Depression in pregnancy??

[Singsoul91]

Hi,

I'm unsure if I'm depressed or if it's just the hormones? Could do with a second opinion.

I feel quite low most days. Some days I'm just tired other days I can just sit and cry.
On my bad days I feel so miserable. No energy to do anything or go to work but it's not like this every day.

Probably every few days I get quite down.

Anyone had the same experience??

I'm at my midwifes on Friday and will mention it to her

Hi,

talking to your midwife about this is definitely the right step! These feelings are not at all uncommon and they can be anything, from a simple hormonal reaction because you're overwhelmed to a sign of something more serious.

I have a history of depression and even though I've been off meds for many years and consider myself healed, it makes me extra careful now. I had terrible sickness and tiredness that started very early in week 4 and because of that, as of now I've been off work for 8 weeks! Can't even tell you what bad feelings I got from idly laying around in pain for so long, at times I was feeling useless, helpless, I worried about financial consequences of me not being able to work for so long so early... It was extremely overwhelming and hard. Talking to my partner about those feelings very openly was and still is the key. I do know that not all women have such a caring and supportive partner though.

I'm making very small steps towards regaining my normal self now, like trying to work for just an hour a day or cooking a big meal more complicated than anything I managed on the last 2 months, and see how it goes.

Remember you're not alone, there's many of us going through similar times and there are likely some people in your life who will listen and make you feel a bit better.

Stay strong xx

Aw thank you for your reply. Means a lot.
Glad you have found things that work for you and make you feel better.
My partner is caring too but I think he feels a bit helpless.
Do you manage to sleep okay?
I can't sleep properly and never have done since finding out at 6 weeks. I'm 16 now.

@Singsoul91

Same, sleeping is really tough since the beginning. Even though sleeping problems were a part of my worst depressive episode, I don't really think it's a major factor now. It's just pregnancy brain I guess, plus I've always had a very overthinking brain anyway. Pregnancy made it worse.

When I try sleeping, I just end up tossing around for ages. It's like my mind starts racing all of a sudden, like someone's pouring millions of informations into my head and I just can't stop it. I start thinking about things that happened during the day, random events from xy years ago, even lyrics of songs I haven't listened to for years. All that at once. My mind is spinning during the night. Then I finally manage to sleep, wake up in the middle of the night to wee (damn it, bladder!) and it starts all over again 😵

Not sure what to take to sleep during pregnancy. All the pills a doctor can give you are horrible and addictive sedatives and I wouldn't take them again when not pregnant, let alone now. Popular herbal remedies are apparently safe if used with moderation, however valerian root never worked for me at all. And it is powerful stuff indeed, it's just not working on me. A cup of chamomile tea before bedtime may relax some women enough to sleep. Again, far too weak to do anything for me personally. I think I'm just doomed.

I had depression in all 4 of my pregnancies. Had counselling which was ok but it did go once I'd had my babies. It's horrible as you want to enjoy being pregnant and feel happy but you just don't. I don't really have much advice because I just plodded along feeling shit. Counselling took ages to get and I'm not sure talking to a stranger helped me personally. People around you need to be your support. Having good people around you is what should help. Definitely tell your midwife, depression in pregnancy is a thing and it can make you more likely to have post natal depression. Don't keep things to yourself and ask for help when needed.

I went through the same thing, so I decided to create my own guided meditations to help me relax and release negative thoughts. Give it a try if you're feeling up for it: