Pregnant, bipolar and really struggling

[Lauren5071]

Hi everyone. I found out I was pregnant last week and have no way of dating the pregnancy as I have only had one period this year and that was August.

It’s all come as a bit of a shock but I’m super happy about having a baby.

I also have severe Bipolar and have had to come off some of my meds. I can’t sleep, I can’t eat and I can’t stop crying. I’m just hysterical nearly all day.

I feel completely lost, totally alone and utterly terrified. I’m scared I’m relapsing into a Bipolar episode and all I want to do is enjoy my pregnancy.

Just wondering if anyone can relate or had any words of advice. I don’t see the perinatal psychiatrist until mid December.

I'm afraid I don't have any advice but wanted to say I am sorry you are going through such a difficult time. I can't believe you have to wait until December. Do you have a therapist or other MH practitioner you can speak to before then? I assume you have seen a doctor who advised you to stop taking your meds? Did they offer alternatives or counselling or anything?

Do you have a support network - partner, family, friends - around you?

I don't have any specific advice but just to say I have a friend with severe bipolar who is an amazing mum. She did need support from the mental health team but got through a difficult pregnancy really well and she is an amazing parent! I hope you have the support you need from professionals and from loved ones. Xx

Thanks people.

I have a CPN who is great and I see a therapist for OCD and ED who is also great. I came off the meds after speaking to my psychiatrist who liased with perinatal.

My partner is a fantastic support, I couldn’t ask for anyone better. My best friend is also great.

I’m just a mess, I always thought that I’d be super happy when I found out I was pregnant but I just can’t seem to keep a lid on things. I’ve spent so much of the last few years in psych wards and I desperately don’t want to spend my pregnancy or even worse, give birth in one. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy but I thought I’d at least cope. I’m trying to keep a lid on things but have started to feel suicidal and desperate. I don’t know if I can wait until mid December to see a perinatal medic.