Anger, paranoid, anxiety... Do I have perinatal depression?

[Cuppa12345]

I've always been a person that can get angry in certain situations but I've never seen red and can always calm down afterwards easily enough but lately I have been getting so worked up that I can't come down and the smallest of things sets me off. I am also becoming extremely clingy and paranoid with my partner;I'm convinced he is having an affair despite no evidence and him being understanding about me checking his phone, Facebook and emails constantly - it's like I physically can't stop myself. I am compelled. It's so shit. It's not fair on him and its going to drive a wedge between us soon.

I have previously suffered with anxiety and its back at the moment.

I'm struggling in this pregnancy with pregnancy insomnia too and I'm overeating compulsively.

I'm wondering if anyone has experienced perinatal depression and recognises any of this in their symptoms.

I have no get up an go at all, just want to hide in bed all day and my relationship with my husband and 1 year old is suffering as a result.

I have a midwife appt on Thurs and will tell her all.

I'm sorry you're struggling so much atm.

Your midwife will be able to help so it's great that you're going to tell her at your appt. asking for help is the first step to recovery!

With your husband, I'm afraid it's all about self control. You've found no evidence and as you've said, he's being really supportive. Give him a break and give yourself a talking to. It's not fair on him to constantly take away his privacy and it will make bigger issues for you both in the long run.

As for everything else, take it easy and be gentle with yourself. Ask your doctor about counselling and any other help that may be available.

Hope you feel better soon x

Thanks MrsMummy. I exercise control with my husbands phone prob about 4 times out of 5, telling myself there's nothing there and it's all in my head but then that 5th time I snap and go through everything. I tell him straight after because of the guilt and then it obviously doesn't matter whether I've managed to have self control 80% of the time as that 20% is enough obviously. Its such an odd feeling, to feel compelled like that.

Really, the best thing is for you to get a referral to a counsellor. It would help you greatly in life (and your future family) if you could get to the bottom of these feelings. Maybe talk to your GP about that?

I’m suffering horrible panic attacks and felt very vulnerable during my first pregnancy, it makes perfect sense as you are vulnerable and need your man around to provide and protect you. He sounds very understanding and patient . You have a grip on it as you know you are being unfairly paranoid some people suffer paranoia that they actually believe it. Tell midwife everything and keep talking to oh and let him know you appreciate his understanding

This has only come on since pregnancy, although I did have some anxiety before I got married and completed a CBT course which helped enormously. I imagine everyone could benefit from counselling to a certain extent. I'm paranoid I'm going to get psychosis after giving birth and harm myself or my children.

It's so bloody hard and so different to last time.

Cuppa, I'm so sorry to hear you're experiencing all of this. I found that my depression and anxiety went through the roof in pregnancy (I went off my usual medication when I found out I was pregnant). I had regular panic attacks which I had never had before. I had intrusive thoughts too and similar fears about what might happen postpartum. I ended up seeing the consultant who advised going into Sertraline (the 'most safe' antidepressant for pregnancy and breastfeeding) and it has been transformative. Now 38 weeks and have enjoyed the second half of my pregnancy so much.

It sounds quite possible that you could be suffering from perinatal depression or anxiety, and though advice above r.e. counselling is sensible I'd encourage you to ask your midwife about getting advice on medication too. Be very honest with her about everything you're feeling. I've found the HCPs I've interacted with about this to be enormously helpful and sympathetic.

Wishing you all the best!

Thanks taking the leap, very helpful advice. Roll on Thursday

I also was at greater risk of psychosis etc because of risk factors but didn’t get it at all never been happier , but was bit of basket case during both pregnancies, remember you get a lifetime dose of hormones in those 9 months it’s a total head fuck but the love drug you get at birth compensates. I went to gpcried my fears, opened up to friend and family , am getting therapy sorted , REscue remedy is about the only over counter aid you can take but I swear by it and. Liquid iron from boots as I was having heart palpitations but I just had low iron xxxx