Sever Anxiety during pregnancy (First trimester)

[AKohler]

So I've suffered with anxiety & depression in the past and was on sertraline for approx 2 years., I was starting to lower the dose before I fell pregnant and then stopped them completely when I found out I was pregnant.

I'm 9 weeks now and the past two weeks have been such a struggle for me. My emotions have been so up and down, and some really bad anxiety attacks.
But I don't think it also helps that I feel so unfulfilled in my work, most days I have absolutely nothing to do and my bosses are not very caring if I feel sick or tired so it makes me feel like i'm being weak if I have time off.(They are men) I've been unhappy in my role for a few months now but I just feel like i'm starting to crack and finding it harder to just get on with it. I only ever feel happy and safe when I get home. I sometimes cry going to work and by the end of day i'm so exhausted.
BUT I am so paranoid to get signed off, I hate the thought of people thinking I am bad at my job or im not pulling my weight (although there is never any 'weight' for me to pull) And i've had so many meetings in the past asking for more work but nothing ever comes of it. And now i'm stuck here until I leave on maternity!
I feel like this is just having a spiralling and starting to seep into my personal life. It can make me feel so disconnected from my partner, family and the fact i'm even pregnant.
All I want to do is sleep all the time, just existing is tiring!

Anyone else been through something similar? Any advice?

Hi @AKohler I’m 9 weeks too and I can totally relate to the tiredness and not wanting to do anything but sleep. I’m meant to be out with friends right now but simply didn’t have the energy. So go easy on yourself because you’d probably feel like that even if you loved your job, particularly with your history of anxiety and depression. You’re dealing with pregnancy hormones and coming off your meds, that would throw anyone for a loop. Maybe visit your GP if you’re really struggling?

As for work, maybe try and view it as a means to an end for now. I’m sure maternity leave seems a long way off now but that will give you a break from work and when you return you could have different colleagues or your role could change and maybe things will be better, or you could look for another job at that stage?

The most important thing is to look after and be kind to yourself xx

What input have you had from health care practitioners? Did you cold-turkey the sertraline? If so, I'm not surprised you're feeling rough. Sertraline can be taken during pregnancy. Make an appointment to see your GP pronto to discuss your various options.

I found the first trimester really, really rough @op. I spoke to the doctor and decided to stay on my medication - sertraline is actually one of the safer ones to be on.

I found myself feeling more back to myself around 12-13 weeks, and have loads of support from the local mental health team. I really suggest going to the GP and discussing it with them

I also suffer with anxiety although haven't officially been diagnosed or on medication. Mine seems to come and go and at the start of my pregnancy I found myself having panic attacks every time I left the house and getting very worked up! I must say although not completely gone since about 20 weeks I have seen a huge improvement in how I am feeling! The 1st trimester is tough anyway without the added anxiety on top so take it easy on yourself and speak to friends and family and get support if you feel you need it. Xx

Thank you all for your replies!

It definitely is a mix of pregnancy hormones and coming off my medication, as the last time I recall my moods going up and down like this was when I was first diagnosed with anxiety & depression. Maybe that is why it has hit me so hard, as I have felt well and in control for so long until now.

@SexNotJenga - I didn't go cold turkey thankfully, I was already lowering my dose as per my GP prior to falling pregnancy as I knew in the future we wanted a baby (happened quicker than expected) then I came off them completely with guidance.

I spent the weekend indoors chatting to my husband and mum and I know I have great support and have to remember that on the dark days. And have to not be afraid to ask for help!

It helps to know other women have and are suffering similar things, so I know I'm not alone! What a journey!

Hi,
I am 12 weeks, but since week 9 I have felt like loosing my mind. I have existing depression and PTSD and mange then without meditations. However this time it all became too much and the GP gave me Sertraline. I am taking 25mg. Ofcourse I am worried about the baby, but the alternative is worse for me. I am sure my mental state would affect the baby. I am trying to stay as healthy as I can to kind of compensate for the Sertraline. Good luck to you. I find getting out walking helps and meditation. It's bloody hard to motivate your self. I am little better now, but wonder if I should too come off the meds?