and didn't even know it existed until my midwife mentioned it.

Thank you so much, that’s so great to hear.
I completely agree and am sorry you had to go through it - amazing that your midwife also jumped on to it as well. Wishing you all the best xxx

Haven't posted on Mumsnet yet (hi!) but I just wanted to say thank you for posting.

I'm 16 weeks pregnant now with my first baby, and suffered an acute, terrifying and very dark period of depression when I was about 8 weeks. I'm had problems with anxiety before, but never anything like this - it knocked me sideways. Fortunately, I was incredibly well supported by my partner and my Mum, I saw my GP immediately and since being booked in with the midwives, I have been referred to my local perinatal mental health team. It weirdly only lasted for about 2 weeks (convinced it was mostly hormonal) and I happily feel a million times better now (and like you said, it's actually quite hard to remember what it was like to be in the midst of it). I'm over the moon excited about our baby, but I still have my wobbly days.

I had no idea about antenatal depression until I took it upon myself to find out what was happening to me. If I ever feel brave enough, as you have been, I'd like to highlight my experience in the hopes that other women will find the help and support they deserve as quickly as possible. (I'm also keen to do some myth-busting on the idea that pregnancy, especially first pregnancies, are supposed to be non-stop joy and elation. Every mother I've spoken to about my experience, especially the moments I have now of "What the hell am I doing?" suggest that this is very far from the typical experience! But that's another post...)

Anyway, just wanted to say thanks really. It's a huge comfort to hear about other people's experience. Huge congratulations and all the best to you and your little boy.

you’ve done the bravest thing possible by going through it, I feel so happy for you that you have come out the other side and are so well supported.
thank you so much for taking the time to watch, I’m so happy that you found some comfort in it and I am absolutely behind you on the myth-busting! So much luck for the rest of your pregnancy xxx